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Murabahah

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Table of Contents

PART A:    OVERVIEW ..................................................................................... 4

1. Introduction .............................................................................................. 4

2. Policy objectives ...................................................................................... 6

3. Scope of policy document ........................................................................ 6

4. Applicability .............................................................................................. 6

5. Legal provisions ....................................................................................... 6

6. Effective date ........................................................................................... 7

7. Policy superseded .................................................................................... 7

8. Interpretation ............................................................................................ 7

9. Related legal and policy documents ......................................................... 8

PART B: SHARIAH REQUIREMENTS ............................................................ 9

10. Definition .................................................................................................. 9

11. Nature.. .................................................................................................... 9

12. Contracting parties ................................................................................... 9

13. Asset… .................................................................................................. 10

14. Price… ................................................................................................... 12

15. Arrangement of murabahah with wa’d (murabahah to the purchase

orderer) .................................................................................................. 15

16. Arrangement of murabahah to the purchase orderer with wakalah ......... 18

17. Arrangement of murabahah contract with assurances ............................ 19

18. Incorporation of rebate (ibra’) in murabahah contract ............................. 21

19. Arrangement of murabahah with ta`widh and/or gharamah .................... 22

20. Dissolution of murabahah contract ......................................................... 23

21. Completion of murabahah contract ........................................................ 23

PART C: OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................. 25

22. Oversight Functions ............................................................................... 25

23. Documentations, Internal Policies & Procedures .................................... 28

24. Information Disclosure ........................................................................... 32

25. Risk Management .................................................................................. 33

Appendices.................................................................................................... 37

Appendix 1: Legitimacy of murabahah contract .............................................. 37

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Appendix 2: Glossary ...................................................................................... 39

Appendix 3: General parameter on underlying assets .................................... 41

Appendix 4: General guidance on the components of acquisition costs ......... 42

Appendix 5: Related legal and policy documents ............................................ 43

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PART A: OVERVIEW

1. Introduction

1.1 Compliance with Shariah requirement is a prerequisite in ensuring

legitimacy of Islamic financial products and services. Failure to

observe the essential conditions of a specific Shariah contract may

render the financial transactions entered between an Islamic financial

institution (IFI) and a customer to be invalid and thus, may lead to

adverse impact on the institutional safety and soundness. In this

regard, Bank Negara Malaysia (the Bank) embarks on the

development of a Shariah contract-based regulatory policy to enhance

end-to-end compliance with Shariah and therefore, ensure the integrity

and sustainability of the IFI.

1.2 The Shariah contract-based regulatory policy consists of two

components, namely Shariah requirements and operational

requirements. The first component highlights the salient features and

essential conditions of a specific Shariah contract. Clear stipulation of

Shariah rulings pertaining to a particular contract is intended to

facilitate sound understanding and cohesive adoption among the IFI.

The second component outlines operational requirements

encompassing core principles underpinning sound banking practices,

expectations for good governance, robust documentations, fair market

practices and effective risk management. These regulatory

expectations aim to complement and support effective application of

the Shariah contract.

1.3 Murabahah contract is a type of “trust sale” contract under Shariah in

which the purchaser relies upon the integrity of the seller to acquire

the desired Shariah compliant asset at a reasonable cost. In line with

the underpinning element of trust in murabahah contract, the seller is

required to disclose the breakdown of the selling price to the

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purchaser, which comprises the acquisition cost and the mark-up or

profit margin.

1.4 In the context of Islamic financial transaction, an IFI perform both roles

of a trader and a financier under the murabahah contract. As a trader,

the IFI undertake to acquire a specific asset from the vendor or

supplier based on the customer’s specification and subsequently sells

the asset to the customer with full disclosure of the asset’s acquisition

cost and profit margin. Typically, the IFI would accord deferred

settlement terms on the agreed selling price to the customer under the

murabahah contract to facilitate the financing arrangement.

1.5 An IFI may undertake direct dealing with the supplier or appoint the

customer as an agent to acquire the asset on its behalf for the

purpose of murabahah transaction. Shariah emphasises the need for

the seller to secure the ownership and assume the risk associated

with ownership of the asset prior to the execution of the murabahah

contract, regardless of the preceding undertaking provided by the

customer to purchase the asset.

1.6 In terms of risk profiling, the execution of murabahah transaction

exposes an IFI to several types of risks that include the operational

risks arising from the asset ownership, market risk associated with the

potential loss in the value of the asset owned by IFI as well as credit

risk arising from the losses associated with the potential failure of the

customer to settle the outstanding debt obligation. As such, it is

pertinent for the IFI to establish a comprehensive risk management

framework to support effective management of the risks associated

with murabahah transaction

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2. Policy objectives

2.1 This policy document aims–

(a) to provide reference on the Shariah rulings associated with

murabahah contract;

(b) to set out key operational requirements with regard to the

implementation of murabahah contract; and

(c) to promote end-to-end compliance with Shariah requirements as

well as to ensure sound banking practices and consumer

protection are implemented throughout the life cycle of

murabahah contract.

3. Scope of policy document

3.1 This policy document covers murabahah contract and murabahah to

the purchase orderer arrangement (MPO).

3.2 This policy document complements the rulings by the Shariah

Advisory Council of the Bank (SAC) as well as the relevant regulatory

framework on risk management, capital adequacy and governance

issued by the Bank.

4. Applicability

4.1 The policy document is applicable to all Islamic financial institutions as

defined in paragraph 8.2.

5. Legal provisions

5.1 The requirements in this policy document are–

(a) specified pursuant to sections 29 (1) and (2) of the Islamic

Financial Services Act 2013 (IFSA); and

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(b) issued pursuant to sections 41 and 129(3) of the Development

Financial Institutions Act 2002 (DFIA).

6. Effective date

6.1 This policy document comes into effect on 1 January 2014.

7. Policy superseded

7.1 The Shariah Parameter Reference 1 – Murabahah issued on 26

August 2009 is superseded.

