Introduction to Sukuk Market
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Sukuk Market Development course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Introduction to Sukuk Market #
Introduction to Sukuk Market
Sukuk, often referred to as Islamic bonds, are financial certificates that compl… #
The Sukuk market has gained significant traction in recent years as a viable alternative to conventional bonds for investors seeking Shariah-compliant investment options. This glossary will provide a comprehensive overview of key terms related to the Sukuk market, including specific terms, concepts, and acronyms commonly used in the field.
A #
A
Asset #
Backed Sukuk
Asset #
backed Sukuk are structured based on the ownership of specific assets, such as real estate, infrastructure projects, or commodities. The cash flows generated from these assets are used to pay returns to Sukuk holders, making them a popular choice for investors seeking tangible assets as collateral.
B #
B
Bai' Bithaman Ajil (BBA) #
Bai' Bithaman Ajil (BBA)
Bai' Bithaman Ajil is a form of Islamic financing that involves a deferred payme… #
In the context of Sukuk, BBA can be used as a structure for Sukuk issuance where the underlying asset is sold at a deferred price. The deferred payment structure allows for the payment of returns to Sukuk holders over time.
C #
C
Commodity Murabaha Sukuk #
Commodity Murabaha Sukuk
Commodity Murabaha Sukuk are issued based on the commodity Murabaha structure, w… #
The proceeds from the commodity sale are used to generate returns for Sukuk holders. This structure is commonly used in Sukuk issuance to provide a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional bonds.
D #
D
Demand for Sukuk #
Demand for Sukuk
The demand for Sukuk has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by increa… #
The appeal of Sukuk lies in their compliance with Shariah principles and the diverse range of sectors they can be used to finance, such as infrastructure, energy, and real estate projects.
E #
E
Equity #
Based Sukuk
Equity #
based Sukuk are structured based on ownership stakes in businesses or projects. Unlike debt-based Sukuk, equity-based Sukuk provide Sukuk holders with ownership rights in the underlying assets, allowing them to participate in the profits and losses of the investment.
F #
F
Fatwa #
Fatwa
A Fatwa is a legal opinion or ruling issued by a qualified Islamic scholar on ma… #
In the context of Sukuk, Fatwas play a crucial role in ensuring that Sukuk structures comply with Shariah principles and are deemed permissible for investment by Islamic investors.
G #
G
Growth of the Sukuk Market #
Growth of the Sukuk Market
The Sukuk market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with increa… #
This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for Shariah-compliant investment products and the expanding investor base seeking exposure to Sukuk.
H #
H
Hukm Shar'i #
Hukm Shar'i
Hukm Shar'i refers to the legal ruling under Islamic law (Shariah) regarding the… #
In the context of Sukuk, Hukm Shar'i guides the structuring and issuance of Sukuk to ensure compliance with Shariah principles.
I #
I
Ijarah Sukuk #
Ijarah Sukuk
Ijarah Sukuk are structured based on the Ijarah (lease) contract, where the issu… #
The rental income generated from the leased asset is used to pay returns to Sukuk holders, making Ijarah Sukuk a popular choice for financing real estate and infrastructure projects.
J #
J
Jurisdictional Challenges #
Jurisdictional Challenges
One of the challenges facing the Sukuk market is jurisdictional differences in t… #
Issuers and investors operating in multiple jurisdictions must navigate these challenges to ensure that Sukuk structures comply with the diverse regulatory frameworks governing Islamic finance.
K #
K
Kafalah Sukuk #
Kafalah Sukuk
Kafalah Sukuk are structured based on the concept of Kafalah (guarantee), where… #
Kafalah Sukuk enhance the credit quality of Sukuk issuance by providing additional security for investors.
L #
L
Liquidity in the Sukuk Market #
Liquidity in the Sukuk Market
Liquidity is a key consideration for investors in the Sukuk market, as it impact… #
Enhancing liquidity in the Sukuk market requires the development of robust trading platforms and market infrastructure to facilitate efficient trading of Sukuk securities.
