A Comparative Study of Hajj Fund Management Institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia and Maldives

Performing hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which may become compulsory for a Muslim who has financial ability to perform this ibadah at least once in his lifetime. To facilitate Muslims to fulfil this religious obligation, countries which have majority Muslim population like Malaysia, Indonesia and Maldives have established legal entities/institutions to manage hajj funds from hajj depositors (aspirant pilgrims) and provide services related to hajj. Although these institutions share the same objective in terms of helping Muslims to perform hajj, their operational activities are largely different. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of hajj fund management institution in these three different jurisdictions. This understanding is important for policy makers and regulators regulating hajj fund management. It is anticipated that the outcome of this research will shed a light on hajj fund management in Asia.