ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown have created a mammoth economic cost to the economies around the globe. The policy response to the crisis must be fast, secure, and sustainable. It has also created astonishing solidarity among the people with every element of society irrespective of race, caste, creed, or religion working together to save humanity. To overcome the financial and economic disruption caused by the pandemic, it needs immediate attention from the economists and policymakers. Islamic finance has many financial instruments for helping the poor by alleviating poverty, distributing income fairly, and improving social welfare, they comprise, Zakat, Sadaqat, Awqaf, etc. Zakat is the compulsory contribution from the Muslims to the poor and needy every year. Zakat is the compulsory donation from the rich and able Muslims which must be given to the poor and needy within a year. This immediate benefit of Zakat is well suited to tackle an economic crisis such as the one caused by COVID-19. Islamic finance in combination with the Fintech-based technologies like AI, Blockchain, machine learning, and natural language processing can work wonders in achieving Islamic finance objectives. The present study proposes an AI-based Islamic Fintech model to helping the needy and poor affected due to COVID-19. The model uses AI and NLP-based Fintech model for collection and dissemination of Zakat money to needy, poor, COVID-affected, and vulnerable sections of the society. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.
ABSTRACT
Purpose - While the world is yet to fully recuperate from the social and economic repercussions of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict poses another major threat causing a humanitarian crisis and economic shock. Although the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its pledge to "leave no one behind" is a universal commitment to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, the Russia-Ukraine ongoing conflict is causing immense suffering and a gloomy future for the 2030 Agenda. The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic understanding of the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war in SDGs progress around the world. Further, the authors shed light on how stakeholders can help engage in support of SDGs in such a challenging time. Design/methodology/approach - This study is qualitative in nature and relies on secondary sources. The motive behind this study is to allow social and economic policy researchers and practitioners to learn from the Russia-Ukraine dispute. The authors conduct a preliminary factual analysis to determine patterns of how the conflict affects the SDGs Agenda. On this basis, the authors propose some recommendations. Findings - While it is still early to measure the full impact of the war on crises worldwide, it is clear that the repercussions will be multi-dimensional. The authors argue that the conflict in Ukraine is severely threatening the achievement of the SDGs. As such, the authors identify patterns of this crisis that have halted progress on SDGs worldwide. Of all SDGs, the authors argue that SDG16 (i.e. peace and justice) is an absolute pre-requisite to sustaining other goals. Further, refugees should be economically empowered, resilient and sustainable food systems need to be put in place and renewable energy transition is required. Research limitations/implications - This study serves as a springboard for future research by identifying patterns of war crises that have halted progress in achieving sustainable development worldwide. Empirical evidence needs to be conducted on the impact of this ongoing conflict on sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda. Practical implications - This study could provide guidance to leaders and stakeholders across the globe on patterns for the impact of the Ukraine Russia conflict on undermining global sustainable development while highlighting the need for major additional efforts to achieve the relevant SDGs. Originality/value - To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the threats the Russia-Ukraine dispute presents to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Despite the significant growth in Islamic economies and the increasing number of Muslim youths inclining digital services, empirical-based research addressing the adoption of digital Islamic services is still limited. ZakaTech is a new phrase that has recently emerged as a modern term describing novel technologies adopted by zakat institutions;yet, it has been largely neglected in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to provide an integrated model that scrutinizes the determinants of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) of ZakaTech, combined with social cognitive theory (SCT), in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis where social distancing is the norm in conducting economic activities. Design/methodology/approach: Based on cross-national evidence from two Muslim-majority countries, a total of 1,006 valid responses were collected from zakat payer users in Saudi Arabia and Egypt using a Web-based survey. To validate the research model and draw significant insights, SmartPLS structural equation modeling was used. Findings: By analyzing both Saudi and Egyptian samples, the authors found that all UTAUT constructs are statistically significant, except for effort expectancy in Egypt. The effects of self-efficacy and social isolation on ZakaTech adoption are supported across both countries. Trust in technology reduces users' inherent risks and increases their likelihood of adopting ZakaTech services in Saudi Arabia, while this is not the case in Egypt. However, the study revealed that trust in electronic-zakat systems (EZSs) is a vital predictor for mitigating perceived risk among Egyptian users of ZakaTech, but it is not the case in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, significant gender differences were found between males and females in the adoption of such digital services in both countries, particularly regarding self-efficacy, trust in EZSs, social isolation and social influence. Practical implications: The results provide meaningful insights for policymakers to find ways to develop strategies to escalate the adoption of technology in zakat administration and also to create awareness among the users of ZakaTech in a gender-balanced manner that will include zakat payers and recipients as well in the hope that the digital gender divide will be bridged. Bridging the digital gender divide in this regard is imperative for sustainable inclusive development of zakat. Further, strategies need to be developed to provide incentives to zakat authorities and zakat organizations that adopt technology in managing zakat. This is important to escalate the process of fusing technology with zakat, which is an important social finance tool to eradicate poverty in the world. Originality/value: This research serves as a building block for literature by empirically testing an integrated model of UTAUT-SCT within a modern and unique related context like ZakaTech. Also, it adds value by testing gender disparities in ZakaTech adoption among Muslims. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