M #
M
Murabaha Sukuk #
Murabaha Sukuk
Murabaha Sukuk are structured based on the Murabaha (cost #
plus financing) contract, where the issuer purchases goods at a cost and sells them to the Sukuk holders at a markup price. The profit generated from the sale of goods is used to pay returns to Sukuk holders, making Murabaha Sukuk a common structure for Sukuk issuance.
N #
N
Non #
Performing Sukuk
Non #
performing Sukuk refer to Sukuk securities that have defaulted on their payment obligations or are at risk of default. Non-performing Sukuk can pose challenges for investors seeking to recover their investments and highlight the importance of conducting thorough due diligence on Sukuk issuers and structures.
O #
O
Operational Risks in Sukuk Issuance #
Operational Risks in Sukuk Issuance
P #
P
Profit #
Sharing Sukuk
Profit #
sharing Sukuk are structured based on the concept of Mudarabah (profit-sharing partnership), where the issuer and Sukuk holders enter into a partnership to share profits generated from the underlying investment. Profit-sharing Sukuk provide Sukuk holders with a stake in the profits of the investment, aligning their interests with the issuer.
Q #
Q
Qualification of Shariah Scholars #
Qualification of Shariah Scholars
The qualification of Shariah scholars is a critical factor in the issuance of Su… #
Shariah scholars must possess the necessary qualifications and experience to issue Fatwas and provide guidance on the permissibility of Sukuk issuance.
R #
R
Risk Management in Sukuk Investment #
Risk Management in Sukuk Investment
Risk management is an essential aspect of Sukuk investment, as investors must as… #
These risks include credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk, which can impact the performance and value of Sukuk investments in the market.
S #
S
Shariah Compliance in Sukuk Structures #
Shariah Compliance in Sukuk Structures
Shariah compliance is a fundamental requirement for Sukuk structures, as they mu… #
Ensuring Shariah compliance involves working with Shariah scholars to review and approve Sukuk structures based on the guidance of Islamic jurisprudence.
T #
T
Takaful Sukuk #
Takaful Sukuk
Takaful Sukuk are structured based on the Takaful (Islamic insurance) principles… #
Takaful Sukuk offer investors exposure to the growing Islamic insurance market and provide a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance products.
U #
U
Underlying Assets in Sukuk Issuance #
Underlying Assets in Sukuk Issuance
The selection of underlying assets is a crucial consideration in Sukuk issuance,… #
Common underlying assets for Sukuk issuance include real estate, infrastructure projects, commodities, and lease agreements, which provide collateral and revenue streams to support Sukuk payments.
V #
V
Valuation of Sukuk Securities #
Valuation of Sukuk Securities
The valuation of Sukuk securities is essential for investors to assess the fair… #
Valuation methods for Sukuk securities may vary based on the underlying assets, cash flows, and market conditions, requiring investors to conduct thorough due diligence and analysis to make informed investment decisions.
W #
W
Wakalah Sukuk #
Wakalah Sukuk
Wakalah Sukuk are structured based on the concept of Wakalah (agency), where the… #
The Wakil acts as a fiduciary for Sukuk holders, ensuring that the Sukuk proceeds are invested in accordance with Shariah principles and the terms of the Sukuk issuance.
X #
X
X #
Asset Sukuk
X-Asset Sukuk are structured based on a combination of different asset classes,… #
X-Asset Sukuk offer investors exposure to multiple sectors and assets, providing a balanced portfolio of Sukuk securities.
Y #
Y
Yield Curve in the Sukuk Market #
Yield Curve in the Sukuk Market
The yield curve in the Sukuk market represents the relationship between Sukuk yi… #
Understanding the yield curve is essential for investors to assess the pricing and performance of Sukuk securities and make informed investment decisions based on market conditions.
Z #
Z
Zakat Treatment of Sukuk Returns #
Zakat Treatment of Sukuk Returns
Zakat is an obligatory charitable contribution for Muslims based on their wealth… #
The treatment of Zakat on Sukuk returns depends on the Shariah compliance of the Sukuk structure and the nature of the underlying assets. Sukuk holders must calculate and pay Zakat on their Sukuk returns in accordance with Islamic principles and guidelines.