8. Interpretation

8.1 The terms and expressions used in this policy document shall have

the same meanings assigned to them in the Financial Services Act

2013 (FSA), IFSA and DFIA, as the case may be, unless otherwise

defined in this policy document.

8.2 For the purpose of this policy document–

“S” denotes a standard, requirement or specification that must be

complied with. Failure to comply may result in one or more

enforcement actions;

“G” denotes guidance which may consist of such information,

advice or recommendation intended to promote common

understanding and sound industry practices which are

encouraged to be adopted.

“Islamic financial institutions” means –

(a) Islamic banks and takaful operators licensed under the IFSA;

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(b) licensed banks and licensed investment banks under the FSA

approved under section 15(1)(a) of the FSA to carry on Islamic

banking business; and

(c) prescribed institutions under the DFIA approved under section

129(1) of the DFIA to carry on Islamic banking business or

Islamic financial business.

9. Related legal and policy documents

9.1 This policy document must be read together with the legal and policy

documents listed in Appendix 5.

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PART B: SHARIAH REQUIREMENTS

 Definition and Nature of Murabahah

10. Definition

S

10.1 Murabahah refers to a sale and purchase of an asset where the

acquisition cost and the mark-up are disclosed to the purchaser.

11. Nature

S

11.1 Murabahah is a sale and purchase contract which is binding in

nature. Thus, the contract shall not be terminated unilaterally by

any of the contracting parties.

S

11.2 The specific inherent nature of the contract of murabahah is the

sale contract which is based on the element of trust in disclosing

the cost and mark-up. The common inherent nature of a sale

contract is the transfer of ownership of the asset from the seller to

the purchaser.

 Components of Murabahah

12. Contracting parties

S

12.1 The contracting parties in a murabahah contract shall be a seller

and a purchaser.

S

12.2 The contracting parties shall have the legal capacity1 to enter into

the murabahah contract.

1
 The legal capacity of a person, from Shariah perspective, is defined as capacity to assume rights
and responsibilities; and capacity to give legal effect to his action. Among the important
conditions are that the person must possess sound mind and the capacity to distinguish
between what is harmful or beneficial to one’s interests. Legal capacity of a legal entity is
defined as eligibility of an entity to acquire rights and assume responsibilities. In Malaysia, the
legal capacity is governed under the Contracts Act 1950 and the Age of Majority Act 1971.

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G

12.3 The contracting parties in a murabahah contract may be a natural

person or a legal person.

G

12.4 A party to murabahah contract may enter into the contract through

an agent.

S

12.5 The murabahah contract shall be entered into through an offer and

acceptance between the contracting parties.

G

12.6 The offer and acceptance may be expressed by appropriate

documentation or by any other methods accepted by customary

business practice (`urf tijari) which do not contravene the Shariah

principles.

S

12.7 Any term or condition mutually agreed upon which does not

contravene the Shariah shall be binding on the contracting parties.

13. Asset

S

13.1 Asset to be traded in a murabahah contract shall meet the following

conditions:

(a) the asset is recognised by the Shariah, valuable, identifiable

and deliverable; and

(b) the asset is already in existence and owned by the seller.

G

13.2 The murabahah asset may be a tangible or an intangible asset.

S

13.3 The following assets shall not be traded under murabahah contract:

(a) asset to be constructed or asset under construction; and

(b) asset which is debt in nature.

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S

13.4 Trading of the ribawi asset under a murabahah contract shall meet

the following conditions:

(a) the murabahah contract shall not be effected on the ribawi

asset within the same type and category; and

(b) the murabahah contract shall not be effected on the ribawi

asset within the same category but of different type on

deferred basis.

S

13.5 The ownership in the murabahah asset must be effectively

transferred from the seller to the purchaser.

S

13.6 The transfer of ownership is effected upon entering into a valid sale

and purchase contract even though there is no legal registration of

the ownership, provided that the sale and purchase is supported by

evidence of transaction.

S

13.7 The transfer of ownership shall take effect by the seller disposing of

the right of ownership (takhliyah) resulting in the purchaser having

access to the asset (tamkin) and assuming its risk through any

mechanism permitted by the Shariah and generally accepted by

customary business practices (‘urf tijari).

S

13.8 Possession of the asset shall either be in the form of physical

possession (qabd haqiqi) or constructive possession (qabd hukmi).

S

13.9 Pursuant to paragraph 13.8, the rights and liabilities of the

purchaser as the owner of the asset shall be established upon his

possession of the asset.

S

13.10 The seller shall bear the liability for loss or damage of the asset

before disposing the right of ownership (takhliyah), which results in

the purchaser having accessibility to the asset (tamkin).

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S

13.11 Multiple murabahah contracts shall not be entered into

simultaneously on the same asset.

G

13.12 A murabahah contract may be entered into on a group of assets

between the same contracting parties at the same time.

S

13.13 Any defect in the asset which is discovered and consented to by

the purchaser at the time of entering into the contract shall

disqualify the purchaser from entitlement to the defect option

(khiyar al-`ayb) with respect to the defect.

S

13.14 Any defect in the asset which occurred before entering into the

contract but is discovered after entering into the contract shall

entitle the purchaser to the defect option (khiyar al-`ayb).

G

13.15 Pursuant to 13.14, the purchaser has the right to terminate the

contract. Alternatively, the purchaser may choose to continue with

the contract as it is or with any mutually agreed variations of the

terms of the contract.

G

13.16 The contracting parties may mutually agree to specify the period for

the defect option at the time of entering into the contract.

G

13.17 The contracting parties may mutually agree to stipulate a condition

to waive liability for any defect on the asset before entering into the

contract.

G 13.18 The seller may defer the registration of the asset in the name of the

purchaser until full settlement of the selling price.

14. Price

S 14.1 The price and the currency used shall be determined and mutually

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agreed at the time of entering into the murabahah contract.

S

14.2 The price shall be based on the disclosed acquisition cost and

added mark-up at the time of entering into the contract.

