Understanding Shariah investing in Malaysia in 2025

24 August 2025

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In a world of volatile markets, rising ethical awareness, and shifting global capital flows, Malaysian investors are increasingly looking for portfolios that do more than just chase returns. Enter Shariah investing—a faith-based yet globally relevant investment framework that combines moral discipline, real economic value, and risk-sharing principles.

Far from being niche, Shariah-compliant investments have become a mainstream asset class, not only in Malaysia—where Islamic financing accounts for 46.6% of the banking system in 2024—but also globally, with Islamic finance assets projected to reach USD 7.5 trillion by 2028

This guide breaks down how Malaysia defines Shariah compliance, what products are available today—from sukuk and i-REITs to robo-advisors and EPF Simpanan Shariah—and how to start building a halal, purpose-driven portfolio in 2025.

What is Shariah investing?

At its core, Shariah investing is a form of ethical or faith-based investing that adheres to the principles of Islamic law. It’s a comprehensive framework that goes beyond just financial returns, focusing on ensuring that wealth is generated in a way that is just, transparent, and beneficial to society.

This framework is built upon a few foundational principles:

1. Prohibition of Riba (Interest)

Shariah investing avoids transactions involving interest. The lending and borrowing of money for a predetermined return (interest) is seen as an exploitative practice where money itself becomes a commodity, rather than a medium of exchange.

Instead, Islamic finance encourages financing based on real assets and trade, where profit is earned through legitimate commercial risk. This means avoiding investments in:

  • Conventional banks
  • Insurance companies
  • Businesses that derive significant income from interest

2. Prohibition of Gharar (Excessive uncertainty or ambiguity)

Shariah law prohibits contracts or transactions that are overly speculative, ambiguous, or where the terms are not clearly defined. This protects all parties from exploitation due to a lack of information.

Examples of prohibited practices under gharar include:

  • Complicated derivatives
  • Short-sellingContracts where the underlying asset is uncertain

The principle demands clarity and full disclosure.

3. Prohibition of Maysir (Gambling or speculation)

This principle forbids earning wealth from games of chance. Maysir refers to acquiring wealth by luck or speculation rather than through productive effort or trade.

As such, Shariah-compliant investments cannot involve businesses directly engaged in gambling, such as:

  • Casinos
  • Betting platforms
  • Lotteries

4. Emphasis on real economic activity

Investments must be tied to tangible, underlying assets or legitimate business ventures. The goal is to encourage economic activity that:

  • Creates real value
  • Generates employmentContributes to society

It avoids generating profits from purely financial engineering or speculative trades.

5. Screening of prohibited sectors

Investments in companies whose primary business involves activities considered harmful or unethical under Islamic principles are forbidden. This includes companies involved in:

  • Alcohol
  • Pork-related products
  • Conventional financial services (riba)
  • Gambling (maysir)
  • Adult entertainment
  • Tobacco
  • Weapons and defence

Invest globally with your values: Shariah Global Portfolio by StashAway

The Shariah Global Portfolio by StashAway lets you grow your wealth with purpose—combining global diversification with full Shariah compliance. Backed by Masryef Advisory, every ETF is rigorously screened and adjusted to meet Islamic standards.

Choose from four risk profiles—from Moderate to Very Aggressive—with historical returns ranging from 7.2%* to 13.8%* p.a., crafted through a mix of global equities, sukuk, and gold.

Is Shariah investing for Muslim only?

While Shariah investing is rooted in Islamic principles, its appeal today extends far beyond religious boundaries.

Many of the core values embedded in Shariah finance—such as ethical screening, risk-sharing, and responsible use of capital—align closely with global trends in ethical, sustainable, and values-based investing.

Here’s why investors of all backgrounds are paying attention:

1. Ethical and ESG alignment

Shariah investing excludes industries such as tobacco, gambling, alcohol, and weapons manufacturing—many of the same sectors screened out in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks.

This shared ethical filter resonates with socially responsible investors, regardless of religion.

