Background of the Study
Shariah compliance is a cornerstone of Islamic banking, ensuring that all financial products and services adhere to Islamic legal and ethical principles. This compliance is vital not only for regulatory and religious reasons but also for building customer trust. In an increasingly competitive financial environment, Islamic banks that consistently maintain Shariah compliance are more likely to gain the confidence of their customers (Mustafa, 2023). Trust is an essential element in banking, and for Islamic banks, it is reinforced by transparent, ethical operations and adherence to Shariah principles.
Customers of Islamic banks expect that their investments will be managed in a manner that is both ethically sound and financially prudent. As a result, strict Shariah compliance has become synonymous with reliability and integrity in the Islamic finance sector (Al-Hassan, 2024). Advances in technology have also enhanced the ability of Islamic banks to demonstrate compliance through automated reporting and real-time monitoring systems. These systems provide customers with transparent information about how their funds are managed, thereby reinforcing trust. Moreover, the involvement of Shariah supervisory boards further ensures that financial products are rigorously evaluated and remain compliant, which enhances the credibility of the institutions (Rahman, 2025).
Given the critical importance of customer trust for the sustainability and growth of Islamic banking, this study examines the impact of Shariah compliance on customer trust. It investigates how adherence to Shariah principles influences customer perceptions, satisfaction, and loyalty, and it explores the role of technological advancements in reinforcing compliance.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the emphasis on Shariah compliance, Islamic banks face challenges in translating compliance into tangible customer trust. One key issue is the variability in the interpretation and implementation of Shariah principles, which can lead to inconsistencies in product offerings and operational practices (Mustafa, 2023). Such discrepancies may confuse customers and erode the perceived integrity of the institution. Additionally, while technological solutions have improved transparency, gaps in communication and data presentation may prevent customers from fully understanding how compliance is maintained.
Moreover, the high cost of implementing robust compliance systems and the complexity of integrating these systems with traditional banking processes can hinder the consistent application of Shariah principles. In some cases, the focus on regulatory adherence may overshadow customer-centric communication, thereby limiting the positive impact on trust (Al-Hassan, 2024). Furthermore, in competitive markets, even minor lapses in compliance or publicized controversies can significantly undermine customer confidence. These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanisms through which Shariah compliance influences customer trust, and for the identification of strategies to bridge the gap between regulatory adherence and customer perception.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on customer trust in Islamic banks, examining Shariah compliance practices in selected institutions. Data will be collected from customer surveys, internal compliance reports, and interviews with Shariah board members. Limitations include varying interpretations of compliance and differences in customer demographics.
Definitions of Terms
– Shariah Compliance: Adherence to Islamic legal and ethical principles in financial transactions.
– Customer Trust: The confidence customers place in a financial institution’s integrity and reliability.
– Transparency: The extent to which operations and decision-making processes are open and clear.
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