G

14.3 Pursuant to paragraph 14.2, the mark-up may be determined either

in the form of an absolute amount or a certain percentage of the

acquisition cost or a reference rate such as the Base Lending Rate

(BLR), the Base Financing Rate (BFR), Kuala Lumpur Interbank

Offered Rate (KLIBOR) or Cost of Funds (COF).

S

14.4 Pursuant to paragraph 14.3, any reference rate adopted to

determine the mark-up shall be specified.

G

14.5 The acquisition cost, which forms the cost portion of the murabahah

price, may include direct expenses, which refer to costs incurred to

enable the acquisition of asset by the seller and the delivery of the

asset to the purchaser. This includes valid expenses which are

established by customary business practices (`urf tijari).

S 14.6 Indirect expenses to a particular murabahah transaction, such as

premise rental, utility bills, staff wages and labour charges, shall not

be included in the acquisition cost.

G

14.7 Cost of services integral to an asset such as installation cost may

be included in the cost portion of the acquired asset.

S

14.8 Any direct expenses to be incurred after entering into the

murabahah contract shall not form part of the acquisition cost and

shall be borne by the purchaser.

S 14.9 Any discount on the acquisition cost obtained upon purchase by the

seller shall be reflected as a reduction in the acquisition cost.

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G

14.10 Any asset acquired by the seller may be sold to the purchaser in

any other agreed currency provided that the seller discloses the

currency used in acquiring the asset.

G

14.11 A murabahah contract may be entered into on a cash or deferred

basis.

G

14.12 The contracting parties may agree to make payment of the

instalments or full settlement in a currency different from the

currency specified in the contract at the agreed prevailing exchange

rate on the payment or settlement date respectively.

G

14.13 The contracting parties may agree to extend or reschedule the

payment period of the remaining debt without any increase in

amount to the remaining debt.

G

14.14 Notwithstanding paragraph 14.13, the contracting parties may

agree to settle the outstanding debt obligation by entering into a

new contract that may results in a new debt obligation.

G

14.15 For the purpose of rescheduling the outstanding debt, the seller

may demand additional securities from the purchaser to secure the

payment of the rescheduled debt.

G

14.16 In the event of default, the seller may purchase the same asset or

part thereof from the defaulting purchaser in cash at a mutually

agreed price. The proceeds of the sale may be used to settle the

outstanding debt on the basis of set-off (muqassah).

G 14.17 Pursuant to paragraph 14.16, upon acquisition of the asset by the

seller, the asset may be leased to the purchaser on the basis of a

lease which ends with acquisition of ownership of the asset (ijarah

muntahia bi al-tamlik).

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G

14.18 The seller may impose on the defaulting purchaser all actual costs

incurred to recover the defaulted payment, including but not limited

to the costs of legal expenses and fees which the seller has

incurred to recover the outstanding payment.

G 14.19 The murabahah contract may contain a clause binding the

purchaser to settle all outstanding debt before the maturity date if

he defaults on any instalment payment.

ARRANGEMENT OF MURABAHAH WITH OTHER CONTRACT OR

CONCEPT

15. Arrangement of murabahah with wa’d (murabahah to the purchase

orderer)

S

15.1 Murabahah to the purchase orderer (MPO) refers to an arrangement

whereby the purchase orderer (purchaser) promises (wa`d) to

purchase an identified and specified asset from a seller on

murabahah terms upon the latter’s acquisition of the asset.

S

15.2 The wa`d to purchase the asset shall be binding on the purchase

orderer when the seller has taken an action to acquire the asset.

S

15.3 The wa`d shall be executed separately from, and before entering into

the murabahah contract.

G

15.4 Pursuant to paragraph 15.3, the wa’d may be incorporated in other

legal document such as–

(i) a master agreement provided that the master agreement does

not carry the effect of murabahah contract; or

(ii) in a stand-alone document.

S 15.5 The purchase orderer who promised to purchase and take delivery of

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the asset but refused to enter into the murabahah contract upon the

seller’s purchase of the asset as per the agreed terms shall be held

liable for breach of wa`d.

S

15.6 Pursuant to paragraph 15.5, the purchase orderer shall compensate

the seller for actual costs incurred in the acquisition of the asset and its

disposal to a third party and the shortfall in the disposal price

compared to the purchase price (if any).

S

15.7 The murabahah contract shall not be entered into prior to the purchase

of the murabahah asset by the seller.

S

15.8 In the event that the purchase orderer has purchased the asset from

the supplier, the seller in the MPO arrangement shall establish his

ownership of the asset either by terminating the purchase contract and

entering into a new purchase contract with the supplier, or by any

other means of transfer of ownership which is in compliance with

Shariah.

G

15.9 The purchase orderer may request the seller to purchase the assets

intended for the murabahah transaction from a specific market place or

a supplier. However, the seller may decline this request for whatever

reason deemed reasonable by the seller as long as the assets fulfil the

agreed specifications.

S

15.10 Upon acquisition of an asset by the seller and until the murabahah

contract is entered into with the purchase orderer, the seller shall

assume the ownership risk of the asset.

G

15.11 Pursuant to paragraph 15.10, the seller may obtain takaful coverage

on the asset acquired before selling it to the purchase orderer. The

takaful contribution paid by the seller may be added to the acquisition

cost.

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S

15.12 Under the MPO, at the stage of acquisition from the supplier, the seller

shall not require the purchase orderer to subscribe to takaful coverage

to ensure the payment of the price by the seller to the supplier.

G

15.13 Assets purchased by the seller according to the purchase orderer’s

requirements may be delivered to the purchase orderer to be held as a

trust before entering into the murabahah contract.

S

15.14 Pursuant to paragraph 15.13, loss or damage of asset in the

possession of the purchase orderer before entering into the

murabahah contract due to negligence of the purchase orderer shall

be borne by the purchase orderer.

G

15.15 The purchase orderer at the stage of wa`d may act as a kafil to the

seller to guarantee the safe delivery of the asset by the supplier to the

seller.

