ENHANCING FAMILY WAQF PARTICIPATION THROUGH WAQF LITERACY AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST AMONG MALAYSIAN MUSLIMS

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing Muslim participation in family waqf in Malaysia, with particular attention to perception, understanding and trust in waqf institutions. Unlike general waqf, which is commonly established for broader public or charitable purposes, family waqf allows the benefits of endowed assets to be directed initially to family members or descendants while preserving the long-term charitable purpose of waqf. This distinctive feature makes family waqf relevant not only as an instrument of Islamic social finance but also as a mechanism for intergenerational wealth preservation and Islamic estate planning. Despite the continued development of waqf institutions in Malaysia, participation in family waqf remains relatively limited. This suggests that participation may depend not only on religious motivation, but also on how well individuals understand family waqf, perceive its benefits and trust the institutions responsible for its management. A quantitative survey was conducted among 400 Muslim respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS through reliability analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), regression and mediation analysis. The findings indicate that perception, understanding and institutional trust were significantly associated with participation in family waqf. The results further highlight the importance of strengthening family waqf literacy and public understanding through clearer information, continuous education and greater institutional transparency. These findings provide useful insights for waqf institutions and policymakers in developing more effective strategies to encourage sustainable participation in family waqf.