LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG UNIVERSITI SAINS MALASYIA (USM) MUSLIM STAFFS ABOUT CASH WAQF

Abstract

ince 2016, the Malaysian Government has made a reduction in expenditure budget for Public Universities. Therefore, Public Universities were urged to generate their income. Other than generating revenue through research and development activities, there is another way practised by world’s top universities through endowment or waqf. It was stated that since the 17th century, the education activities were funded by waqf and charitable giving until there are universities established based on awqaf such as Cordova University and al-Azhar University. Among the simplest form of waqf to be do is cash waqf, as it can ensure continues fund for universities through individual or organization contribution. One of it can come from the people in that institution itself. In Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) cash waqf was introduced in 2014 with the establishment of Yayasan USM but now, in 2017 USM has its own waqf management called Pejabat Wakaf USM. Even so, the question is to what extent the understanding level of the staff, especially the Muslim staff on cash waqf? Higher understanding will determine more cash waqf collection, and this is important because the staff can ensure the continuity of endowment at the university apart from external contributions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the level of understanding on cash waqf among USM Muslim staff. The current research was conducted using quantitative method through questionnaire distribution. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS to provide descriptive statistical analysis. The study found that the USM Muslim Staff level of understanding on cash waqf is moderate.