Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Wealth Management as a Micro-investment Strategy

Wealth plays an important role in human life. It is the subject matter of trade and other business transactions such as sales. Wealth can be in many forms. It can be in the form of money to some people and to other it can be in the form of property like houses, cars and lands. In order for men to obtain this wealth he has to work hard because it does not come like that, even though some times it can be inherited.
 
In Islam wealth is known as “mal”. In Islam something can be recognized as mal or wealth only when it satisfies the following conditions that are only when you possessed, secured it or stored it. For example, the birds in the sky, the minerals underground and the fish in the river are not recognized as wealth in the Islamic perspective. Only when you have possessed, secured and stored these things can they be recognized as wealth. It is different from the conventional point if view which wealth is recognized even if it has not been possessed secured and stored.
 
In conventional perspective wealth is totally owned by man. Man can use the wealth in any way he feels like using it. They utilize their wealth only for this world purposes without concerning about the Hereafter. This way of thinking is totally contrast with what Islam thought. It is stated in the Holy Quran that wealth in all its forms is a thing created by Almighty Allah as a trust for man. Thus, man only have right to uses the wealth only according to the shariah. Allah s.w.t said in the Holy Qur'an: 
 
Give to them from the property of Allah which he has bestowed upon you” (24:33)
 
At this point we can bring in the management. Wealth management is an important aspect in Islam. Since we are not the absolute owners of the wealth in this world, we have the duty or responsibility to manage it in the best way we can. Absolute ownership is to the Almighty Allah. We have only been entrusted upon this wealth. As I said above, our responsibility is to manage it accordance to shariah. By managing wealth according to the shariah, we also can seek our reward in hereafter, for example paying zakat.
 
Management of wealth is quite complicated because you have to look at someone intentions, how the wealth is earned, how it’s grown, how it’s spent and the right of the poor and needy. As we know, in Islam money is not an end in itself, it is a means to higher values. These means that if it is earned, invested and spend in the right way, it brings rewards or ‘barakah’ to not only the individual but also his family and the ummah as a whole.
 
With that thinking in mind, we now can safely say that in Islam, any human undertaking of which wealth management is one is guided by certain beliefs. These beliefs are described as philosophic foundations in an Islamic society. According to Kurshid Ahmad, they include the following:
1.     Tawhid – belief in the oneness of Allah
2.     Rubbubiyah – divine guidelines for striving towards all is good
3.     Khalifah – the role of man as the vicegerent of God
4.     Tazkiyah – achieving purity and growth
5.     Accountability – the belief that man will be answerable for his actions in this world on the Judgments Day.
 
From the above beliefs, an economics agent in Islam learns that the existence in this world is not from without, and thus, he has to conduct himself and administer his wealth in line with divine arrangement. Being God’s vicegerent on earth is an opportunity to function normally – and direct his activities for the betterment of his life and of those around him.
 
Wealth management in Islam can be looked from different perspectives. These include the zakat management, inheritance, wills and testaments, estate planning, managing cash and saving, managing of tax and state duty, and different business transactions. In this paper we will discuss some of the above scope of Islamic wealth management.
 
 
CENTRAL IDEA
 
This project is centered upon gaining an understanding of how wealth is managed from an Islamic frame, work together with the worldview of Islam. While the former looks at the human behavior actions undertaken in dealing with the problem choose, the latter looks at the different stages of human existence in Islamic in addition to the concept of God, religion and prophet hood.  
 
The consideration of the worldview in Islamic in our discussion helped outline a clear distinction between managing wealth from Islamic perspective and a conventional perspective. Take a capabilities notion for instance, ownership of resources is absolute, and can be utilized in any manner deemed right in one’s own good and best interest in this world. This is not so in Islamic perspective where ownership is regarded as a trust from God, and thus, can be used with the intention of obtaining the pleasure of God. Knowing that the concept of ownership is limited in Islam, human behavior thus directed at seeking prosperity in this world and in the Hereafter. This entails the maximum utilization of natural resources and human capabilities leading to higher productivity, which in turn brings about success, happiness and growth to the individual and the society at large.
 
The project paper is designed to discuss shariah rulings and the framework that governs wealth management in Islam. Among other issues, these rulings touch on the utilization and administration in different circumstances pertaining to the question of ‘how to utilize the wealth?’ and ‘who is capable of administrating the wealth?’ These shariah rulings act as a benchmark against which efforts at managing wealth are measured, and thus, ascertain that those involved in managing wealth do so in line with the Quran and Sunnah.
 
In order to have a clear picture of the topic, we have included practical assertion applicable in different situations of wealth management in Islam. Following thus is a plan to provide room for further improvement through research on the practicalities of managing wealth, and recommendations. We hope that this paper is beneficial to all of us and that it is an avenue towards a better tomorrow where wealth management is concerned.
 
 SHARI'AH RULINGS
 
Shari'ah rulings provide a basic upon which guidelines and instructions of a course of action or undertaking are formulated and implemented. Despite cleat rulings on the use and management of wealth, the Quran is not devoid of hypotheses in general about wealth and its consequences, how man views wealth, and words of wisdoms for man with regards to wealth. The following are some of the example: 
 
“Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: woman and sons; heaped – up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well – tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; bit in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to)”   (3:14)
 “And violent is he in his love of wealth” (100:8)
 
The above verses indicate man’s desire for wealth in different forms – gold and silver, horses, cattle and lands, which vary, includes all kinds of machines in our contemporary world.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         “If I had knowledge of the unseen, I should have multiplied all goods, and no evil should have touch me” (7:188)
  
“Nor does anyone know what it is that he will earn on the morrow.”  (31:34)
 
These two verses indicate among other things, the uncertainty in the future pertaining to out present doings. ‘No man knows what the morrow may bring forth’. This is another distinction between the conventional and Islamic point of view in the sense that the former answer ‘perfect foresight’ in some theories.
If Allah were to enlarge the provisions for His Servants, they would transgress beyond all bounds through the earth. But He sends (it) down in due measures as the please. For He is with His servants well – acquainted, watchful”        (42:27)
 
  “Nay, but man does transgress all bounds, in the looks upon himself as self – sufficient” (96: 6 – 7)
 
In the above verse God indicates the consequences of increased wealth on man. This verses as a warning to those with bestowed with wealth looking beyond the riches of the world.
 