Although the sukuk market has maintained remarkable growth momentum over the recent years, the optimism has been significantly moderated by the abrupt shock due to the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic. However, sukuk can be used as an effective financing option by governments to overcome a fiscal deficit and to support those adversely affected by the pandemic. Sukuk Prihatin (SP), the first-ever digital sukuk issued by the Government of Malaysia, has launched to engage citizens to contribute to the country's recovery efforts in the wake of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to probe the motivation that influences retail investors' inclination to invest in such innovative sukuk. Based on an integrated model of planned behavior (TPB) and social cognitive theories (SCT) and data gathered from 279 retail investors, this research found that attitude towards SP investment (SPI), social norms, perceived control regarding SPI, sukuk features and digitization are significant determinants of investors' willingness to invest in SP. It also revealed that tax incentives-moderated interactions of social norms, perceived control and sukuk features on SPI intention are significant. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: While the world is yet to fully recuperate from the social and economic repercussions of COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine conflict poses another major threat causing a humanitarian crisis and economic shock. Although the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its pledge to “leave no one behind” is a universal commitment to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, the Russia–Ukraine ongoing conflict is causing immense suffering and a gloomy future for the 2030 Agenda. The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic understanding of the ramifications of the Russia–Ukraine war in SDGs progress around the world. Further, the authors shed light on how stakeholders can help engage in support of SDGs in such a challenging time. Design/methodology/approach: This study is qualitative in nature and relies on secondary sources. The motive behind this study is to allow social and economic policy researchers and practitioners to learn from the Russia–Ukraine dispute. The authors conduct a preliminary factual analysis to determine patterns of how the conflict affects the SDGs Agenda. On this basis, the authors propose some recommendations. Findings: While it is still early to measure the full impact of the war on crises worldwide, it is clear that the repercussions will be multi-dimensional. The authors argue that the conflict in Ukraine is severely threatening the achievement of the SDGs. As such, the authors identify patterns of this crisis that have halted progress on SDGs worldwide. Of all SDGs, the authors argue that SDG16 (i.e. peace and justice) is an absolute pre-requisite to sustaining other goals. Further, refugees should be economically empowered, resilient and sustainable food systems need to be put in place and renewable energy transition is required. Research limitations/implications: This study serves as a springboard for future research by identifying patterns of war crises that have halted progress in achieving sustainable development worldwide. Empirical evidence needs to be conducted on the impact of this ongoing conflict on sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda. Practical implications: This study could provide guidance to leaders and stakeholders across the globe on patterns for the impact of the Ukraine–Russia conflict on undermining global sustainable development while highlighting the need for major additional efforts to achieve the relevant SDGs. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the threats the Russia–Ukraine dispute presents to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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Purpose: This study aims to investigate the reaction (in terms of returns and volatility) of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country-wise stock markets (both conventional and Islamic) in response to the surge of COVID-19 cases, with special reference to the announcement of financial stimulus packages in each country and the recent global oil price plunge. Further, the study also examines the impact of COVID-19 cases on the stock market returns of each GCC country and the continuous dynamics of correlation between COVID-19 cases and GCC stock markets. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses an exponential generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity model and continuous wavelet coherence to estimate the stock market volatility and co-movement between COVID-19 cases and stock returns. Findings: Empirical findings indicate an adverse reaction (negative returns and high volatility) during the period examined, with the stimulus package resulting in a positive transformation of returns in each country-level stock market as well as the regional stock index. Further, no evidence of an adverse effect of the oil price plunge is identified. All findings are identical between both conventional and Islamic stock indices. Originality/value: While ample research has been conducted on the impact and dynamics of the pandemic on stock markets, little has addressed the areas of financial stimulus packages and the oil price plunge. The findings of this study show that further research needs to be conducted to elucidate the ways in which effective financial stimulus packages can be formulated in the GCC region to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 for economies without causing major financial deficits, as well as to find strategies to diversify economies away from the oil curse. