Financial And Operational Measures Of Waqf Performance: The Case Of State Islamic Religion Council Of Singapore And Malaysia

• Main Authors: Shafii, Zurina, Yunanda, Rochania Ayu, Rahman, Faried Kurnia
• Format: Conference Paper
• Language: en_US
• Published: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia 2016
• Subjects: Financial Ratios; Operational Ratios; Effectiveness; Efficiency
• Online Access: http://ddms.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/9872

Knowing the factors which can improve performance is very crucial in every organization including Waqf institutions as charitable institutions. Waqf institutions have significant roles in a country to mobilize and distribute public funds. Examining its performance could be useful to assess Waqf’s perpetual existence. In the context of business organizations, financial ratios which rely on the bottom line can be the tools to examine the performance. Financial ratios somehow reflect the financial health and vulnerability of the organizations. Besides that, the organizations frequently compare actual performance with standards or expectations to enhance the organizations’ achievements. Several financial ratios might be applicable to evaluate non-profit organizations although those ratios do not seem sufficient. Financial ratios alone cannot serve as measures of success in non-profits organizations, these organizations have to be assessed in more complex ways, generally dealing with efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the performance of Waqf institutions using financial and operational approaches. Using content and ratio analysis, this study examines five years (2008-2012) annual reports of Waqf institutions administered by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (State Islamic Religion Council or Singapore) and one Majlis Agama Islam Negeri in Malaysia (one State Islamic Religion Council in Malaysia). This study found in terms of Waqf collections, both institutions have growing amount of Waqf funds. This can be a hint of Waqf awareness among people. Both institutions are also able to generate income from their core activities. However, it can be highlighted from program expenses that both institutions might not have a number of projects and programs relating to the role as Mutawalli. Since financial ratios cannot be the utmost measures of success in Waqf institutions, these organizations have to develop the performance measures which can better evaluate efficiency and effectiveness.