 While God has subjected all that is in the earth for the use of man as His vicegerent on earth, He has bestowed His favors more freely on some, than on others. In these are tests from God. In the Quran man is advised to seek his sustenance and remember God so that he attains success in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah s.w.t says:
 
“And when the prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek the bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praise of God often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.”  (62:10)
 
One of the ways by which wealth is managed in Islam is trade. This helps transfer of goods and services from one to another to satisfy different wants. In addition, it helps minimize, if not eliminate the possibility of excessive wealth remaining in the hands of selected few. In the regards, the Quran says:
 “In order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between wealthy among you” (59:7)
 
 Moderation in expenditures is commended in Islam, and excesses, waste and extravagances denounced. The Quran equates such doings to the works of the devil, as in the following:
  
“Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones and the Evil Ones to his Lord (Himself) ungrateful”    (17:27)
  
“… eat and drinks: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters” (7:31)
  
 Aside prohibiting extravagance and spendthrift ness, Islam too has no place for meanness and stinginess. If recommends striking a balance, and to this effect, the Quran says:
 
“Make not thy hand tied (like a niggard’s) to they neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that thou become blameworthy and distillate”   (17:29)
 
  “Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extreme)”        (25:67)
 “For Allah loves not arrogant, the vainglorious; - (nor) those who are niggardly, or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them….”      (4: 36 – 37)
 
Another example by which wealth is managed in Islam is through zakat and sadaqat, commonly referred to as almsgiving. The donor may give the latter directly to the recipient or through the state government collectively. The former is usually administered through the treasury, knows as Baitul Mal. Here is what the Quran says in this regard:
 
“So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is the best for those who seek the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will prosper”            (30:38) 
 
“And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy), him who asked, and him who (some reasons) was prevented (from asking)”          (51:19)
  
In order to wind up the discussions in shariah rulings – though we primarily looked at the Quran injunctions here, we will consider both the Quran and the Sunnah as we talk about practical scenarios of individual cases of wealth management – let us look at the following verse of Quran:
 
“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: fro Allah loves not those who mischief” (28:77)
 
 
In the above verse are many implications concerning wealth and its management in Islam. These can be outlined as in the following sense:
 
  1. Wealth is entrusted upon man by Allah
  2. The management of this wealth should be directed at seeking the pleasure of God in other world (Hereafter).
  3. Being a trust from God, wealth need be used and exploited in accordance to God’s commandments.
  4. Being the owner of wealth, God has the right command on man to use wealth for the good of other as He has done well on him, and prohibit man using wealth in a manner that is likely to cause harm on earth.
 
From these implications of the verse, we see a distinction between the Islamic point of view and the socialist and capitalist point of view. While capitalism propagates ‘an absolute and unconditional right to private property and socialism totally denies the right to private property’, Islam poses a balance by allowing the right to private property but from that angle of it being a trust.
 
 PRACTICAL SCENARIOS AND APPLICATIONS
 
ZAKAT PLANNING
 
Another important issue that can be brought about in the management of wealth in Islam is the paying of Zakat. Every Muslim who has the ability to pay the Zakat is obliged to do so. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. So now, you can see the great importance of paying the Zakat. Mostly in Islam Zakat is paid by the wealthy Muslims. Allah made the paying of Zakat compulsory for a reason. This was in order to help the poor and the needy Muslims or the Muslims who are completely unable to support themselves. I say paying the Zakat is a form of wealth management because the wealthy Muslims will be able to deliver some of there wealth to other needy Muslims. Therefore, in doing so the wealthier will not become more and more wealthy, but moderate. This is why God (Allah) made some people in this world rich and some poor. Wealth can be a very dangerous element because once a human being becomes possessed with this wealth. He will forget about his religion and God altogether. In order to get rid of this, Allah made compulsory for every Muslim to pay the Zakat.
 
However if you look at the conventional or the capitalist advocates, you will discover that most people have became inclined to their wealth that they do not have or follow any religion. In short they have become pagans. They also do not believe in the hereafter. This is so, because there is no form of wealth management such as paying the Zakat to the needy people around the world. This is why, the capitalist always concentrate on material satisfaction and not spiritual. They only seek material satisfaction and think of maximizing there wealth through all the means available, weather the right or wrong way. They also have this misconception of saying that their scarce resources and unlimited needs in the world. It is like saying that God did not know what he was doing. Because God created this world and made sure that people would be satisfied with whatever there is available.” The imposition of Zakat is to purify oneself as well as one’s own property.”“Islam believes if a wealthy person is accustomed to paying Zakat, his infatuation for wealth will be softened and it will be a source of advantage to him and the society in the end.”
 
“Alms are for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); for those in bandage and indebt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah and Allah in full of knowledge and wisdom”. (9: 60)
 
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, “Zakat is not permissible for someone who is not in need except in five cases; someone fighting in the way of Allah, someone who collects Zakat, someone who has suffered (financial) loss (at the hands of debtors), someone who buys it with his own money, and someone who has a poor neighbor who receives some Zakat and gives some as a present to the one who is not in need.”
 
Zakat is obligatory on all Muslims capable of paying it. Capability is referred to as nisab, a taxable minimum. It is used for specific purpose and paid to specific groups of people or individuals. The Quran lists eight (8) recipients as in the above verse. The role that Zakat plays in the distribution of wealth and income is, without doubt, very important. It reduces the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and induces saving and consumption behaviors in addition to the fact that it helps mobilize income for redistribution.
 
Islam discourages funds to remain idle, simply because there is no interest, as compared to the conventional system which makes up for earned income with no effort involved. If we look at the saving decision, we notice that idle savings in Islam are penalized because a Muslim is expected to pay Zakat. At the end of the day he remains worse off because for every RM100 that he saves, he loses RM2.50 (2.5% Zakat ratio). Hence, his rational option would be to incorporate investment expectations into his savings decisions. Assuming he sees no light in the direction of investment expectations, he might cut savings and increase consumption in the process, which does not go along with the poor investment expectations. Thus, inclusion of these expectations in the savings decision paves way for a balanced system. Zakat allows a minimum living standard for all residents in an Islamic society, unlike in the capitalist system where the savings of the haves double and multiply through interest, and the have-nots have no social insurance because there is no Zakat.
 
In a capitalist system an individual might give out part of his wealth if and only when he denies to do so with out clear guidelines as to what, how, and how much he should give, because there is a possession kind of ownership. In an Islamic framework, Zakat illustrates a utilization kind of ownership and not that of a possession kind. The former kind of ownership accrues when wealth is utilized for its purpose and benefits derived from that wealth, else, the right of ownership is withdrawn, more especially in the case of land ownership.
 
 Islam on the other hand, has clear guidelines as to what should be given out as Zakat, who should give out Zakat and how much he should give out (see Zakat at a glance). Zakat is obligatory on every eligible Muslim male or female, and is given for the pleasure of god and to earn his grace. On the things liable for Zakat, the prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said,
 
            “There is no Zakat on less than five Awsaq of dates, there is no Zakat on less than five awsaq’ of silver and there is no Zakat on less than five camels.”
 
 
And in another Hadith, the prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said,
 
            “On’ land that is watered by rain or springs or any natural means there is (Zakat to pay of) a tenth. On irrigated land, there is (Zakat of) a twentieth (to pay).”