S

15.16 Pursuant to paragraph 15.15, any loss incurred due to late delivery of

the asset to the seller shall be borne by the purchase orderer as the

kafil.  Damage or defects that arise after the delivery of the asset to the

purchase orderer shall not be covered under this guarantee

arrangement.

S

15.17 Loss or damage of assets in the possession of the purchaser (seller

under the MPO) after acquisition of the asset from the supplier and

prior to sale to the purchase orderer shall be borne by the purchaser.

G

15.18 The purchase orderer may seek recourse from the seller for any defect

of asset delivered to the purchase orderer based on the defect option

(khiyar al-`ayb).

G 15.19 Notwithstanding paragraph 15.18, both parties may agree to

incorporate in the contract a clause to exempt the seller from any

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defect in the asset and assign the right of recourse to the purchase

orderer against the supplier for the defect subject to the consent of the

supplier.

16. Arrangement of murabahah to the purchase orderer with wakalah

G

16.1 The seller may appoint the purchase orderer as its agent (purchasing

agent) to purchase the asset from the supplier on behalf of the seller

as the principal (muwakkil).

S

16.2 The appointment shall be in a separate document from the murabahah

contract.

G

16.3 Pursuant to paragraph 16.2, the wakalah may be incorporated in other

legal document such as–

(a) a master agreement provided that the master agreement does

not carry the effect of the murabahah contract; or

(b) in a stand-alone document.

G

16.4 The name of the principal in the agency (wakalah) contract may be

disclosed in all documents related to the sale contract between the

supplier and the principal that are executed by the purchasing agent

on behalf of the principal.

G

16.5 Notwithstanding paragraph 16.4, the purchasing agent and the

principal may agree that only the name of the purchasing agent may

be disclosed in all documents related to the sale contract between the

supplier and the purchasing agent.

S

16.6 In the event that the principal requires the purchasing agent to provide

several quotations for the asset, the principal shall clearly indicate to

the purchasing agent the quotation which the principal has chosen.

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G

16.7 The purchasing agent may advance his own money for partial

payment of the purchase price to the supplier.

S

16.8 Pursuant to paragraph 16.7, the advanced amount shall be reimbursed

by the principal or shall be offset from the selling price which is to be

concluded with the purchasing agent.

S

16.9 Once the purchasing agent has purchased the asset on behalf of the

principal, the murabahah contract must be entered into to sell the

asset to the purchase orderer (purchasing agent).

S

16.10 The principal shall remain liable for the asset purchased by the

purchasing agent.

17. Arrangement of murabahah contract with assurances

G

17.1 For the purpose of assurances, murabahah contract may be arranged

with other contracts or concepts such as kafalah, takaful coverage,

rahn, hamish jiddiyah (security deposit), or`urbun (earnest money).

a)  Assurance of murabahah contract through kafalah

G

17.2 A guarantee may be arranged to guarantee the purchase of the

murabahah asset in the case of default by the purchase orderer upon

its acquisition by the seller.

G

17.3 A guarantee may also be arranged to guarantee the payment of the

outstanding debt amount of the murabahah sale in the case of default

by the purchaser.

b)  Assurance of murabahah contract through takaful coverage

G 17.4 Upon entering into the contract, the seller may require the purchaser to

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contribute to a takaful coverage to guarantee the payment of the debt

obligation under murabahah contract in the event of loss of legal

capacity by the purchaser.

G

17.5 The contracting parties may agree to exclude takaful contribution (for

coverage of the asset under the seller’s possession before selling it to

the purchaser) from the acquisition cost and the purchaser may agree

to absorb the takaful cost before entering into the murabahah contract.

c)  Assurance of murabahah contract through rahn

S

17.6 Collateral (marhun) in a murabahah contract (if any) shall be a

Shariah-compliant asset.

G

17.7 Notwithstanding paragraph 17.6, interest bearing debt based asset

such as Conventional Fixed Deposit Certificate, may be used as

collateral provided the collateral is valued up to the principal amount.

S

17.8 The collateral shall be utilised to recover payment of the outstanding

debt amount.

G

17.9 The contracting parties may agree to include the claim on actual costs

incurred for the recovery of the outstanding debt payment from the

collateral.

d)  Assurance of murabahah contract through hamish jiddiyah

G

17.10 The seller may require the purchaser to place a security deposit

(hamish jiddiyyah) to secure the undertaking to purchase the asset.

G 17.11 The security deposit may be used to compensate against actual loss

incurred in the event the purchaser fails to purchase the asset from the

seller.

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S

17.12 Pursuant to paragraph 17.11, the excess portion of the security

deposit after compensation against actual loss shall be returned to the

purchaser.

G

17.13 Upon entering into the murabahah contract, the security deposit may

be treated as part of the payment of the agreed selling price for the

murabahah contract.

S

17.14 The security deposit shall be returned to the purchaser if it is not

treated as part of the payment of the murabahah selling price.

e)   Assurance of murabahah contract through `urbun

G

17.15 Upon entering into the murabahah contract, the purchaser may place

earnest money (`urbun) with the seller, and the purchaser is given a

specified time period to continue with or terminate the contract.

S

17.16 The earnest money shall be treated as part payment of the agreed

selling price if the purchaser exercises the option to continue with the

contract within the specified time.

S

17.17 In the event the purchaser fails to exercise the option to continue with

the contract within the specified time, the murabahah contract is

terminated and seller shall be entitled to the earnest money.

18. Incorporation of rebate (ibra’) in murabahah contract

G

18.1 The seller may consider waiving part of the outstanding debt in the

form of a discount to the purchaser upon pre-payment and/or early

settlement.

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S

18.2 A rebate clause shall be incorporated in the murabahah contract

provided that it is a requirement imposed by the authority.

G

18.3 In the event that the murabahah contract involves payment of the

deferred price in instalment, the seller may provide periodic ibra’ based

on certain benchmark agreed by the contracting parties.

19. Arrangement of murabahah with ta`widh and/or gharamah

G

19.1 The contracting parties may agree to include a clause in the

murabahah contract stipulating late payment charges as determined

by the relevant authorities.