2. Lower leverage, stronger fundamentals

Shariah-compliant companies are required to limit riba-based (interest-bearing) debt. This means they typically carry lower financial leverage, resulting in stronger balance sheets and greater resilience during market downturns.

This makes them especially attractive to conservative or risk-aware investors.

3. Focus on real assets and transparency

By requiring investments to be backed by tangible economic activity, Shariah investing avoids speculative financial products and excessive risk-taking.

This "back-to-basics" approach appeals to investors who value real-world impact, asset-backed growth, and financial transparency.

How is it decided what’s Shariah-compliant?

In Malaysia, the authority for determining the Shariah status of publicly listed companies rests with the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) under the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).

The SAC adopts a two-tier quantitative screening process, followed by a qualitative assessment to determine compliance.

1. Business activity benchmarks

This first screen assesses whether a company derives a significant portion of its income from activities prohibited by Shariah law. There are two thresholds:

a. The 5% benchmark

A company fails the screen if more than 5% of its revenue or pre-tax profit comes from activities such as:

  • Conventional banking and lending
  • Conventional insurance
  • Gambling and gaming
  • Liquor and alcohol manufacturing or sales
  • Pork-related products
  • Food and beverage operations without JAKIM halal certification
  • Tobacco products
  • Interest income from conventional instruments
  • Non-compliant entertainment

b. The 20% benchmark

A higher threshold applies to activities that may involve some non-compliant elements but have broader economic function. These must remain under 20% of revenue:

  • Share trading and stockbroking
  • Rental income from tenants involved in non-compliant activities
  • Cinema operations and conventional media broadcasting

2. Financial ratio benchmarks

This screen filters companies based on their use of interest-bearing debt and cash deposits:

  • Cash / Total Assets:
    Cash placed in conventional accounts must be less than 33%. Cash in Islamic accounts is excluded.
  • Debt / Total Assets:
    Interest-bearing debt must also be below 33% of total assets. This excludes Islamic financing such as sukuk.

3. Qualitative filter

Beyond numbers, the SAC considers qualitative factors such as a company’s public image, core purpose, and alignment with Islamic values and the maqasid al-Shariah (the higher objectives of Shariah).

A company may still be excluded if its operations are viewed as harmful to society or morally questionable.

4. Update frequency and IPO screening

  • Biannual reviews:
    The SAC updates its official list of Shariah-compliant securities twice a year, typically in May and November. Stocks may be added or removed based on the latest financial data.
  • Pre-IPO screening (effective April 2024):
    Companies planning to list on Bursa Malaysia can undergo a pre-IPO Shariah review, allowing them to disclose their Shariah status in their prospectus.

Malaysia SAC vs. Global index providers

CriteriaMalaysia (SC SAC)Global Providers (e.g. S&P, FTSE, MSCI)
Business benchmarks<5% for major prohibitions (riba, alcohol, gambling, pork); <20% for mixed activities (stockbroking, cinema, rental)<5% across the board; some variation by index
Financial ratios<33% ratio on interest-bearing debt / total assets and conventional cash / total assets<33% ratio on debt / assets; cash + interest-bearing securities / assets; and Accounts receivables / assets
Review cycleBiannual (May & November)Quarterly or biannual, depending on provider
GovernanceOne nationally recognised Shariah board (SAC), uniform across Bursa MalaysiaIndependent Shariah boards per index; criteria can vary by provider

Shariah-compliant investment products in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a deep and accessible range of Shariah-compliant financial products for all levels of investors—from first-time savers to sophisticated portfolio builders:

1. Shariah-compliant stocks and indices

The most direct way to invest in halal equities is by purchasing individual Shariah-compliant stocks listed on Bursa Malaysia.

The Securities Commission's Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) updates a list of approved stocks twice a year—in May and November.

For broader market exposure, Shariah indices offer pre-screened portfolios of companies that comply with Islamic principles:

  • FTSE Bursa Malaysia Hijrah Shariah Index
    30 of the largest and most liquid Shariah-compliant Malaysian stocks.
  • Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM) Malaysia Titans 25 Index
    25 leading Shariah-compliant stocks, ideal for benchmarking and passive investment strategies.