           
ZAKAT IN CASE TWO PERIODS ARE ASSESSED TOGETHER
Assuming one capable of paying Zakat does not pay in one period until the next period when the calculation of Zakat will involve two periods, it is a procedure that the assessment of Zakat is based on what the person is currently capable of paying regardless of his previous condition of wealth. If, for example, after the assessment of Zakat on his wealth he is unable to pay in the event his wealth is reduced below nisab (the minimum requirement), he is not liable to pay Zakat for the period that has passed.
 
As reported by Yahya, Malik said, “The position with us concerning a man who has Zakat to pay on one hundred camels but then the Zakat collector does not come to him until Zakat is due for a second time and by that time all his camels have died except five, is that the Zakat collector assesses the two amounts of Zakat that are due from the owner of the animals from the five camels, which in this case is only two sheep, one for each year. This is because the only Zakat which an owner of livestock has to pay is what is due from him on the day that the Zakat is (actually) assessed. His livestock may have died or it may have increased, and the Zakat collector only assesses the Zakat on what he (actually) finds in his possession, and if his livestock has died, or several payments of Zakat are due from him and nothing is taken until all his livestock has died, or has been reduced to an amount below that on which he has to pay Zakat, then he does not have to pay any zakat, and there is no liability (on him) for what has died or for the years that have passed.”
 
ZAKAT ON SEEDS AND OLIVES
 This presents a scenario of the application of Zakat as to what are the Zakatable items, how much is Zakatable and when it is Zakatable. This clearly illustrates the management of wealth in Islam not prevalent in the conventional approach. Malik said,” The tenth that is taken from olives is taken after they have been pressed and the olives must come to a minimum amount of five awsaq and there must be at least five awsaq of olives. If there are less than five awsaq of olives, no Zakat has to be paid. Olive trees are like date palms in so far as there is a tenth on whatever is watered by rain or springs or any natural means, and a twentieth on whatever is irrigated. However, olives are not estimated while on the tree. The sunna with us as far as grains and seeds which people store and eat is concerned is that a tenth is taken from whatever has been watered by rain or springs or any natural means, and a twentieth from whatever has been irrigated, that is, as long as the amount comes from five awsaq or more using the aforementioned Sa’, that is the Sa’ of the prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Zakat must be paid on anything above five awsaq according to the amount involved.”                       

 
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
 
 Business transactions in an Islamic framework come in various ways and cater to different parties or groups of people in various circumstances and situations. This might involve a Mudarabah agreement, where one party, say a bank, provides capital and another entrepreneurship; a Mudarabah transaction, which briefly can be described as a partnership between investors and borrowers in a profit-sharing agreement involving re-sales; Al-ijarah contract, which is literally, a contract of letting; and Qirad, which is wealth entrusted upon an agent by an investor for commercial use. All of these transactions indicate how wealth in its various forms is used or managed from an Islamic point of view. Here is a look at the application of some of the above.

 MUDARABAH AND MUSHARAKAH MODE OF FINANCING

 Banking institutions have a unique way of managing wealth. Banks manage wealth through their various modes of financing such as Mudarabah, Musharakah, and Murabaha e.t.c.
 
Let as for example the Mudarabah mode of financing. As we know Mudarabah involves two or more parties coming together and agreeing upon, one party contributing labor and the party contributing the wealth (capital) to carry out a business. So through this definition you will discover or find out that there is sharing of wealth, effort and responsibility. If one party or person has the effort but not the means, he can go to the bank and obtain Al-qard-hasanah and start a business, which at the end of the day will involve the sharing of profits.
 
Therefore, banks indirectly manage wealth by giving Al-qard-hasanah to the needy people who have the ability but not the means to carry out the business without funds.
 
Unlike the conventional banks, were they give loans and charge interest (Riba) upon the borrower. This is not called managing wealth or helping the needy, but it is called exploiting the borrower. The borrower has to pay on top of the money that he/she has got a fixed amount of interest, in which Islam has forbid this. That’s why is Islam it is stated that absolute ownership of wealth is towards the almighty Allah and we are merely entrusted upon it. Therefore man cannot do whatever pleases him
 
As you can see the above manner in which wealth is distributed is a form of wealth of management. This is because the needy or the have-nots are assisted by providing them with the needed funds to start a business. Firstly, money or wealth is not left lying idle and secondly the wealthier people do not become more and more wealth. They share their wealth with the have-nots. The same goes with the other form or mode of financing which is Musharakah. Where two or more people come together to carry out a business and the profits are shared in equal proportions at the end of the day.
Let me provide with an example, so that you can get a clear picture of how Musharakah is a form of wealth management element.

 For example a person is interested in starting a business of selling books. That business needs a capital of RM 200,000. This person interested in that business has not that kind of money. He has RM 100,000 which not sufficient enough to start that business. So he goes and sees his fellow friend asks him if he is interested in that type of business. Let’s say the friend’s response to the request is positive. So he tells the friend that he has only RM 100,000 and needs another RM 100,000 to get started with the business. So the other friend would provide the other hundred to start the business. In this way they of formed what we call a partnership in conventional terms and Musharakah in Islam. But in Islam Musharakah can be made between Banks, institutions and other normal businessmen.
 
Unlike in the conventional were it can be done between institutions only and between businessmen and not a mixture of both. This is a mode of financing and a form of wealth management.
 AL-IJARAH FACILITY 

 Al-ijarah, also known as Al-kira’ refers to rent, lease or usage. In an Islamic financial system, Al-ijarah is a contract of selling of benefits or use or service for a fixed price or rent. Technically, Al-ijarah in fiqh is used “to express the sale (Bay’) of a known benefit in return for its known equivalent” (The Majelle Art.405). Being a contract like that of sale, Al-ijarah is concluded with offer and acceptance.

 CONCEPT
 
With the Ijarah facility, the main idea behind the contract is the transfer of usage or benefit and not ownership. For this contract to be legally operational, the following guiding principles are required:
 1) The usage/benefit must be clarified with regards to the period of lease and the types of usage.
 
2) The lessee is capable of utilizing the benefit of the lease fully.
 
CONDITIONS

 Al-ijarah facility can only be valid if it meets the following conditions from an Islamic perspective.

 1)    The owner of the asset or lesser

2)    The user or holder of the asset or lessee

3)    The asset/equipment

4)    Benefit/service

5)    The rent/price

6)    Offer and acceptance 
Have all been stated clearly in the contract of Al-ijarah.

 EARTURES
 
 1)    Al-ijarah financing extends from short to medium financing in equipment, motor vehicles, machines, computers, and consumer goods among other things.
 
2)    The usage of the asset should not contain any elements of Haram (forbidden).
 
3)    A consideration of the used industrial equipment markets, second hand value and capital allowance when extending Al-ijarah financing to the customer
 
MODE OF OPERATION
 
 The banks manner of financing Al-ijarah contract generally follows the following procedures:

 1)    Determination of the needs of the customer where the equipment and the lease period is concerned under the shariah principles.
 
