Waqf, a non-profit voluntary sector, have an important and integral role in developing communities during various phases of Islamic communities' development. Recently, voluntary sectors are increasing their presence felt in development of communities. Current reports suggest a surge in the role of voluntary sectors in communities' development. This development also leads to the formation of Social Business (SB) which is hybrid in nature. SB is an entity that incorporates both features of profit sector and non-profit sector. SB model has been presented as a viable model in ensuring organization's longevity. This is evident in the case studies discussed. SB while operates on a business-like conduct, however its main objective is still dedicated for the betterment of society. The trend can also be observed in Islamic based voluntary sectors with the creation waqf-based SB (WSB). Issues regarding sustainability and impact of activities to beneficiaries are of concern to stakeholders. Furthermore, for Islamic based voluntary sector such as WSB, they are bound by Maqasid al-Shariah (MS) or objectives of the shariah. Based on MS index developed for the Islamic banking sector, this paper proposed a conceptual framework that could assist in determining the performance of WSB from the perspective of MS.

Waqf is one of the main mechanism in providing support for the development to all levels of the ummah more so for the underprivileged. Waqf institutions in Malaysia are under the jurisdiction of the 14 states rather than the Federal government. This paper reviews the development of waqf in Melaka, one of the states in Malaysia. It discusses a brief historical background, function and legal aspects of waqf matters. A brief information on the structure and administration of waqf in Melaka, Baitulmal is responsible for the sake of administering and managing such waqf assets in Melaka is also presented. This study is also concerned with examining of the current situation of development waqf asset; which is known as waqf saham in Melaka through the record by Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM). Yet, it is undeniably true that some challenges and impediments pertaining to the issues of developing waqf assets; inter alia, lack of fund and expertise, poor documentation and the record value of waqf property and others.

Integrity in handling zakat funds is a highly sensitive matter to the community if it is not properly managed. The issue of negative perception towards the distribution of zakat in Malaysia is due to the lack of trust from the community toward the management of the agency managing the Zakat. This will therefore affect the collection as well as the distribution of zakat funds to the eight group of Asnaf. Therefore, it is necessary for the zakat agency to build up and create a good shariah governance framework to the needs of Islamic law as a benchmark in order to make sure all activities undertaken are on track. This conceptual study aims to implement Shariah Governance Framework to overcome the distrust of the community towards the management of Zakat agency since they do not have any standard of shariah governance framework, like other Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia. In conclusion, the proposed Shariah Governance Framework proposed in this study, will give an implication to restore the trust and positive perceptions among the public. Abstrak Ketulusan dalam mengendalikan dana umat Islam terutamanya zakat adalah suatu perkara yang sangat sensitif kepada masyarakat sekiranya tidak diurus dengan baik. Isu persepsi negatif masyarakat terhadap agihan zakat di Malaysia merupakan punca masalah kepada ketidakpercayaan masyarakat dalam pengurusan Agensi Mengurus Zakat. Ketidakpercayaan ini akan memberi kesan kepada kutipan zakat dan secara tidak langsung akan mempengaruhi dana agihan zakat untuk diagihkan kepada lapan (8) golongan asnaf yang layak. Oleh yang demikian, menjadi satu keperluan kepada Agensi Mengurus Zakat untuk mewujudkan satu kerangka kerja urus tadbir yang baik dan menepati kehendak syarak sebagai kayu ukur kepada segala aktiviti yang dilaksanakan berada di landasan yang betul. Kajian konseptual ini berhasrat untuk menerapkan satu kerangka kerja Tadbir Urus Shariah dalam Agensi Mengurus Zakat untuk mengatasi masalah ketidakpercayaan masyarakat terhadap pengurusan Agensi Mengurus Zakat. Tambahan pula Agensi Mengurus Zakat tidak mempunyai kerangka Tadbir Urus Shariah yang standard seperti mana Institusi Kewangan Islam yang lain di Malaysia. Oleh yang demikian, kerangka kerja tadbir urus shariah yang akan dicadangkan memberi implikasi untuk mengembalikan kepercayaan dan persepsi yang positif dikalangan masyarakat.

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