Access: Through Islamic trading accounts with brokers like Maybank-i, BIMB Securities, or CGS-CIMB.

2. Sukuk (Islamic “bonds”)

Sukuk are investment certificates that represent ownership in tangible assets or specific projects. Unlike bonds, they do not pay interest (riba) but instead offer profit-sharing based on underlying asset performance, such as rental income from real estate.

Malaysia is the global leader in sukuk issuance, with an estimated 36% of the global market share in 2024, making it one of the most mature sukuk markets globally.

Access: Sukuk ETFs, Islamic fixed income funds, and bond trading platforms. Look for offerings from fund houses like Principal, RHB, or Maybank AM.

3. Islamic unit trust funds

There are two broad categories here:

a) ASNB Funds (ASB, ASM, ASN)

These government-linked funds are widely used by Bumiputera investors and have received a harus fatwa, meaning they are permissible.

Although their underlying investments are not always fully Shariah-compliant, their structure is deemed acceptable due to strict oversight.

  • 2024 returns: 5.75% for ASB; 4.75% for ASM; and 25.73% for ASN.
  • Minimum investment: RM10.

Access: myASNB app, Bank Islam, or post offices.

Read more: The Key Differences Between ASB, ASM, and ASN

b) Private Islamic Unit Trusts

Professionally managed portfolios that invest exclusively in halal assets, including Shariah-compliant equities, sukuk, and i-Money Market instruments.

  • Fund houses include: Public Mutual, Kenanga, Principal, RHB, Eastspring.
  • Typical returns: Varies by fund, 3–8% p.a.
  • Minimum investment: RM1,000–RM10,000 depending on the fund.

Access: FSMOne, iFAST, or directly through fund house websites.

4. Islamic ETFs (i-ETFs)

These are low-cost, liquid investment products that track Shariah-compliant indices and are traded like stocks on Bursa Malaysia.

Examples:

  • Eq8 DJIM Malaysia Titans 25 ETF – Tracks the DJIM Malaysia Titans 25 Index.
  • MyETF Dow Jones Islamic Market Malaysia Titans 25 – A similar Shariah-tracking ETF.

Ideal for cost-conscious investors who prefer passive strategies.

Access: Any Islamic stockbroking account.

5. i-REITs (Islamic real estate investment trusts)

i-REITs invest in rental-generating real estate and follow strict Shariah screening rules:

  • Revenue from non-permissible sources (e.g., gambling, alcohol) must be <20%.
  • Financing must use Islamic structures.
  • Must comply with Shariah governance principles.

Examples include Axis-REIT and KLCC Property Holdings.

Access: Bursa Malaysia-i platform via a CDS account.

6. Cash & money market

a) Shariah-compliant Fixed Deposits (FD-i)

Operate on a profit-sharing basis, not interest. Your deposit is invested into halal ventures, and returns are pre-agreed.

  • Indicative returns: ~2.5–3.5% p.a.
  • Lock-in: 1–12 months.

Access: Most banks offer FD-i products.

b) Islamic Money Market Funds (i-MMF)

Designed for liquidity and safety, these funds invest in short-term Islamic instruments.

Example: GO+ (via Touch ’n Go eWallet), powered by Principal Islamic Money Market Fund, returning ~3.49% p.a.

  • Minimum deposit: RM10
  • Lock-in: None; withdrawals allowed anytime.

7. Digital investment platforms (DIMs)

Licensed robo-advisors now offer Shariah-compliant portfolios tailored to your risk appetite. They automatically diversify, invest, and rebalance your portfolio across equities, sukuk, and cash.

ExampleStashAway Shariah Global Portfolios

  • Certified by Masryef Advisory
  • Historical returns: Up to 13.8%* p.a. returns

8. EPF (KWSP) Shariah options

  • Simpanan Shariah: You can convert your entire EPF savings to a fully Shariah-compliant portfolio. The 2024 dividend was 6.30%, credited in March 2025.
  • i-Invest: EPF members can invest part of their Account 1 into SC-approved Shariah unit trust funds via KWSP’s i-Akaun portal.

