Purpose This study aims to highlight the importance of intellectual capital (IC) for the operation of waqf (Islamic endowment) institutions, as few studies have discussed this issue in relation to non-profit religious organisations, particularly waqf organisations. Consequently, this study hopes to contribute to the development of waqf institutions in terms of human capital proficiency, the efficiency of operations and the effectiveness and sustainability of performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors reviewed a significant body of relevant studies written on various aspects of IC, to highlight the significance of considering IC in the operation of non-profit organisations (NPOs) and waqf institutions. Findings This study highlights the importance of IC in the operation of waqf institutions. It provides a platform that facilitates understanding of the existing obstacles and challenges in waqf institutions (such as lack of accountability, lack of funding, mismanagement and lack of trained labour, among others) and offers potential solutions through the consideration of knowledge and IC. Research limitations/implications This study is a conceptual analysis of IC in the context of NPOs. Future studies should conduct empirical testing, which will provide more detailed discussion and enriching insights into the issue of IC and the performance of NPOs, particularly in the case of waqf institutions. Practical implications This study provides several important implications for waqf institutions and other NPOs, as it sheds light on the consideration of knowledge and IC in their operations. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to discuss the issues of waqf in the light of IC and provide an integrated framework for the operation of waqf institutions.

The world is changing at a great pace and acceleration. The role of science, knowledge, and learning has emerged, in developing and adopting appropriate methods to manage and transfer knowledge and experience within an organization and making it available for everyone to share and exchange easily, through knowledge fountains and databases. This chapter introduces the concept of knowledge management to waqf institutions and the potential contribution that can be provided by this in solving many problems and challenges confronting them, in the hope of achieving a qualitative leap in performance and restoring their leading role in societies. There is some evidence that researchers have addressed the issue of knowledge management in the context of waqf institutions. Consequently, this chapter draws attention to the importance of knowledge management for waqf institutions, with the intent of providing a comprehensive understanding of this topic and its association with the organizational performance enhancements, from different angles.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the sub-components of intellectual capital and organisational performance in waqf institutions in Algeria. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 193 waqf employees working in 23 different provinces in Algeria and analysed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) software to test the path modelling and the relationship between the instruments. Findings The results of this research show that human capital, structural capital and spiritual capital have a positive and significant relationship with organisational performance. However, relational capital, social capital and technological capital did not demonstrate any kind of role in the context of waqf institutions in Algeria. Practical implications The findings of this research are of great importance for waqf institutions in Algeria, as they provide a comprehensive screening with regard to organisational performance of these institutions through the lens of intellectual capital. The findings help waqf managers and policy makers consider effective solutions for the weaknesses and challenges impeding the performance of waqf institutions, in the hope of retrieving their role in serving and developing societies. Originality/value In the existing body of literature, there is a lack of research focusing on intellectual capital in the context of religious non-profit organisations particularly waqf institutions. Thus, this research adds to the body of knowledge on intellectual capital while highlighting its role and importance within the waqf industry, particularly in the context of Algeria. This research is considered among the primary attempts to investigate the impact of intellectual capital components on the organisational performance of waqf institutions in Algeria.

This study provides a critical discussion on the history of waqf in Algeria throughout three main different eras namely, the Ottoman rule era, the French colonisation period and after independence era, to raise awareness and enrich researchers’ thoughts regarding the practice of waqf in Algeria. Also, it highlights the practice of many waqf institutions existed therein and addresses their developments and impacts on the community life. Subsequently, it highlights the development of the waqf legal system in Algeria, which provides a platform that facilitates understanding its status in the Algerian community, which offers lessons to be learnt from and considered for the development of waqf institutions. The authors reviewed a significant body of relevant studies written on various aspects of the waqf history in Algeria, to provide readers and researchers with lessons from waqf institutions in Algeria throughout three different phases in history, as few studies have addressed this issue in the context of Algeria. The study reveals that the Ottoman rule era in Algeria was marked by the spread of different waqf institutions which played a vital role in all aspects in the community life. However, these institutions experienced a huge retreat during the colonial era, where the French colonisers aimed at confiscating awqāf and belittling its effective role in the community. After independence in 1962, there have been modest initiatives to upgrade waqf properties, and attempts to recover the lost ones, but all these efforts were considered weak as compared with the size of the waqf properties in Algeria during the Ottoman period.

Purpose: Islamic finance is considered one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial industry. Over the last four decades, Islamic finance has expanded globally to western and other non-Muslim countries. This paper aims to explore the potential for China to tap into the Islamic finance market and the challenges that may face the implementation of Islamic finance there. Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative method of inquiry and utilizes the inductive method and content analysis to build comprehensive knowledge that would assist in exploring the significance and potential benefits that China may gain from the adoption of Islamic finance. Findings: The study reveals that China has a huge opportunity to capitalize on Islamic finance for economic development, particularly in the implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The paper also highlights the critical success factors for introducing Islamic finance in China, most importantly, political will. Genuine support from the government is needed for the effective introduction of Islamic finance in the country. This support should be subsequently followed by the development of the legal framework, an amendment of the laws, broad publicity to raise public awareness, and effective collaboration with international organizations. Significance: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the few which highlights the potential for China to tap into the Islamic finance market. It is expected to contribute to enhancing the implementation and development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).