Pembentukan model pembangunan bandar pendidikan berasaskan konsep wakaf: Kajian di Padang Terap

Education waqf has been implemented in Malaysia through the waqf of land, buildings, cash, facilities, equipment, and intangible assets to educational institutions. However, this practice has not completely resolved the financial constraints of this institution, despite the critical importance of developing the education sector, particularly the Islamic education. Therefore, this study aims to achieve three main objectives: (i) identifying suitable concepts and practice of waqf for the education city development; (ii) identifying issues and challenges in the education city development in Padang Terap; and (iii) developing a model for the education city development based on the waqf concept. This study employs qualitative methods to collect data through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Document analysis includes reviewing past studies, legal documents, and Sharia-related documents. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with waqf institution officials, Sharia and Islamic finance experts, implementing bodies, and corporate members. Data from the study was analysed using content analysis to identify themes relevant to the research objectives. The findings indicate that cash waqf, land or building waqf, dividends, and shares are suitable concepts and can be effectively implemented in the corporate sector. Challenges identified include funding availability for development, formulation of corporate waqf packages, local authority approval processes, and concentration of trust management under the Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Kedah (MAIK), land ownership restrictions, as well as perceptions and trust of waqf donors. A practical model for education city development has been formulated, considering legal, Sharia, sustainability, and field feasibility. The model guides policymakers and waqf institutions in planning education city development based on the waqf concept. Currently implemented in Padang Terap, this project aims to yield economic benefits for local communities, promoting sustainable development of the Islamic education sector and the Ummah.