9. Tabung Haji

A special-purpose institution to help Malaysian Muslims save and invest for Hajj. All investments are Shariah-compliant and overseen by a dedicated Shariah board.

  • Return: 3.25% in 2024 after zakat; 2020 - 2023 (3.10%)
  • Minimum deposit: RM10; RM1,300 to register for Hajj.

Access: TH branches, Bank Islam, or Bank Rakyat.

10. Physical assets: gold & property

  • Gold: Physical bars, coins, or digital gold (e.g., Maybank Islamic Gold Account-i).
  • Property: Halal so long as financing is via Islamic mortgage products and protection via takaful instead of conventional insurance.

Product comparison table: Shariah investing in Malaysia

Product typeWhat it isWhere to accessFees
Shariah stocksIndividual halal stocks approved by SC SACBursa Malaysia-i, brokersBrokerage, stamp duty
SukukAsset-backed Islamic "bonds" with profit-sharing returnsFund platforms, ETFsMgmt fees, trustee
Unit trust fundsProfessionally managed halal portfoliosASNB, fund houses, FSMOneSales charge, mgmt fees
Islamic ETFs (i-ETFs)Passive Shariah index trackersBursa Malaysia-iLow mgmt, brokerage
i-REITsHalal property funds with income yieldBursa Malaysia-iMgmt, brokerage
Money market fundsShort-term, low-risk halal fundsTouch ’n Go GOinvestVery low (0.2–0.5%)
FD-iFixed deposits based on Islamic contract (not interest)Islamic banksNone / minimal
Robo-advisor portfoliosFully automated Shariah portfoliosStashAway, othersPlatform fee
EPF Shariah & i-InvestHalal retirement savings and fund accessEPF i-AkaunLow/no charges
Tabung HajiCompulsory savings for Hajj + halal investmentTabung Haji, Bank IslamNone
Gold / PropertyTangible halal assetsBanks, e-gold apps, real estateSpread / legal / agency

How to check if an investment is Shariah-compliant (5-step process)

Navigating Shariah investing doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step checklist that Malaysian investors can use to confidently verify whether an investment meets Shariah guidelines.

1. Check the official SC SAC list (for stocks, ETFs, and REITs)

This is the primary reference for all Bursa-listed securities.

  • Action: Visit the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) website, navigate to the Islamic Capital Market section, and locate the list of Shariah-compliant securities published by the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC).
  • Tip: The list is updated twice a year—typically in May and November. Always download the latest PDF version before making investment decisions.

2. Read the fund factsheet and prospectus (for unit trust funds)

Every authorised Islamic fund must clearly disclose its Shariah compliance.

Action: Go to the fund manager’s official website (e.g., Public Mutual, Principal Malaysia) and download the fund's factsheet or prospectus.

What to look for:

  • A statement confirming it is a Shariah-compliant fund. 
  • The name of the Shariah advisor, who must be registered with the SC. 
  • Inclusion of terms like “Islamic” or “Shariah” in the fund name

3. Use the Bursa Malaysia website (for i-ETFs and i-REITs)

Bursa Malaysia provides a dedicated platform to verify Islamic market products.

  • Action: Go to Bursa Marketplace and access their Islamic Markets section, which lists all available i-ETFs and i-REITs.
  • Tip: These listings often include fund factsheets, historical returns, and links to the Shariah screening methodology.

4. Verify the digital platform’s licence and Shariah governance

For robo-advisors and investment apps, licensing and governance are key.

Action:

  • Ensure it publicly discloses the Shariah screening methodology or names its Shariah advisor.

Example: StashAway Shariah Global Portfolios are built with oversight from Masryef Advisory, an SC-registered Shariah advisory firm.

5. Apply a basic screen for international stocks

The SC list only covers Malaysia. For global equities, you’ll need to do an initial screening yourself.

Action: Use a stock screener and apply these financial ratio filters:

  • Total debt / total assets < 33%
  • Cash and interest-bearing securities / total assets < 33%.

Then: Check the company’s business model. If it earns more than 5% from non-permissible sectors like gambling, alcohol, pork, or conventional banking, it likely does not qualify.