S 19.2 Pursuant to paragraph 19.2, the late payment charges shall consist of–

(a) ta`widh (compensation) for actual loss borne by the seller, which

may be recognised as income to the seller; and/or

(b) gharamah (penalty), which shall not be recognised as income.

Instead,  it shall be channelled to charitable bodies.

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DISSOLUTION (FASAKH) AND COMPLETION (INTIHA’) OF MURABAHAH

CONTRACT

20. Dissolution of murabahah contract

S

20.1 A murabahah contract is dissolved under the following circumstances:

(a) the purchaser in a murabahah arrangement with earnest money

(`urbun) exercises the option not to continue the contract within

the specified time;

(b) the purchaser exercises the defect option (khiyar al-`ayb) to

terminate the murabahah contract;

(c) any of the contracting parties exercises the mutually agreed

options to terminate the murabahah contract within the agreed

time period;

(d) the contracting parties exercise the option to terminate the

murabahah contract due to breach of terms; or

(e) both contracting parties mutually agree to terminate the sale

contract.

S

20.2 Upon dissolution of the murabahah contract, the asset shall be returned

to the seller and with the exception of paragraph 20.1 (a), any amount

paid shall be returned to the purchaser.

S 20.3 Pursuant to paragraph 20.2, the dissolution of contract shall be effective

provided that the asset can be returned to the seller.

21. Completion of murabahah contract

S

21.1 The murabahah contract ends upon fulfilment of the contracting parties’

obligations which include the following:

(a) full settlement of the selling price;

(b) transfer of the obligation to pay the selling price to a third party

(hiwalah);

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(c) waiving the  right by the seller to receive the selling price through

a rebate (ibra’); or

(d) set-off (muqassah) of debt obligations between the contracting

parties.

S 21.2 Upon completion of the murabahah contract, the contracting parties are

free from any contractual obligations.

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PART C: OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The regulatory expectations set out in this part emphasise on the establishment

of effective policies and procedures to facilitate oversight function, conduct of

murabahah transaction, information disclosure, and risk management.  The policy

intent of these operational requirements is to provide adequate safeguard to

stakeholders’ interest, promote cohesive implementation of business and risk

management strategies and drive the development of necessary systems,

processes and control measures while preserving Shariah requirement.

22. Oversight Functions

Principle 1: IFI must establish comprehensive internal policies and

procedures to ensure murabahah transaction comply with Shariah and are

conducted based on sound practices as well as within proper oversight

arrangement.

S

22.1 The Board of Directors (the Board) shall ensure–

(a) all requirements pertaining to Shariah matters are endorsed by the

Shariah Committee (SC);

(b) application of murabahah contract is aligned with the IFI’s business

and risk management strategies;

(c) relevant internal policies governing the murabahah transaction are

established, approved and adhered to at all times by the IFI. These

policies (at minimum) shall cover the following aspects:

(i) asset acquisition and asset sale;

(ii) risk management; and

(iii) information disclosures.

(d) internal policy and procedure on inventory management are

established if IFI undertake to acquire and safe keep or maintain

tradable assets for the purpose of conducting murabahah

transaction;

(e) the internal policies are regularly reviewed in order to remain

relevant, current and effective in managing the overall operational

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conduct and risk exposure associated with murabahah transaction.

Therefore, the IFI are required to clearly determine and specify the

terms and frequency of review exercise and events that warrant for

each policy governing the murabahah transaction be reviewed; and

(f) independent reviews are conducted regularly to assess compliance

with the standards issued by the Bank and internal policies

established by the IFI.

S

22.2 The SC shall–

(a) endorse the application of Shariah in relevant internal policies and

procedures governing the application of murabahah contract;

(b) deliberate and endorse the terms and conditions stipulated in legal

documentation and other documents including product manual,

marketing advertisement, sales illustrations and brochures are in

compliance with Shariah; and

(c) perform oversight role on the application of murabahah contract to

ensure due observance of Shariah.

S 22.3 The senior management2 shall–

(a) formulate and implement the internal policies, processes and

procedures governing the murabahah transaction. At minimum the

internal policies shall–

(i) identify legal documentation in murabahah transaction as well

as procedures to be observed in executing such transaction

to ensure that the transaction is valid and enforceable in

accordance with the terms of the contract;

(ii) identify the accountabilities to undertake various activities

under murabahah transaction including processing

2
 Means a person having authority and responsibility for planning, directing or controlling the activities

of the IFI including the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, members of decision-making
committees and other person performing key function such as risk management, compliance, internal
audit or other functions as specified by the Bank.

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customer’s application to purchase asset , asset acquisition,

asset sale transaction, communication, compliance

monitoring and review function;

(iii) set out appropriate scope, methodology and process in

assessing the capability of contracting parties to fulfill

contractual obligations;

(iv) outline eligibility criteria of asset3 that qualifies for murabahah

transaction;

(v) outline parameters on direct expenditures that qualify to form

part of murabahah acquisition cost;

(vi) establish risk management system and maintain adequate

mechanism to identify, measure and mitigate risk associated

with murabahah transaction;

(vii) provide reference to the applicable Shariah rulings4;  and

(viii) provide cross reference to the applicable policies, such as

policy on financing and credit risk management.

(b) where applicable, set out policies and procedures for the

appointment of agent, valuation methodology for inventories and

disposal of inventories;

(c) clearly communicate the approved policies to internal stakeholders

to facilitate effective implementation; and

(d) undertake regular review and monitor compliance on the approved

policies.

3
   Appendix 3 highlights the general qualifying parameter on permissible assets under Shariah.

4
   Refers to rulings issued by the Bank’s Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) and Shariah Committee of

the IFI.

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 23. Documentations, Internal Policies & Procedures

 Principle 2: IFI must identify and establish legal documentation, policies

and procedures to ensure the transaction is valid and implemented in

accordance with Shariah.

f)  Documentary requirements

S

23.1 IFI must develop a complete set of legal documentation5 for murabahah

transaction that complies with Shariah. These documentations shall

specify the agreed terms on asset acquisition, asset sale and financing

arrangement.