2)    Purchasing the required equipment by the Bank.
 
3)    Leasing the equipment to the customer at an agreed price and period. The total lease rental of the Bank is a combination of the cost of the equipment and the margins of profit for the Banks.
 
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of this kind of contract is the transfer of usage or benefit, but the bank retains the ownership of the asset. In the event the customer dishonors the agreement, the Bank can repossess the equipment immediately. For instance, if a horse is hired to be ridden by someone and it happens that someone else other than the person who hired the horse rides it, this can invalidate the contract. However, the lesser can also not rescind the contract anytime he wishes to. The Mejelle (Art. 441) says, “After a contract has been completed which is a lawful letting, if another person offers additional rent, however much it may be, the lesser cannot for this alone annul the letting.”
 AL-IJARAH OPERATION


EXAMPLE
Assuming the Banks purchases equipment for RM 30,000 and leases it to a customer for a period of 5years at 8% rate of profit per annum; we can calculate the following:
 
Total Lease Rentals (TLR) = CF + (CF * I * n), where

                                                CF = Cost of Financing

                                                I = Rate of Return per Annum

                                                            (Flat)

                                                n = Period of financing in years

                         Hence, TLR = 30,000 + (30,000* 8% * 5)

                                                = RM 42,000

 Monthly Lease Rental = RM 42,000/ (5 * 12)

                                                                    = RM 42,000/ 60
                                    = RM 700

 
Amount of Profit       = RM 42,000 – RM 30,000

 
                                 = RM 12,000
TERMINATION
 
 (1)  Being a finance lease, Al-ijarah contract is non-cancelable. In the event this happens, say due to the involuntary of the asset, the lesser will have to be compensated.
(2)  According to the Income Tax Act 1967 schedule 3 para 71 , there is no allowance for plant and machinery if held for less than 2years.
(3)  Early termination of the lease is classified into 2:
(a)   Within 24months from the commencement of the lease date.
(b)  After 24 months from the start of the lease date.
(4)  The Income Tax Act 1967 under para 71 provides indemnity for the lesser by the lessee against any balancing charge incurred by the lesser if the lease contract is terminated within 2 years.
(5)  The rate of tax indemnity is at 33% per annum.

 UNIT TRUST
 
Unit trust is investment instruments in which many investors who share similar investment objectives pool their resources together which are then invested by specified fund managers in specified or authorized securities. There is no profit sharing between the fund manager and the investors but a fee known as ujrah is incurred by the investor for the professional services under Al-wakalah contract.
 
In the Islamic unit trust, there is usually a shariah panel (shariah supervisory board) which decides which share to fund by using the Activity or Structure Method. Aside al – Wakalah agreement, Islamic unit trust also involves on indirect Musharakah system (equal to unequal share partnership) between investor and companies trading stocks or bonds. Capital gains and dividends are for investor but every purchase or sale of units, the company (fund manager) receives a fee. Any losses incurred due to adverse market conditions do not affect the shareholders wealth.
 
There is a sharii and tabii dimension to the Islamic unit trust. The former inculcates akhlaq (ethic) in the agreement following the concept of Tawhid. This helps weigh actions from the reasoning point of view as well as spiritual values. The latter is a brainchild of natural and common sense. For the fact that the management receive a fee, if it is incumbent on the conduct research and use fundamental and technical analysis in the stock selection; so that the element of gharar (uncertainty) and maisir (gambling), among others are eliminated. Fund managers are expected to follow price changes as caused by company performances so that losses are minimized and capital gains achieved.
Another way or means by which Islam manages wealth on a small scale is by inheritance. We say on a small scale because this is done at the family level. As you know inheritance is the acquiring of the wealth or property left by the deceased parent. This wealth is to be divided among immediate family members in an appropriate manner stated in the Quran and Sunnah. Allah s.w.t has already stated the shares that are to be given to the immediate family members. Allah knows if He hadn’t done so there would be lot problems that would have come up. Some people would have been treated unfairly by giving or offering them a little or none of the wealth they deserve to get.

 In the conventional there is no proper laid down manner in which the wealth is to be inherited. Although the deceased leaves behind a will to who suppose the wealth goes, but it still some weaknesses or injustice occurred.   The weakness is that it has no room for the distribution of income sometime. For example, if the rich only marry the rich and the poor also marry the poor, the wealth will just circulate among the rich and the poor will remain poorer. Therefore it has no room for the distribution of income or wealth. But if this looked into and across manages take place like the rich marry the poor then this would be a better way to distribute wealth among the people.
 
The Holy Quran has given a line out on how the wealth should be managed in the verse 10 – 12 surah An – Nisa. Allah s.w.t says:
 
 “Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a fire into their own bodies: They will soon be enduring a blazing fire. (10)

 God (thus) directs you as regard your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sister) the mother has sixth. (The distribution in all cases) after the payment of legacies and debts. You know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by God; and God is All – Knowing and All – Wise. (11)

 In what your wines leave, your share is half, if they left a child, you got fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what you leave, its share is a fourth, if you leave no child; but if you leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets sixth; but if more that two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to any one). Thus is it ordained by God; and God is All – Knowing, Most Forbearing. (12)”
 
RECOMMENDATIONS
 
If goes beyond the reasonable doubt that zakat clearly illustrates the manner of wealth managements in Islamic framework. What is required then is proper vehicle through which zakat funds can be channeled. This involves knowing not only by the nature of zakat, the criteria of zakat, but also the zakatable items in our modern day Muslim societies, minding the changing circumstances. Kahf (1989) suggest a reconsideration of the fiqh views where the actual implementation of zakat is concerned. He however places much emphasis on the social and economics justice together with its impact on development. Hence, we are tempted to suggest further research on the administration of zakat and what actually constitutes the elements of zakat in our contemporary Muslim societies, which may not have been suggested in the period of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. 
 
Since Malaysian’s system of government is secular in nature, the zakat system has not been seriously taken into consideration. In short it has fallen on deft ears and got no response. As paying zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, it is of great important that the government Malaysia has to look into it. It is not only an individual responsibility but also a nationwide responsibility to see to it that zakat is paid by the able Muslim.
 
Therefore, here is some recommendation that could put in place an effect zakat system in Malaysia:
 
1.                     Is to educate the massage of people in Malaysia both publicly and privately about the important of paying zakat. In order for this effective, we should start from those people who are at the top. This can be done holding seminars and regular talks on zakat.
2.                     They should also try to incorporate the zakat system into the countries fiscal policy. If the paying of government taxes by the people to the federal and state government is effectively working, why can’t the payment of zakat be imposed as a law by the government? Through this, we think that more people will be well informed of the zakat payment.
3.                     The government should also put in place a centralized zakat institution where people can get information and pay zakat. Try to avoid any differences among the states in terms of implementation of zakat. By this, we can prevent any misunderstanding and confusion between people.