Note: For definitive global compliance, rely on Shariah indices by major providers like:

Shariah compliance checklist

Use this quick reference before investing:

  • SC SAC list: Is the stock, ETF, or REIT listed as Shariah-compliant by the SC?
  • Fund prospectus: Does the unit trust explicitly state “Shariah-compliant” and name an SC-registered advisor?
  • Bursa Islamic marketplace: Is the i-ETF or i-REIT listed under Bursa’s Islamic product section?
  • Digital app credentials: Is the robo-advisor licensed by the SC and transparent about its Shariah governance?
  • International filter: Does the foreign stock pass the <33% debt/cash ratio screen and avoid prohibited sectors?

Zakat & tax in Malaysia (for investors)

For Muslim investors in Malaysia, managing your investment portfolio doesn’t just involve chasing returns — it also includes fulfilling your religious obligations and optimising your tax strategy. Fortunately, Malaysia has an integrated system that allows for both.

1. Zakat on investments: The basics

Zakat is a mandatory charitable contribution required of Muslims who meet certain wealth thresholds. In Malaysia, investment income — including capital gains, dividends, and sukuk profits — is typically zakatable, depending on state guidelines.

Applicability: Each state’s Islamic religious council (Majlis Agama Islam Negeri) sets its own rules. For example:

  • PPZ-MAIWP governs Wilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya).
  • Lembaga Zakat Selangor covers Selangor.

What’s typically zakatable:

  • Profits or gains on Shariah-compliant investments over a lunar year (haul).
  • Subject to meeting the nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth you must own before zakat becomes obligatory).

2. The tax rebate: a key financial advantage

Malaysia provides a highly favourable tax rebate system for zakat paid to state-approved religious authorities.

Not a relief, but a rebate:

  • A tax relief lowers your chargeable income.
  • A tax rebate directly offsets your income tax payable, ringgit-for-ringgit.

Legal basis: Section 6A(3) of the Income Tax Act 1967 allows zakat paid to reduce your final income tax bill.

Rebate cap: Your zakat rebate is capped at your total tax payable. Any zakat paid beyond that is not refundable but still fulfils your religious duty.

Example:

  • If your LHDN-calculated tax is RM 1,800 and you’ve paid RM 1,500 in zakat → your new tax payable is RM 300.
  • If you’ve paid RM 2,000 in zakat but only owe RM 1,800 in tax → your tax payable is RM 0, but no refund is given for the extra RM 200 zakat.

3. Zakat and tax management table

Income typeZakat applicabilityDocuments requiredWhere to pay / claim
SalaryYes. Typically zakatable as annual income.Official receipt from your state zakat bodyPay via your state zakat portal. Claim rebate via LHDN e-Filing
DividendsYes. Subject to nisab and haul.Receipt showing zakat paid on dividendsSame as above. Consolidate receipts in your tax filing.
Capital gainsYes. Typically zakatable on net gains.Zakat receipt covering these gainsSame as above.
Sukuk / i-MMF profitYes. Treated as investment income.Zakat receipt specific to this profitSame as above.

Step-by-step: How to calculate zakat on investments and apply for tax rebate

Step 1: Check if you're above the nisab threshold

  • Nisab is the minimum wealth you must have to be obligated to pay zakat.
  • This is based on the value of 85g of gold, which is updated regularly by your state zakat authority (e.g., PPZ or LZS).
  • Action:
    - Go to your state zakat authority website.
    - Search for “nisab terkini zakat harta.”
  • Example:
    - If gold is RM320/gram, then 85g × RM320 = RM27,200. If your investment holdings exceed this amount over one lunar year, you are eligible.

Step 2: Identify your zakatable investments

Add up your zakatable investment income:

Investment TypeExample SourcesWhat to Include in Zakat Calculation
DividendsPublic-listed shares, unit trustsTotal gross dividend received annually
Capital gainsStocks, ETFsNet realised gains (after selling)
Sukuk profitsIslamic bonds, i-MMFsAnnual profits declared
Cash or investment cashUninvested balances in CDS/bankCash if it sits idle for 1 year

Action:

  • Total these values.
  • Exclude capital gains or cash that is not held for 1 lunar year, if your local zakat authority requires that.

