Aim and Scope

AIM OF THE JOURNAL

The Journal of Islamic Philanthropy and Social Finance (JIPSF) is a peer-reviewed, open-access international journal dedicated to publishing high-quality, original research at the intersection of Islamic social instruments, financial inclusion, ethical finance, and global sustainable development.

The primary aim of JIPSF is to provide an internationally recognized scholarly platform for academics, empirical researchers, Shariah scholars, and financial policymakers. The journal aims to:

  • Advance Academic Discourse: Foster rigorous theoretical and empirical inquiry into traditional and modern Islamic social finance structures.
  • Bridge Theory and Practice: Connect foundational Shariah concepts with contemporary economic models, regulatory frameworks, and financial technologies.
  • Promote Global Impact: Address global socioeconomic issues—such as poverty alleviation, wealth inequality, disaster resilience, and climate action—through the lens of Islamic ethical finance.

SCOPE AND THEMATIC AREAS

JIPSF publishes multidisciplinary research that demonstrates high methodological standards, theoretical originality, and policy relevance. The journal welcomes national, regional, and cross-country comparative studies. The core thematic areas covered by the journal include, but are not limited to:

i.       Institutional Islamic Philanthropy

  • Zakat Systems: Governance, institutional efficiency, digital collection/distribution, economic redistribution, and Shariah compliance.
  • Waqf Economics: Cash Waqf, corporate Waqf, real estate development, asset management, legal frameworks, and perpetuity principles.
  • Voluntary Giving Mechanisms: Contemporary models of Sadaqah, Infaq, and donor behaviour in modern financial ecosystems.

ii.      Microfinance, Inclusion, & Social Safety Nets

  • Islamic Microfinance Institutions (IMFIs): Financial sustainability, outreach performance, poverty alleviation metrics, and business models.
  • Qard al-Hasan & Non-Profit Financing: Structural mechanisms, default management, and community-driven social finance.
  • Micro-Takaful & Social Protection: Mutual guarantee structures, micro-insurance for vulnerable populations, and public-private social safety nets.

iii.     Financial Innovation, Fintech, & Capital Markets

  • Social Impact & Green Sukuk: Structural design, risk-return profiles, sovereign and corporate issuance, and green financing.
  • Fintech & Web3 Applications: Blockchain for transparency in Zakat and Waqf, crowdfunding platforms, AI in social impact targeting, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in social finance.
  • Blended & Hybrid Finance: Models integrating commercial Islamic banking, capital markets, and philanthropic capital.

iv.    Governance, Ethics, & Impact Measurement

  • Shariah & Corporate Governance: Accountability, regulatory frameworks, ethical auditing, and jurisprudence (Fiqh al-Muamalat).
  • Impact Assessment Metrics: Application of Social Return on Investment (SROI), ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, and ethical performance tracking.

v.        Sustainable Development & Global Policy

  • Alignment with UN SDGs: Role of Islamic social finance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
  • Humanitarian Aid & Climate Resilience: Philanthropic capital allocation in emergency response, crisis management, and environmental sustainability.