 CONCLUSION
 
Wealth management from an Islamic perspective follows proper guidance principle of shariah, which, to a large extent, take a different route from the conventional point of view. Throughout the paper, there was an intention to show that distinction. Any shortcomings on that purposes is owing to the technical know – how on the part of authors. However, the paper sought to convey that owning wealth in Islam does not make anybody the absolute owner of that wealth. Wealth is merely entrusted upon us by God and thus, it has to be used and arranged in accordance with God’s approval as stated in shariah rulings. Ownership can be acquired through many ways as in a sale contract or gift; making someone the successor of another as in inheritance, and the acquiring of a thing which free for the public use. In all of these circumstances, Islam has a way in managing wealth.
 
 Man as the vicegerent on this world is expected to seek this wealth and use it in manner that will help him obtain the pleasure of God in this world and hereafter. With that, the paper provided some practical scenarios as to how wealth can be used in Islam for this purposes. It was therefore illustrated in zakat planning, al – Ijarah financing and Islamic unit trust. The main purpose is to show the approach to wealth management in Islam not prevalent in the conventional way. Then the paper looked at some recommendations as a vehicle for further improvement, particularly on zakat activities.


Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) in National Development Scheme

To day, the world witnesses that, the eco-globe had been dominated by debt-based economy with risk transferring mechanisms. Factually, today the debt-based economy failed to rescue the world with material self-reliant and prosperity. Alternatively, an asset-based economy with risk sharing techniques may be a guaranteed platform to direct the world with economic prosperity ahead.

It is had been a common culture of any nation particularly among the 3rd world countries, relying on borrowing habits towards any form of development be one either private or government’s project, resulting the nation carry the life-long debt curse, which eventually compels the nation and its citizens tying their necks in to paying the price of liability and thus, darkens the future of the nation as an ultimate destine.

To rescue the nation and its people of 3rd world countries, Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) is among the right rescuer platforms to discover a way ahead towards creating a debt-free developed nation in the wake of globalization.

A Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) scheme is also justified under the broad principle of Shari’ah as a holistic mechanism to be known as "Sukuk", which is ideally based on mutual cooperation, brotherhood and solidarity in view of noble achievement and common good for all humanity and creatures as enshrined in the holy Qur’an: “… cooperate amongst you in righteousness and piety….” (5:2).

Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) is a discovered strategic mechanism, which enables any nation develops its major sectors by having a debt-free financial power through a holistic cooperative micro-spirit with sharing and caring culture in view of creating a nation self-reliant, progressive, prosperous and proud in this advanced tech-era.

The rational outlook of Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) is to make a nation enjoy with a debt-free fund solution required for any project development within the spirit of mutual cooperation, maturity and common sensitivity towards creating a self-reliant nation visioning prosperity. This is among the sustainable promising mechanisms, which may ease the nation from undesirable dependency and debt while moving forward to create an enterprising and entrepreneur based nation as the way ahead in today’s socio-economic and political reality.

In the model and structure of a Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) where the government or the private sector shall first identify a sound project requires financing in its development. The project then shall be listed in the project index with accrual value (justifiable required project financing). The total project-financing shall be packaged with shares at a minimum per value affordable to all levels of citizen so to enable them to participate full-heartedly in the national development plan within the holistic spirit of mutual cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood towards common goal of national prosperity. Such move eventually makes them proud through having the profit oriented micro-stake in the national projects. The shares shall be ultimately opened for public for subscription as per one’s ability with affordable equity financing in view of profit making. The shareholders shall hold the opportunity to participate in the secondary market.

In the total management with successful outcome in a Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) shall be facilitated by a team force where the government undertake the appropriate policies, securities and effective enforcement. A Project central body shall be positioned in project related decision making. The Project management office, which shall be responsible for the total management and duly operation of the project. The central bank shall be assigned in issuance of ordinary bond (profit-sharing in equity financing) with limited liability as per the central guidelines while a credible bank shall be authorized to manage the total project funds besides managing the share certificates issued in the name of the central bank as per project directives.


An audit and compliance unit shall be established at both central as well as management levels to ensure the total compliance in all aspects of the policies, project, funds and the management. A special unit shall also be established comprising of several experts to advise the project board so to facilitate them in making appropriate policies and decision. There shall other vital units be established under the management office, among them are intelligence unit, which shall undertake the total risk management and attractive income oriented business plan of the project. The project management office (PMO) shall be designed under the management office, which shall be responsible for the total development of the project with successful result. For the continuing maintenance of the entire components of the completed project a project maintenance unit shall be established under the management office.

In other word, the total discipline, management and operation in a Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) arrangement shall be centralized with regulatory action, but with separation of power, assignment and due accountability.

The issuer of Cooperative Micro-bond (Sukuk) shall be the Central bank in terms of capital guarantee (in its capacity as the fund guarantor) to the subscribers while the fund management bank shall hold the total accountability (in its capacity as the fund manager) to the Central bank for the fund release as per the Central bank’s guidelines and subsequently the Project board shall be the end accountable (as the Principal liability) for the right management of the fund.


Fund Management in Islamic Investment

Islam is a an integrated holistic system with universal character revealed by Allah SWT for the benefit and protection of all creatures. Islam does not separate ibadah (worship) from socio-eco-political faculties of life. It is derived from the meaning of Islam as ad-deen. Ad-deen can be understood as a significant way of life and faith to Allah SWT.
The purpose of human’s creation is to make a fullest submission to almighty Allah SWT. This obligation is not limited either by the time or by the place, but it covers all aspects of human life. Every activity of human being which is within the limit of Shari’ah is measured as ibadah. The activities of ibadah will be rewarded by Allah SWT.

Today, Muslim is the second larger group of religions after Christian. They have a lot of wealth to invest. However, there are a few of Islamic counters offered for Muslim. This scenario gives a bad impact to Muslim because Muslim' daily activities should be within the limit of Shari’ah. Otherwise, it will be rejected by the Allah SWT and the doers may be considered as ignorant.

Islamic fund management is a solution for Muslim investors. This solution gives more chances for Muslim to invest in accordance to the Shari’ah. This fund is basically similar to the conventional fund except in the compliances with the Shari’ah rules and regulations. For an Islamic fund, it is prohibited to invest in the companies which involve in the haram (prohibited) activities such as gambling, alcoholic business, pornographic, usury based (ribawi) institutions and the companies which financed by ribawi institutions.

 These strict rules and regulations enshrined by Islam is purposely to ensure that Muslim operate within the limit of Shari’ah. In al-Quran 2:275, Allah SWT has mentioned as all businesses are halal (lawful) but any transaction which is based on riba is considered haram. When an activity is considered haram it will be rejected by Allah SWT and will fall among sinful acts.