Step 3: Calculate zakat (2.5%)

Zakat rate = 2.5% of your zakatable amount

Formula:
Zakat Payable = Total zakatable investments × 0.025

Example:

  • Total: RM50,000
  • Zakat: RM50,000 × 0.025 = RM1,250

Step 4: Pay zakat to your state authority

Use your state's official payment portal:

Action:

  • Make payment before 31 December to apply for the current year’s tax rebate.
  • Request/Download the official receipt.

Step 5: Claim tax rebate via LHDN e-Filing

  • Log in to eHASiL and start your BE form for individuals.
  • Go to "Rebates / Potongan Cukai" (Section F).
  • Input your zakat payment under:
    - Bayaran zakat kepada Majlis Agama Islam Negeri yang diiktiraf oleh kerajaan Malaysia.
  • Important:
    - Upload or store your receipt safely (LHDN may ask for it).
    - Rebate limit = amount of income tax payable (you won’t get cash back if zakat exceeds tax).

How to start: Step-by-step guide for Malaysians

1. Decide on your investment route
Choose a platform based on your needs, knowledge, and preference:

  • DIY investors: Open a stockbroking account (e.g., Rakuten Trade, M+ Online, Maybank) to buy Shariah-compliant stocks, i-ETFs, and i-REITs on Bursa Malaysia.
  • Managed solutions: Use a robo-advisor like StashAway that offers a Shariah-compliant portfolio. They manage asset selection, diversification, and rebalancing for you.
  • Fund investors: Invest in Islamic unit trusts via fund houses or platforms like FSMOne.
  • EPF contributors: Use the EPF i-Invest platform to invest part of your Account 1 in approved Shariah-compliant funds.

2. Pick your asset mix and confirm its Shariah status
Choose the right blend of equities, sukuk, i-REITs, or cash—then verify each product's compliance:

  • Use the SC SAC list to check individual securities.
  • Read the fund factsheet or prospectus for unit trusts and ETFs.
  • Ensure your platform discloses its Shariah adviser or methodology.

3. Set up automation for consistency
Investing regularly is more important than timing the market.

  • Automate monthly contributions via auto-debit or a Regular Savings Plan (RSP).
  • Robo-advisors will rebalance your portfolio based on your risk profile.
  • For cash, consider automating contributions into Islamic money market funds.

4. Track, review, and rebalance
Stay informed to ensure long-term compliance and alignment with your goals.

  • Monitor the SAC’s Shariah list updates in May and November.
  • Review your portfolio at least once a year to rebalance and adjust to your changing financial situation or risk tolerance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is Shariah investing only for Muslims?
No. Shariah investing is an ethical investment framework that appeals to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Its principles—such as avoiding excessive debt, speculation, and harmful industries (e.g., alcohol, gambling, weapons)—align closely with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and socially responsible investing values.

2. How do I know if a Malaysian stock is Shariah-compliant?
The definitive source is the List of Shariah-compliant Securities published by the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) of the Securities Commission Malaysia. This list is updated twice a year—at the end of May and November—and is available on the SC Malaysia website.

3. What happens if a stock becomes non-compliant after I invest in it?
You are generally expected to divest the stock.

  • For fund managers: They must sell it within a defined grace period.
  • For individual investors: The standard practice is to sell the stock and donate any capital gains earned after the non-compliant announcement to charity (this is known as purification).

4. Can EPF savings be fully Shariah-compliant?
Yes. You can opt into Simpanan Shariah, which ensures your full EPF savings are managed according to Shariah principles. In 2024, Simpanan Shariah delivered a declared dividend of 6.30%, credited in March 2025.

5. Are sukuk the same as bonds?
No, but they serve similar investment purposes:

  • Bonds: Are conventional debt instruments that pay interest.
  • Sukuk: Represent ownership in a real asset or project. Returns come from shared profits—not interest—making them Shariah-compliant.

