Classification and prioritization of waqf lands: a Selangor case

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the current status and development of waqf lands in Malaysia, specifically in the state of Selangor, Malaysia and propose a new model for categorisation of its waqf lands. Previous studies on waqf lands and allocation of financial resources on these lands have been general and scanty.

Design/methodology/approach

They lack the focus of categorising waqf lands according to sectors, economic attributes and strategic locations so that it was not easy to match these lands to the kind of resources and investment models required for their development. The present research is carried out to categorise waqf lands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious

Findings

The study is quantitative in nature and uses a multi criteria decision-making method, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritise the waqf lands by taking inputs from the officers working in Selangor Islamic Religious Council and some other related organisations. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

I have proposed a new model for the categorisation of waqf lands. Previous studies on waqf lands and its allocation of financial resources have been general and revealing. The present research is carried out to categorise waqf lands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious.

Citation

Shabbir, M.S. (2018), "Classification and prioritization of waqf lands: a Selangor case", International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 40-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMEFM-02-2017-0038