Every investment deal is not free from risks. In Islamic fund, there are risks. The risks in Islamic fund are various depending on counters chosen by the investors. Islam accepts risk as its own but rejects any kind of speculations. This is because speculation may bring to the gharar and maisir.  These two principles are among the haram which are clearly highlighted by Islamic scholars. These concepts also may lead the stronger people depress those weak.

As the time changes, Islamic fund becomes a popular investment opportunity. This was proved by the increasing in the number of Islamic counters. The growths of the Islamic counters were occurred in every part of the world. As examples Saudi American Bank in Saudi Arabia, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad in Malaysia and many more.

At last, Islamic fund is an alternative especially for Muslims at large and generally for the whole population. The fund is purposely to enhance the economic status of the ummah. At the same time, it will purify and get closer the Muslims to their Creator. The fund will give the chance for a Muslims to avoid themselves enrolled in haram’s counter. From the points, the activities of Islamic fund are a Fardhu Kifayah. For the Muslims, they have to support this sacred activity. Although, the efficiency of the organization is still debatable but the task of Muslims to support the organization are still there. Allah SWT has encouraged the Muslims to support the good deeds and prohibit the bad deeds.

 Management Mechanism of Islamic Fund
 
               INVESTOR                            money (investment)    FUND            
                                         

                                                Investment gain

 Attitude of investor

 *attitudes of the investor are being discussed in the text

 Investment is an activity involving a portion of money to allocate to the certain types of business and seeking for profit. The investors will not do anything related to the operation of the company. Since the investors are not involved in managing the operating of the company, so he is not entitled for any salaries or wages, he is only entitled for the profit gained by the company. Thus, the investors have to have certain expertise in choosing which companies those have bright prospect in gaining the profit.

 In this section, the paper will discuss some pillars of wisdom in investing the money. The pillars were taken from the idea of conventional fund management but have been taken into consideration by the writer regarding the Islamic point of view. The writer tried to view them in the Islamic point of view. The pillars are:

 1)    Successful investing involves doing just a few things right and avoiding serious mistakes. It means an investor has to beware. He has to plan and do the homework regarding the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the prospect organization. He or she also has to know the activities of the company. He has to know whether the company pros or cons the Islamic shari’ah. He has to be careful in each step he moves. He has to avoid any serious mistake that will give big impact to his investment.

 2)    When there are multiple solutions to the problem, choose the simplest one. Sometimes, an investor will face a serious problem. This problem is usually difficult to solve. Once the problem is clearly defined, there are multiple solutions to this problem. So, the investor wills again facing the problem in choosing the solution. Based on the prudent concept, the writer suggests the investor to choose the simplest one. As an example, if an investor confuse whether to invest in highly risk company or low risk company, the high risk company offered 5% rate of return but low risk company only offer 2.5% rate of return, based on this principle, the investor has to rely on the investment which is more guaranteed.

3)    Try to earn money every time even it is small. The investor has not left his money idle. He has to gain something even the gaining is too small. In Islam the idle money is entitled for zakat if it is over the certain limit or nisab and being passed the haul or period of time. The idle is zakatable because Islam encouraged the ummah to activate his wealth. And later he the wealthy peoples are being able to help the poor.

 4)    Today is better than yesterday. This is the principle of the Muslims. A Muslim must be today is better than yesterday. Based on this principle, an investor who has been in investment field so long has to be more expert in choosing the companies to invest. So, the Muslim investors are logically being able to gain more after some time in investment field.

 5)    An investor has to diversify his investment. In investment, an investor is better to invest in various types of businesses. He has to invest in multiple types of risk businesses. Rather than stick on only one type of business. This is because the diversification will help the investor balances his risk. In short, an investor who invests in three companies will have more chances to balance the risks rather than the investor who only invests in one company. The lost of a company can be covered by the profit of the other two companies. However, for single company the lost will solely from that company and there is no company which is available to bring the investor to the equilibrium point or more.

 6)    Cost-benefit analysis is the best in determining which companies are the best places to invest. Cost-benefit analysis is prepared by taking into consideration all the costs those be incurred when the investor invests. These costs will be deducted from the expecting benefits those be receipt after the investment. If the receipt is higher than the expense so the investor may decide to invest, if not is vice versa.

 7)    Know the operating of the business. Before investing in any business, an investor is required to know at least basic information regarding the activity of the business he or she wants to invest. This is to ensure that, an investor wills not do the blind imitation and blind investment. The blind investment may lead to the loss of capital. This lost of capital can be avoided if the investors do the homework in studying the prospect types of the businesses. He or she can rely on the current users’ behaviors, environments, status of the economy and other financial and non-financial data. He or she also can rely his or hers assumption based on the rating provided by rating agencies such as RAM in Malaysia.

 8)    The investors have to have balance estimation. It means, not to be overestimates and be underestimates. Usually, the investors will do the prior estimation before doing any analysis and later accept or reject to invest. This prior estimation is so important whether the investors will choose it or not for further analysis. Overestimates and underestimates will lead the investor to the state of frustration if he or she failed to achieve his or hers estimation.

 9)    Beware of the last year achievement. An investor should not totally depend to the last year achievement of the company. The situation and environment are always kept on changing. Therefore the past year achievement is only the basis. It can be used as a rough glance, not totally depend on it. The past achievement is good for checking the reliability of the internal control of the management, but it is not good to measure the future prospect.

 10) The financial market is related to the fears, hopes, knowledge and greed of all investors everywhere. The environment situation moulds the feeling of all investors. Sometimes the feeling may boost the market and lead the market be bullish, if not the market will lead to bearish. For Muslim investors, all of these feeling should not be there. This is because; they will lead to serious speculation which is haram.

11) An investor should have long term planning. To be as a good investor, he or she to have long term planning. The investors should not grab a chance which is short term based. This is because patience and consistency are valuable assets for the intelligent investors

 Classes of Investors

THE TYPES OF THE INVESTORS

AGGRESSIVE             MODERATE              CONSERVATIVE                 


EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE

Actually, the types of funds to invest are depending on the objective of the investors. The investors have to decide how big the risks they are going to accept. The acceptance is based on how much and how long they are going to accept the risks. The ultimate purpose of investment is the income the investors are going to receive.

Here, the writer will state four basic types of investors who are dealing with the risks for the investment; aggressive, moderate, conservative, and extremely conservative. Aggressive investor is the person who is not interested to the current income but he is interested to the capital appreciation; capital appreciation is the value increases when the company’s capital growth as the impact of the company’s business success. This type of person is willing to accept high market risk.

The second groups of investors are who willing to accept moderate market risk. He or she views current income as a subordinate to capital appreciation. For them, current income is a second important receipt after capital appreciation.

 The third groups of peoples are conservative. The conservative is the person who is willing to accept only limited market risk. For them, current income is highly important rather than capital appreciation. Meanwhile, extremely conservative are not willing to accept any risk. He or she tries to greatly reduce the market risk and extremely increase the market return or current income. He is not interested most on capital appreciation.