6. Can I claim tax relief for zakat?
Even better—you get a tax rebate, not just relief.

  • Under Section 6A(3) of the Income Tax Act 1967, zakat paid to official state zakat bodies can be deducted ringgit-for-ringgit from your total income tax payable.
  • To claim this, keep your official zakat receipts and submit them with your annual tax filing (via e-Filing to LHDN).

Shariah investing glossary

  • Gharar = Excessive uncertainty or ambiguity in a contract. Prohibited to avoid exploitation and ensure full transparency between parties.
  • Ijarah = A leasing arrangement where the bank buys an asset and leases it to the customer for a set period. Commonly used in property and vehicle financing.
  • Maqasid al-Shariah = The broader objectives of Islamic law, which include protecting faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. These principles guide all Islamic finance practices.
  • Maysir = Gambling or speculation—earning money through chance rather than productive effort. Strictly prohibited in Islam.
  • Mudarabah = A profit-sharing partnership where one party provides capital (rabb-ul-mal) and the other offers expertise or labour (mudarib). Profits are shared; losses are borne by the capital provider.
  • Murabahah = A sale contract where the bank purchases an item and sells it to the customer at a profit. The cost and margin must be disclosed upfront. Often used in asset-based financing.
  • Musharakah = A joint venture where all partners contribute capital and share profits and losses based on a pre-agreed ratio.
  • Purification (Cleansing) = The act of donating any earnings derived from non-compliant sources—e.g., capital gains after a stock becomes Shariah non-compliant—to charity, to maintain portfolio purity.
  • Riba = Interest. Any predetermined return on a loan or deposit is considered riba and is prohibited under Shariah.
  • SAC (Shariah Advisory Council) = The official council under the Securities Commission Malaysia that determines whether listed securities and investment products are Shariah-compliant.
  • SGPD (Shariah Governance Policy Document) = A regulation by Bank Negara Malaysia that outlines the governance standards Islamic financial institutions must follow to ensure compliance with Shariah.
  • Sukuk = Shariah-compliant investment certificates representing partial ownership in a real asset, service, or project. Often used as an alternative to conventional bonds.

Compliance and governance 

Malaysia’s Islamic finance ecosystem is globally recognised not just for its scale—but for the depth of its regulatory integrity. Two regulatory pillars underpin its credibility:

1. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) – For financial institutions

BNM governs Islamic banks, takaful operators, and related financial entities through its Shariah Governance Policy Document (SGPD) issued in 2019. Key mandates include:

  • Independent Shariah committees at each institution to oversee compliance.
  • A clear accountability framework, including defined roles for the board, management, and Shariah advisers.
  • Internal Shariah audit functions that monitor products post-launch to ensure ongoing compliance, not just one-time certification.
  • Mandatory documentation and review processes to uphold operational transparency.

This ensures that financial products — from Islamic savings accounts to family takaful plans — remain Shariah-compliant throughout their lifecycle.

2. Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) – For capital market products

The SC oversees the Islamic capital market, which includes stocks, sukuk, i-ETFs, unit trusts, and i-REITs. Its regulatory responsibilities are executed through:

  • The Shariah Advisory Council (SAC), which acts as the sole authoritative body on Shariah compliance for listed securities and investment products.
  • The List of Shariah-Compliant Securities, issued twice annually, which serves as the national reference for investors.
  • The Guidelines on Islamic Capital Market Products, which define:
    - Issuance and disclosure standards
    - Permissible investment structures.
    - Distribution and marketing practices

These measures are designed to protect investors, enhance transparency, and reinforce confidence in Malaysia’s Islamic capital market infrastructure.

Why it matters

This dual-regulator framework—with BNM for financial services and the SC for capital markets—sets Malaysia apart globally. It assures both Muslim and non-Muslim investors that Shariah-compliant financial products are:

  • Authentically structured
  • Continuously monitored
  • Governed by qualified, independent Shariah scholars
  • Supported by enforceable legal standards

This is a key reason Malaysia remains the global benchmark for Shariah investing and Islamic finance.


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