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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Purpose To analyse Sukuk Prihatin (SP), the first-ever retail digital sukuk issued by the Government of Malaysia in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the national economic recovery plan. The issuance of SP was oversubscribed, even upsized, resulting in the government announcing its intention to issue similar types of sukuk in the future. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to understand the motivation for retail investors to invest in SP. Design/methodology/approach The purposive sampling method was applied via a self-administered survey, while the cross-sectional data were empirically tested using the SmartPLS 3.2.9 structural equation modelling. An integrated model of the theory of planned behaviour and social cognitive theories was used in determining investors' intention to invest in SP. Findings The findings of this research revealed that attitude (ATT) towards SP investment (SPI), social norms (SN), perceived control (PBC) regarding SPI, sukuk features (SF), tax incentives (TI) and the spirit of unity and brotherhood (SUB) were significant determinants of investors' willingness to invest in SP. This research also provided evidence for significant national pride-moderated interactions of ATT, SN, PBC, SF, TI and digitisation on investment intention. Practical implications The outcome of this study could assist governments and policymakers to structure sukuk and other debt-based capital market products to attract retail investors who would be willing to invest in the development of the nation in the midst of a crisis. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind to investigate various relevant predictors, which have been derived from behavioural, contextual and motivational perspectives. These predictors could influence investors' perceptions of an innovative sukuk like SP, which was issued in the midst of a pandemic. The value of this study is its possible use by governments and policymakers to further develop debt-based capital market products that have the dual function of an investment vehicle and a source of funds for the economic recovery of a nation.
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Purpose: There is a misconception that Hajj and Umarah is just a worship matter and the consequences of suspending these religious gathering due to the pandemic is only limited to delay of going Saudi Arabia to perform it. However, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the impact of the pandemic in Hajj and Umrah by exploring its impact on different stakeholders affecting its disruption due to the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This is a library-based study that uses qualitative method to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Hajj and Umrah. Thus, provisions of Quran and hadith on Hajj and Umrah were examined as primary data for the research to establish the importance of the rituals in Islam. Guidelines set by Hajj regulators and instruments enabling them in that behalf were examined likewise. In addition, content analyses were made of relevant secondary data from published sources including articles, books, newspapers and web resources that embody scholarly, scientific and religious views on the issue being studied. Findings: It is realised that in the first year of the pandemic, while Umrah is entirely suspended, Hajj was scaled back and performed by 10,000 people altogether, a tiny segment of the over two and half million that partook in the ritual previously. Hajj and Umrah have been greatly inhibited and jeopardised by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in religious, social, economic, psychological effects on the eligible but affected Muslims and Muslims countries. Along these lines, recommendations were accordingly proffered on the way forward to better Hajj and Umrah management. Originality/value: It is anticipated that the findings of the research would assist policy makers to comprehend the impact of the pandemic on Hajj and Umrah to ensure that the policies they make in this regard would adequately cover every aspect affecting the stakeholders which is deliberated in this research. It is also expected that the recommendations provided in this paper will assist stakeholders of Hajj and Umrah to grasp the importance of taking precautions for any crisis similar to COVID-19 when it happens. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic social finance by studying its impact on different components of Islamic social finance. It examines financial capacity as well as risk exposure among different income groups. The book illustrates how the COVID-19 pandemic can bring Islamic societies much learning in terms of crisis management and revitalization of their faith-based and Islamic assets. It discusses the effects of COVID-19 on the economy, society, and environment based on secondary data. The book also illustrates the importance of being innovative via Islamic FinTech for the sustainable development of Islamic finance. It argues that zakat could be used to fight against COVID-19 where the life of those with low income can be uplifted, and an artificial intelligence-based model is proposed for this purpose. © 2021 selection and editorial matter, M. Kabir Hassan, Aishath Muneeza, and Adel M. Sarea.
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It is said that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned back the poverty clock. As such, there is a need to have social mechanisms put in place to provide relief to those who are affected in this regard. Islamic social finance consists of tools and institutions that could be used to alleviate poverty. This book explores the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic finance to better understand the effectiveness of Islamic social finance in helping those who have been affected by poverty overnight due to the halt in all major economic activities in the context of the pandemic. Since the struggle against poverty in each country will be different, the book attempts to shed light on the experiences of different countries by presenting successful models of Islamic social finance. The book first looks at poverty and COVID-19 before delving into the role of Islamic social financial institutions and how they have risen against COVID-19. The book concludes by examining the impact of COVID-19 on Islamic microfinance. This book is the first of its kind on the subject of COVID-19, and it intends to bridge the gap in the literature. © 2021 selection and editorial matter, M. Kabir Hassan, Aishath Muneeza, and Adel M. Sarea.