Integrating Islamic Social Finance Institutions into Health Protection Programs: Cases of Selected OIC Countries

Abstract

The principles and values of Islam, as a comprehensive rule of life, address every facet of human existence, including the social, spiritual, political, legal, health, and economic spheres. The purpose of the present study is to integrate Islamic social finance institutions like zakat, waqf, sadaqat, and baitul-maal into national social health protection programs. In the context of economically challenged Muslim nations, where financing and resource constraints are common, this study uses a library research methodology to examine how institutions like zakat, waqf, sadaqat, and baitul-maal can enhance government initiatives to address healthcare financing difficulties. The findings reveal that waqf-based models are the most employed in health protection programs, followed by zakat-funded initiatives. However, the use of these institutions for public healthcare services faces many challenges and obstacles, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, resource constraints, and limited innovation. The originality of this study lies in its novel approach of referencing scholarly rulings, fatwa boards, and religious texts to support the feasibility of integrating the aforementioned Islamic institutions with contemporary healthcare systems. While the governance of such initiatives is often confined to private or semi-governmental entities within religious ministries, there is a growing interest among governments in Muslim countries in adopting these models. The implications of this research underscore the need for enhanced efforts in raising awareness, combating corruption, improving expertise, enacting supportive legislation, fostering collaboration, securing sustainable funding, embracing technological advancements, and upgrading healthcare infrastructure to realize the full potential of these integrations. Despite its limitations, this study provides valuable insights and a foundational framework for policymakers aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare provision through the strategic incorporation of Islamic social finance institutions.