For further discussion, the writer is going to state about the acceptable risk for the investment. The level of acceptable risk is referred as risk tolerance. The risk tolerances for the investors are differed among the investors.  Usually, the investors will determine the risk tolerance based on the individual’s current economic circumstances. The best measurement for risk tolerance is sleep quotient; sleep quotient is the level of risk that a person thinks it is disturbing.  If a person feels that he or she is not comforted with the highly risky investment, he or she may start selling them and move to the lower risky fund or counter.

 It is simple to say that, investment is the activity that involved most with the matter of faith. The fluctuation of economics situation is determined by the environment scenario. No one knows about the future economics scenario. There are many external scenarios which will affect the economics fluctuation. Therefore the investors have to be braved enough in practicing their investment.

Shari'ah Investment Paradigm
 Saving refers to a part of money that is not spent on consumption. Meanwhile investment refers to the expenditure that is not for the consumption but for the purpose of capital appreciation, and on creation of a new capital. The idle money cannot be considered as an investment. This is because the idle money will loose it purchasing power. Study has proven that the idle money will loose 93% of the purchasing power over the last 200 years.

Islam encourages Muslims to stream their income to the certain areas. The areas are defined by Islamic priority. If the income or money is kept idle, this money is punished by Allah SWT through the obligation to pay the zakat. This is because in the idle money is the right of the eight asnaf (the zakat beneficiaries).

 There are two types of investment available for an investor. They can invest in physical assets and financial assets.  The physical assets are gold, coins, and other touchable assets. Meanwhile, financial assets are stocks, bonds, mutual fund and etc. Between these two assets, financial assets are preferable to invest in. This is the effect of the liquidity of the investment. The investment in the financial assets is more liquid differ to the physical assets. An investor can easily pull out his or hers capital in the financial assets. He or she can sell easily his or hers stock certificate to the other buyers through the investment agents or stock brokers.

 What is the stock? Stocks are the shares of the company that have being apportioned into the units. The amount of the capital contributed by an investor is determined by the numbers of units of company’s share. The vote power to the company also determined by the number of shares. The dividend and the disbursement of the income also distributed based on the number of units share hold by an investor.

Meanwhile, the stocks of the company is divided into two types, one is ordinary and the other one preference. The difference between two is the preference holders are entitled for fix receipt over the years, regardless the company makes profit or loss. Meanwhile the ordinary is determined by the decision of the management of the company.

 The fix return receipt from an investment of stock preference is haram according to the Islamic scholars. This is because of the concept of justice in Islam. In stock preference, the investor has being promised to receive a certain fix rate annually. In other words, the future dividends are determined prior to the determination of the profit of the year. Therefore, Islam views stock preference as haram since it involves with the uncertainty. The amount receipt from stock preference is considered as riba al-fadhl. As a solution, Muslim may invest in the common stock.

 In other points, an investor may reduce the liability of the investment through diversification. Diversification means an investor invests in diverse industries and companies rather than in the related companies and groups. Let say, if an investor invests in the crude oil company which the company facing the economic downturn in that particular year, at the same time he or she also invests in the motor industries which is used oil as the main power. As the effect of un-diversification, (not diversified the investment) the investor will stand facing the high risk problem. However, this kind of problem can be avoided by practicing the diversification. Diversifying the investment in various industries may help the investor to reduce the risk. Although he or she will incur loss in crude oil investment but this loss can be covered by the profit he or she gains from an investment of the other unrelated industries.

 Islamic Fund vs. Mutual Fund
 
Mutual fund is the company that pools the money to invest in various counters and to buy the portfolio of the securities. The managements of the company consist of the investment expert. They have enough knowledge in studying the power of the company and in planning the prospect of the future earning of the company.

 The money that pooled by the company is invested in buying various portfolios securities on behalf of the whole group. All portfolio securities are eligible for the conventional mutual fund. However, the scanning must be done for an Islamic fund. The purpose of the scanning is to check the compliances of the operation with the sharia’ah. The Syari’ah Supervisory Board of the company does the scanning.

In conventional mutual fund, the investors will share the profits and losses earned from the investment. The ratio of the profit and loss is based on the amount of shares they invested. Meanwhile, in Islamic fund investment, the profit and shares is distributed based on modes of investment agreed by the investors; among the modes of investment are Ijarah fund, equity fund, commodity fund, murabahah fund, mixed fund and many more.

 Dynamism in the Best Performance of Fund

 Gaining the highest revenue from the investment is the main objective of all investors. They hope that the fund management company will invest properly their money. Although, the investment and analysis were doing by the company, the investor also may prepare their own analysis.

 The academician, money managers, and thoughtful individual investors have draft some formulas in selecting the best performing fund. They agreed that the assets should be measured based on risk and rate of return.

According to the study the rate of return is a mix of any change in market value, any dividends, interests, and other receive from the investment. All of these are expressed in a percentage gain. After calculating the rate of return, the next is measuring the level of risk. Based on the same study, the risk could be measured by several different statistics. One of these statistics is beta coefficient. Beta coefficient is a ratio of the average performance of a given stock or mutual fund relative to that of some of market average. As an example, if a beta coefficient of Company A is 2.0, it would indicate that the mutual fund tends to move twice as rapidly as general market.

In viewing to use this statistics, we have to find the company, which offers the Beta coefficient equal to zero, or zero risk company. Then we have to know the rate of return of the invested company. Let say the company’s rate of return is 5% and the beta is 0. Therefore, an investor may select the other risky fund, which offers the rate of return higher than 5%.

 The next step is an investor has to find the second higher risky than zero risk fund. Let say the beta is 1 and the rate of return is 10%. An investor may invest is such 10% but he or she has to face one level higher risk in gaining 10% rate of return. If there is a fund, which offers higher rate of return than 10% but lower risk (<1), or in other words, the rate of return is more than 10% per unit of risk is called as outperformed the market and called as under performed if it is vice versa.

Rationality for the Investors in Outsourcing Funds

 There are a number of investors who pass out totally the job of investment to the investment company. This kind of investors normally did not care much on the revenue he or she going to gain. However, there are also investors who are very meticulous in every cent he or she invests. For these groups of people, they will try to evaluate the performance of the portfolios by their own.

 There are a number of reasons why the investors try to avoid doing evaluation of the invested portfolio. Here we are going to discuss a few reasons why an investor prefers to outsource the evaluation to the outside advisors. Basically there are four reasons why the investors try to avoid from evaluating the investment by their own; a desire to avoid fiduciary responsibilities, a lack of time, a lack of interest, an inability to control emotions, and insufficient knowledge.
  •   Fiduciary responsibilities
 There are some people who have surplus money. They have an intention to invest their money but they do not have enough time to invest their money by their own. They are the people who have expertise in managing the money. However, they have other priorities to do.