S

23.2 IFI shall ensure that the following is documented in writing and executed

by contracting parties:

(a) legal documentation evidencing the murabahah contract and

financing arrangement;

(b) legal documentation evidencing the asset ownership and purchase

cost; and

(c) where applicable, legal documentation evidencing agency

appointment and purchase undertaking.

S

23.3 IFI must clearly stipulate the terms, conditions, rights, duties and

obligations of contracting parties in the respective documentations.

S 23.4 IFI shall ensure that the order or application by the customer for the

purchase of asset is supported by a written document. At minimum, the

document shall outline the following:

(a) description and quantity of the asset to be acquired;

(b) estimated purchase price; and

(c) proposed supplier of the asset (if applicable).

5
   Covers contracts, agreements, master agreements and commercial documents such as invoices,

transport document, delivery notes, document of title and other generally acceptable documents in
trade and financial transactions.

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S

23.5 IFI must ensure it has relevant document evidencing its ownership on

the asset prior executing murabahah contract.

S

23.6 The documentation on murabahah transaction or sale of asset shall

include the following:

(a) description of the asset or subject matter of sale;

(b) total selling price6, asset acquisition cost7 and profit amount (mark

up)

(c) the settlement terms of the selling price;

(d) provision of rebate due to early settlement of selling price; and

(e) clause on compensation due to events of default.

S

23.7 If an agent is employed, IFI must establish legal documentation

evidencing the appointment of the agent and outline specific roles,

duties, rights and obligations to be undertaken by the agent on behalf of

the IFI. The agency documentation must be separated from murabahah

contract.

S

23.8 If a purchase undertaking (wa’d) is employed, IFI shall document the

purchase undertaking provided by the customer separately from

murabahah contract. IFI must ensure that the purchase undertaking

document is legally enforceable and provides adequate right for IFI to

claim compensation for losses8 suffered due to any breach of terms by

the customer.

6
  Asset selling price is equivalent to the summation of total asset acquisition cost and profit amount.

7
  Total asset acquisition cost means the asset’s purchase price plus direct expenses incurred for asset
acquisition minus any discount received from the supplier. General guidance on the component of
acquisition costs is provided in Appendix 4.

8
  In the event the purchase orderer does not fulfill his obligation under the purchase undertaking, the
purchase orderer shall compensate the seller for actual costs incurred in the acquisition of the asset,
disposal of asset to a third party and any shortfall in the disposal price compared to the purchase
cost.

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S 23.9 The use of Arabic terminology in the documents must be sufficiently

clarified or translated to facilitate understanding of the contracting

parties and where available, terminologies as provided or endorsed by

the SAC shall be adopted and reflected accordingly.

 a)  Acquisition of asset

S

23.10 IFI must undertake asset acquisition process based on the approved

policies.

S

23.11 IFI must ensure the asset acquisition transaction undertaken for the

purpose of murabahah contract is genuine and evidenced by proper

and sufficient documentation.

G

23.12 Pursuant to paragraph 23.11, IFI may conduct assessment on the

supplier, which includes verification on its legitimate establishment and

capabilities to deliver the desired asset prior to the execution of the

asset acquisition process.

S

23.13 IFI must perform the necessary process as set out in the approved

policies to ensure that the customer has the capability and credibility to

satisfy his obligations under the murabahah contract and/or agency

document prior to performing the asset acquisition process.

S

23.14 IFI must implement appropriate mechanism to ensure the asset

acquired by the agent satisfies the customer’s requirements.

G

23.15 IFI may specify the duty of the agent in the agency documentation to

ensure the assets acquired on behalf of the institutions satisfies the

customer’s requirements.

G

23.16 IFI may require the purchase orderer or customer to place security

deposits as a control measure to affirm latter’s commitment to enter into

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murabahah contract.

 b)  Sale of asset

S

23.17 IFI must ensure that it has secured ownership of the asset prior to

entering into murabahah contract or sale of asset agreement with the

customer. The ownership rights in the asset shall be represented by

enforceable documentary evidence.

S

23.18 The agreed currency of settlement associated with the sale of asset

must be clearly stipulated in the murabahah contract.

S

23.19 The determination of the agreed selling price and the deferred

settlement terms or financing terms must be in accordance with the

approved policies governing the financing and pricing of murabahah

transaction.

S 23.20 Ownership of the asset sold under murabahah contract shall be

effectively transferred to the customer in accordance with the terms

agreed in the sale document.

 c)  Inventory management

S

23.21 If IFI acquires and safe keeps or maintains tradable assets for the

purpose of conducting murabahah transaction, a policy that covers the

following aspects must be established, approved by the Board and

adhered to by the IFI:

(a) procedures to ensure the acquired asset is securely kept and

properly maintained;

(b) measures to assess the conditions of the asset;

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(c) mechanism on asset valuation, which includes the applicable

valuation methodology9 and the frequency of valuation exercise;

(d) procedures to monitor asset that is maintained by the appointed

agent; and

(e) procedures to dispose the inventories, which include identifying

events that potentially trigger the need for the IFI to dispose such

asset and the appropriate disposal mechanism.

24. Information Disclosure

Principle 3: IFI shall provide relevant information to enable relevant

stakeholders understand murabahah transaction

S

24.1 IFI shall provide complete and accurate information to customer with

regard to the application of murabahah contract. At minimum,

information to be disclosed in the product disclosure sheet or marketing

materials shall include the following:

(a) objective of the financial product and murabahah transaction;

(b) overview of the transaction structure;

(c) roles, responsibilities, rights and obligations of the contracting

parties;

(d) key terms and conditions of the contract;

(e) description of eligible asset to be financed under murabahah

contract;

(f) parameter or basis used to determine the acquisition cost and

profit margin;

(g) fees and charges, including compensation charges following the

customer’s failure to fulfill the promise to purchase the asset; and

(h) where applicable, the terms and conditions as well as rights and

obligation of contracting parties with regard to the placement of

security deposit or advance payment.

