The Study of Possible Shariah Non Compliance Risks of Ijarah Along With Their Risk Management Mechanism

The main objective of this research paper is the study of possible Sharīʻaĥ non-compliance risks (SNCRs) of Ijāraĥ along with their risk management mechanism. As the activity of Sharīʻaĥ non-compliance is negligence or failure to comply with the Sharīʻaĥ rules and regulations as well as for some extent, the breach of the law of the land. Hence, Identification, Monitoring, Control and Mitigation of SNCRs need to be undertaken sensitively otherwise the spirit and objective of Islamic banks (IBIs) will be no more than different from Conventional banking system i.e. Interest based banking. Consequently, this new practice of Islamic banking will also be considered Sharīʻaĥ non-compliant. Because, failure in control and mitigation of Sharīʻaĥ non-compliance risks (SNCRs) may render the transaction into Null and Void (Bāṭil) or Voidable (Fāsid) as well as the return/rental would be considered impermissible (Ḥarām). Additionally, it may expose the status of IBIs at high risk regarding their reputation, profitability and confidence of their stakeholders which may lead the system towards collapse and downfall. Keeping in mind the need of the identification of SNCR along with estimated risk management/mitigation tools, this paper is developed to help the industry to develop their own Sharīʻaĥ non-compliance risk management system and to achieve the targeted outcomes i.e. Sound reputation of Islamic banking on the basis of Sharīʻaĥ principles, permissible proceeds/profits through genuine Sharīʻaĥ compliant activities and comprehensive knowledgeable material to understand distinctive and accurate Islamic banking system from Conventional. Targeting the abovementioned goals and aims, the answers of following questions are explored: What is SNCR? Is there any approved and authentic mechanism or SNCR management system in market to manage and mitigate them? Is the SNCR destructive for the profit and goodwill of IBIs? Principally, this research paper is an effort to uncover the SNCRs of Ijāraĥ Product along with the risk management mechanism keeping in sight the modern practices of Ijāraĥ Product.

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Pregnant Women on Follow Up in a Tertiary Maternity Hospital

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is the ideal form of infant feeding. Health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to infant and mother are well documented in literature. Despite this, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of infants‘ life in Kenya remains low. National nutrition strategy for maternal, infant and young child has set its 2017 target for exclusive breastfeeding at 80% from 32%. To achieve this target, new strategies are needed to complement current exclusive breastfeeding initiatives. Application of theory of planned behaviour model was used to determine the psychosocial factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding and also to identify modifiable and inexpensive interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the modifiable psychosocial factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. The secondary objective was to determine the effect of maternal demographic characteristics on exclusive breastfeeding attitude, subjective norm and perceived behaviour control scores. Study design: This was a prospective cohort study to determine psychosocial factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding using theory of planned behaviour. The study was conducted from October 2013 to March 2014. Methods: The study was undertaken at the antenatal clinic in Pumwani Maternity Hospital. It included all pregnant women who were ≥18years, at ≥ 36 weeks gestation and attending Pumwani Maternity Hospital antenatal clinic. A quantitative theory of planned behaviour based questionnaire was used to collect data from the women who fit the inclusion criteria at baseline after they had signed a written consent. Aggregate scores for each of the exposure categories were compiled to determine whether the women had positive or negative attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. Those with score above zero were considered to have positive psychosocial scores and those with scores below zero were considered to have negative psychosocial scores. Study women were followed up by a telephone interview at two and four months to determine whether they were exclusively breastfeeding or using mixed feeds for their newborns. A second household member was contacted to verify the mothers report. Results: A total of 200 women were recruited to the study at baseline. Mothers included in the final analysis were 180 while 20 were lost to follow up. Proportion of mothers exclusively breastfeeding at four months was 45.6% (95%CI 38.4-52.9). Psychosocial factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding were maternal attitude and perceived behavioural control over exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers who had positive