The group consists of a son, daughter, spouse, or other relative who inherit the wealth of a late family, the individuals on the board of directors of a school, mosque, or any foundation, and the trustees for retirement plans. All of them do not have much interest on the activity of investment. Therefore, the outsourcings of the investment activities are better for them.
  •  Lack of time
  • This is the second group of investor who frequently seek outside assistance. He or she does not have enough time to manage the investment activities. Although they are the people who may do the excellent job but the time constraint limit them from doing so. They realize that their time is better spent focusing upon their business or career. 

    Lack of interest
This is the third group of investor who simply lack the interest to actively manage their own investment. As an example, upon retiring, many people choose to enjoy their time by traveling, recreation, family, friends, and other activities. At this time the income become the secondary motive of their life.  

Inability to control emotions

For the investors who fail to control their emotions are most in need of an outside advisor. This is because an emotion plays the important role in controlling the activity of a person. The investors may do the wrong doing if they make the decision based on their emotion. In order to avoid the risk, the investors may choose the outside advisors as their investment agents. 

  • Insufficient knowledge
An investor is the outsider who has surplus money but not necessary he or she must have sufficient knowledge. However in recent situation, knowledge becomes a main pillar in investment. This is due to the complexity of the transaction.

For the insufficient knowledge investors, they may assign the task to the outside advisors. This is because the outside advisors are the expert in this field.
 
Final Remarks

 Islamic fund is an alternative for an Islamic investor. The purpose of this fund is to encourage Muslims to activate their wealth and avoiding from being idle. As we all know that Islam will penalize the idle wealth by the obligation of zakat payment. The most major question is whether the fund is truly complying with the shari’ah or not.

 In this century, Muslim held surplus money for the consumption. However their wealth is not properly invested in Islamic manner. Therefore the existence of Islamic fund is the best solution for these investors.

As the addition, the cooperation between the wealthy and the knowledgeable Muslims may empower the society. The developed Muslim society is the final result of this cooperation.


Shari'ah Model of Project Financing

Issue 1:
An Executive understanding of Islamic project finance and how would it be different from other type of finance?
 Solution:
 i.           Any legitimate project recognized by the Shari’ah Principles required to be financed for a further development.
ii.           The Owner or the authorized developer of the Project may apply for Islamic justified Financing Facilities to any Islamic financial institution.
iii.        Islamic Financial Institution concern may approve the application considering the following components: 
       
§  Either JV with equity participation (using Mudharabah or Musharakah or any other Shari’ah approved instruments), or Debt financing (using the BBA or Murabahah or Tawarruk as the case may be, that is: a resale on credit with differed settlement by installment within an agreed period of time).
§  In a debt financing arrangement, the title of the project may be required by the Financier to be held as a securitization on collateral basis till the debt is fully settled.
 
iv.         It shall be noted that, in any Islamic project financing, profit guarantee, any form of usury or Shari’ah contrary element shall not be acceptable per se.
v.          An Islamic Project financing is different from other types of financing in terms of basically the requirement of securitization (title) on collateral basis against the sound settlement of the debt.  
  Issue 2:
            What sectors usually apply project finance?
 Solution: 
i.           Shari’ah Justified and Legally recognized Real Estate development related projects.
ii.           Shari’ah Justified and Legally recognized Mining, Plants, Installations, Explorations and or alike related projects.
iii.      Any other Shari’ah Justified and legally recognized Projects either commercially or socially or Public beneficial related projects. 
Issue 3:
            In the past 2 years, which Islamic project finance deal would you categorized as a landmark deal. Why?
 Solution:
  i. WPI (IDR) project in JB, Malaysia (Planning stage);
 ii. Pavillion project financed by KFH near Bukit Bintang KL, Malaysia.
iv.         Dubai Tower, UAE (in Progress).
v.          Few Hotels in Mekkah, KSA.
 
vi.         A few other projects financed by IDB, KFH, Dubai Islamic Bank, Dallah al Barakah, RHB, Islamic, CIMB, and so on.
 
Islamic project financing (with risk sharing by opposing the risk transferring concept and also being incorporated with Divine ethical standard on the holistic approach of brotherhood with care and concern)is more attractive as compared to the conventional ones, which are generally adapted on the risk transferring concept.    
 Issue 4:
        Interms of market practice, what is the most common Shari’ah Contract utilized for a project finance deal (Ijarah, Musharakah etc). Why is that so?
       Solution:
i.           Musharakah Mutanaqisah (Diminishing Partnership).
ii.          Ijarah (Leasing)
iii.         Istisna’ (Manufacturing).
iv.         al-Ijarah Tantahi Bi al Tamleek (Leasing Leading to (ownership)
The above instruments are commonly adapted in Islamic project financing have been evidentially proven the risk minimization with better benefits for all the parties concerned.  
  Issue 5:
Is there any difference between the Malaysian and GCC market in Terms of contract utilized for project finance?
 Solution:
In most cases the application of Islamic project financing mechanisms adapted in Malaysia and GCC are quite similar except in the following avenues:
 
i.      Malaysia adapts Bai’ al- Dayeen (Debt Trading) and Bay’ al- Ina’ (Buy back Sale).
ii.    In the GCC on the other hand, Bai’ al- Dayeen (Debt Trading) and Bay’ al- Ina’ (Buy back Sale) adapted in any transaction are strongly opposed. Alternatively in the GCC the doctrine of al-Tawarruk (Special Purpose Vehicle) is adapted in most of the Debt financing arrangements including Project Financing besides recognizing and applying Musharakah Mutanaqisah (Diminishing Partnership).
 
Issue 6:
Do you observe an increasing trend of Islamic project finance in the market? Why or why not?
 Solution:
           I.     There is an increasing trend of Islamic project financing  in GCC, UAE, Malaysia, OIC  Countries as well as some other parts of the world especially through the arrangement of REITs, issuance of Sukuk, venture capitalizing and also Mosharakah Mutanaqisah (Diminishing Partnership) and so on.
         II.     This is perhaps because of, rational risk management mechanisms with sharing concept, sustainable profit return, transparence transaction and flexible options enjoined by all parties in the contract.  
 Issue 7:
Would you highlight two issues and challenges in Islamic project finance and how do you overcome these?
 Solution:
          I.     Lack of Proper skill in underwriting the deal by considering the relevant risk factors;
        II.     Poor time management and applying irrelevant skill in completing and managing the project.
 The above challenges may be overcome through the smart professionalism, cooperation, good faith and trustworthiness with ethical standard at all levels of activities.


Monday, April 1, 2013

Interview by Global Islamic Finance Magazine

INTERVIEW of Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ma'sum Billah
by:
Global Islamic Finance Magazine 
(Leading Islamic Finance Intelligence Since 2007).

The issue of Franchising of Islamic Financial Products & Services with Global Approach.

The detail of the interview can be browsed through the following link:
 http://www.globalislamicfinancemagazine.com/?com=news_list&nid=2152


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