9
    The IFI must refer to relevant regulatory requirement on prudent valuation, particularly the Capital

Adequacy Framework for Islamic banks in conducting asset valuation.

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G

24.2 IFI may provide illustration to the customer on the adopted methodology

or parameter to determine the profit margin in murabahah contract.

G

24.3 In addition, IFI may highlight or explain to the customer the mechanism

on rebate arising from early settlement of the outstanding selling price.

25. Risk Management

Principle 4: IFI must institute and implement sound risk management

system to effectively manage risks associated with murabahah contract

 Risk management policies

S

25.1 At minimum, the risk management policies shall address the following:

(a) process and procedures for the identification, measurement,

monitoring, reporting and control of all risks exposure associated

with murabahah contract;

(b) internal limits on risk exposure (concentration) in line with the IFI’s

risk appetite and capacity;

(c) type of funding source used to finance murabahah transaction;

(d) appropriate risk mitigation measures to minimise risk arising from

murabahah transaction; and

(e) type, nature and frequency of reporting to the Board, senior

management and Shariah Committee.

 Risk identification

S

25.2 IFI must identify and assess risks inherent in murabahah transaction.

S

25.3 IFI shall clearly specify and document the methodologies and

parameters adopted to identify risks profile of murabahah transaction.

G 25.4 IFI may adopt various established approaches such as the Business

Process Mapping, Risk Control Self Assessments (RCSA) and Scenario

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analysis to perform risks identification and assessment process on

murabahah transaction. The outcome of this process enables IFI to

identify individual risk type, risk interdependencies and assess any

weakness that may exist in the overall risk management and control

system.

 Risk Measurement

S

25.5 IFI must establish appropriate mechanism to measure risks exposure

associated with murabahah transaction.

S

25.6 IFI must adopt and implement prudent methodologies10 to measure the

potential financial losses arising from the identified risk events

associated with murabahah transaction. These methodologies must be

documented and shall commensurate with the nature and complexity of

IFI’s risk exposures under murabahah contract.

G

25.7 IFI may compile relevant internal and external data to support the basis

of risks measurement, which may include–

(a) financial losses attributed to operational risk events such as theft,

fraud, natural disaster, failure on the part of the customer to fulfill

promises and other obligations;

(b) prices of relevant goods or assets; and

(c) where applicable, the estimated holding cost of inventories and

time taken to dispose asset.

 Risk Controls and Mitigation

S

25.8 IFI must establish strong control environment that uses policies,

processes, systems, appropriate internal controls and risk mitigation

10

  The IFI shall be guided by regulatory guidance on prudent valuation as specified in the Capital
Adequacy Framework for Islamic banks in performing asset valuation.

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measures to ensure IFI have an effective operation relating to

murabahah transaction. The control and mitigation measures must

commensurate with the complexity and materiality of institutions’ risk

exposure on murabahah transaction.

S

25.9 If agency (wakalah) and/or purchase undertaking is employed as a

measure to mitigate risk associated with the acquired assets, the IFI

shall ensure the agency document and/or purchase undertaking (wa’d)

document is executed before the acquisition of the murabahah asset.

G

25.10 IFI may employ risk transfer mechanism such as through takaful cover

in line with internal policies approved by the Board. For instance, IFI

may provide takaful coverage on the asset acquired for the purpose of

murabahah contract. Such protection may minimise potential losses

arising from any damage to assets or inventories owned by the IFI.

S

25.11 IFI that employ risk transfer mechanism shall ensure that the

mechanism:

(a) is consistent with the policy approved by the Board;

(b) shall compliment rather than replacement for, internal operational

risk control; and

(c) shall effectively reduce the risks exposure to murabahah

transaction and does not create additional risk.

G

25.12 IFI may maintain a list of approved alternative suppliers to facilitate

acquisition of asset in the event that the original supplier fails to deliver

the desired asset.

 Risk monitoring and reporting

S

25.13 IFI must establish robust risk monitoring system to ensure–

(a) murabahah transaction complies with Shariah;

(b) risk exposure associated with murabahah transaction are

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comprehensively and accurately measured;

(c) value of collateral and security deposits are sufficient to mitigate

potential losses;

(d) appropriate provisioning is duly allocated on impaired assets;

(e) risk concentration is maintained within approved limits;

(f) counterparties satisfy their contractual obligations; and

(g) implication arising from the changes in the operating and economic

environment are adequately measured and assessed against the

capital adequacy of the institution.

S

25.14 IFI shall have in place systems and procedures to monitor risks

exposure associated with murabahah transaction.

S 25.15 The reporting to senior management and the Board must be objectively

undertaken and supported with–

(a) comprehensive risk assessment and recommendation to enable IFI

in deciding whether the application of murabahah contract is

consistent with the IFI’s risk appetite and capacity;

(b) risk analysis on potential changes or migration of risk profiling (e.g.

disruption in the market that may reduce the supply of the asset);

and

(c) recommendations to improve or enhance risk management

framework and infrastructure to address risks arising from the

application of murabahah contract.

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Appendices

Appendix 1: Legitimacy of murabahah contract

 25.16 The legitimacy of the murabahah contract is derived from the Quran

and founded on the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon

him), the consensus of Muslim jurists (ijma’) and Qiyas (analogy).

 The Quran

25.17 The following verse of the Quran implies the general permissibility of

sales contract including murabahah:

 َوَأَحلَّ اللَـُّه اْلبَـْيَع َوَحرََّم الرِّبَا

“…whereas Allah SWT has permitted trading and forbidden usury…” (Surah al-

Baqarah, verse 275)

 The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

25.18 There is no direct juristic authority from the Sunnah of the Prophet

(peace be upon him) regarding the legitimacy of the murabahah

contract. It is deemed permissible based on the general permissibility

of sales in Islamic law.

25.19 The following hadith implies the general permissibility of murabahah

contract:

 أي: سئل -وسلم عليه اهلل صلى- النيب أن -عنه اهلل رضي- رافع بن رفاعة عن

 .مربور بيع وكل, بيده الرجل عمل: قال أطيب؟ الكسب
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was reported to have said:

“The best earning is what a man earns with his own hands and from a

permissible trade” (Narrated by Hakim, Al-Mustadrak, Hadith no. 2160)

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 Consensus of the Muslim jurists (Ijma’)

25.20 The Muslim jurists have reached ijma’ on the permissibility of

murabahah contract.

 Analogy

25.21 Since the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) approved the

tawliyah sale (sale based on cost price), the sale on mark-up will be

equally permissible on the basis of analogy on the tawliyah sale.

25.22 The determination of cost and making the cost known to the purchaser

is common in both the tawliyah and murabahah sales.

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Appendix 2: Glossary

Terms Explanation

Acquisition cost The cost of  acquiring an asset, including its price and

direct expenses

Direct expense Costs or expenses incurred to directly enable the

acquisition of asset by the IFI and delivery of the asset to

the customer

Gharamah Penalty

Hamish jiddiyyah A security deposit placed to secure the undertaking to

purchase an asset before entering into the sale and

purchase agreement.

Hiwalah Assignment of debt from the liability of the original debtor

to the liability of a third person so that the original debtor

becomes free of liability

Ibra’ Rebate

Ijarah muntahia

bi al-tamlik

Lease contract which ends with acquisition of ownership of

the asset by the lessee

Ijma` Consensus of Muslim jurists

Indirect expense Expense indirectly incurred and not directly chargeable to a

specific acquisition, project or task

Kafil Guarantor

Khiyaral-`ayb Option arising from a defect; the option of dissolving the

contract on discovery of a defect in the asset purchased

Muqassah Offsetting

Purchase orderer A person who enters into an arrangement with a seller to

place an order for a particular asset and undertakes to

subsequently purchase the said asset upon its acquisition

by the seller.

Qabd haqiqi Physical possession. It refers to a state where a person

has actual possession and the rights to control an asset

Qabd hukmi Constructive possession. It refers to a state where a

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person does not have actual possession but has the legal

rights to control an asset

Qiyas Analogy

Rahn Pledge/Charge

Ribawi asset Assets which are subject to specific rules in sales to avoid

the implication of riba. These assets consist of six (6) types

and are classified into two (2) categories:

(a) Medium of exchange (currency) represented by gold

and silver and any items used as currency; and

(b) Staple food represented by wheat, barley, dates,

and salts.

If an exchange involves the same type of asset such as

gold for gold or wheat for wheat, then it must be of equal

counter-value and on-spot basis. If the exchange involves

assets of different type but within the same category such

as the exchange of gold for paper currency, then it has to

be done on spot basis.

Takhliyah Relinquishing or abandoning the rights of ownership

Tamkin Enabling the person who has the ownership of an asset

transferred to him to make full use and assume liability of

the asset

Ta`widh Compensation

Tawliyah Sale of an asset at its cost price

‘Urbun Earnest money paid to secure purchase of an asset in an

exchange contract which is considered part of the price if

the purchaser decides to continue the contract and is not

refundable.

‘Urf tijari Common business practice which is acceptable by the

community and does not contradict the Shariah rulings

Wa`d Promise or undertaking

Wakalah Agency contract

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Appendix 3: General parameter on underlying assets

25.23 Minimum criteria that needs to be fulfilled to ensure that the underlying

asset complies with Shariah requirement:

(a) The asset must exist and identifiable in terms of its location,

quantity and quality. Assets under construction are not eligible for

murabahah contract.

(b) The asset must be permissible under Shariah, valuable and

beneficial to the purchaser.

(c) The asset must be transferable (i.e. something that can be

delivered to customers).

(d) Debt instruments (e.g. Islamic accepted bills and negotiable

Islamic debt certificates) are not qualified to be traded under

murabahah contract.

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Appendix 4: General guidance on the components of acquisition costs

25.24 The acquisition cost refers to direct expenses incurred for the acquisition

of asset by IFI and delivery of the asset to customer, which includes:

(a) transportation;

(b) storage;

(c) assembly (e.g. cost of services such as installation cost);

(d) taxes;

(e) cost arising from insurance or takaful coverage on the asset

acquired before selling it to customer. The takaful contribution paid

by IFI may be added to the cost of acquisition; and

(f) any valid expenses established by customary practice. This should

be deliberated and approved by SC of IFI.

25.25 Additional direct expenses that are incurred subsequent to completion of

murabahah contract and not specified in the legal documentation shall

not form part of the murabahah selling price.

25.26 Overhead expenditure or indirect cost shall not form part of the

acquisition. These expenses include staff wages or labour charges that

are not due to asset acquisition activities.

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Appendix 5: Related legal and policy documents

25.27 This policy document must be read together with the following legal and

policy documents:

(a) Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) rulings published by the Bank11;

(b) Shariah Governance Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions;

(c) Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Islamic Bank;

(d) Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Development Financial

Institutions;

(e) Risk Governance;

(f) Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (Risk-Weighted

Assets);

(g) Capital Framework for Development Financial Institutions;

(h) Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (CAFIB) -

Disclosure Requirements;

(i) Guidelines on Product Transparency and Disclosure;

(j) Guidelines on Financial Reporting for Islamic Banking Institutions;

(k) Guidelines on Financial Reporting for Development Financial

Institutions ;

(l) Guidelines on Property Development and Property Investment

Activities by Islamic Banks;

(m) Guidelines on the Imposition of Fees and Charges on Financial

Products and Services;

(n) Guidelines on rebate (Ibra’) for Sale-based Financing;

(o) Guidelines on Late Payment Charges for Islamic Financial

Institutions; and

(p) Guidelines on Responsible Financing.

11

 Including Shariah resolutions in Islamic Finance, standards, circulars or any directive
pertaining to Shariah matters issued by the Bank


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