ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE MODELS AND THEIR VIABILITY IN PAKISTAN

METHODOLOGY

The following sources were used in writing this MicroNote:

  • Literature Review

Existing research on Islamic Microfinance was reviewed to determine the models     and their ideological base.

  • Interviews

Interviews of practitioners were undertaken to determine their concerns and     ideas. In addition, the Auqaf Board was also contacted for information and input.

There are certain limitations to the methodology employed for this MicroNote. Islamic Microfinance practitioners are few in Pakistan, and it was not practical to access organizations outside of the PMN membership. Input is thus, restricted to the organizations mentioned in the MicroNote.

CONTEXT

It is imperative before an analysis can be presented that the definition of what a model constitutes, and the parameters within which the model would work, be determined. For the purposes of this MicroNote, an Islamic microfinance model is defined as the distinct mechanism through which an Islamic financial product can be provided to the beneficiaries at the micro level. A model can be differentiated from another by any of the following characteristics:

  1. Primary Islamic product to be provided:

The nature of a product is crucial in setting up a model. For example, it stands to       reason that the implementation of a financing product will be different from a       savings product.

  1. The source of funds:

This refers to how the initial fund is to be generated and then maintained over       the course of operations.

  1. Intended beneficiaries:

The design of certain models can vary depending upon the targeted segment of       society. Generally, as will be seen later, Qarz-e-Hasan loans can be given to clients       below the poverty line while products such as Ijarah and Murabahah are directed       towards established, if small scale, entrepreneurs.

  1. Role of all stakeholders involved:

Different models can propose different ways in which the stakeholders can       interact with each other. This point will be emphasized during the discussion on       the Akhuwat model.

  1. Delivery channel:

The method of delivery can distinguish one model from another. A mobile       money model would therefore differ from a conventional model.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE PRODUCTS

Islamic Finance covers a range of products, such as credit products, financing products and insurance. However, for the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the products currently being offered by Islamic microfinance institutions.

  • Qarz-e-Hasan:

Literally meaning “benevolent loan”, this is an interest free loan given out in good     faith to those in need. There is no interest on these loans and the only extra cost     that may be charged on these loans is the amount of money required to cover the     administrative and processing costs.

  • Musharakah:

The borrower enters into a contract with the bank where capital is invested in a     venture and the profits/losses are shared according to a predetermined ratio.

  • Mudarabah:

This is a contract between a financier and an entrepreneur where the financier     provides the capital and the entrepreneur employs his managerial skills. The     profits/losses are divided according to a pre-decided ratio.

  • Salam:

This is a forward contract where goods are paid for in advance on the promise of     delivery of the goods to the buyer later on. Banks disclose beforehand that the     goods are being bought with the intention of profit.

  • Ijarah:

This product is the Shariah compliant alternative to leasing, where the     organization first buys the good to be leased, and then determines a repayment     schedule over time.

  • Takaful:

A fund is set up which insures the members of the fund in case an unfortunate     incident occurs.

MFPS  EXPERIENCE WITH ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is one of the most promising markets for Islamic Microfinance, with nearly 98% of the 180 million population being Muslim. However, even globally, Islamic Microfinance constitutes only 0.5%[1] of the microfinance sector and therefore, is considered to be in its embryonic stage. Steps have been taken in Pakistan that can take Islamic Microfinance to the next level. Although a number of MFIs now offer Shariah compliant financial products in the sector, the following two MFIs provide a fully Islamic financial product line.
Akhuwat
Akhuwat was set up in 2001, with the intention of providing Shariah compliant microfinance products to achieve growth and poverty alleviation. By 2011, Akhuwat had a gross loan portfolio of Rs. 355 million, which has been given out to 42,069 borrowers[2]. Akhuwat operates exclusively in urban areas and is concentrated in Punjab, although it has offices in KPK and Baluchistan as well but with marginal presence.

Over the past decade, they have been able to successfully set up a model that has certain distinct features:

  • Primary product:

The main Islamic Microfinance product that Akhuwat provides is Qarz-e-Hasan i.e.

 

interest free loans to their clients with soft repayment periods. Akhuwat does not     offer loans based on the group methodology but rather lends on an individual     basis. However, there is social collateral as many of Akhuwat’s offices are set up in     communities where the community vouches for its member. The PAR > 30 days to        gross portfolio ratio is 1%[3], which shows very low levels of delinquency.

  • Funds:

Akhuwat’s primary source of funds is donations, given to Akhuwat by individuals     and other organizations supportive of Akhuwat’s cause. Although the     organization has managed to attain a funding base of its own, it still remains     dependent on donations to help cover costs.

  • Beneficiaries:

The intended beneficiaries lie within the impoverished segment, with     entrepreneurial capability and intent to set up their own businesses. Income     transfers and cash are not doled out as charity, but with the intent to provide     capital to potential entrepreneurs.

  • Roles of stakeholders:

The role of all stakeholders involved and the delivery mechanism is unique to     Akhuwat. Since the word “akhuwat” means brotherhood, the model is developed     on the concept of community. Most branches have been set up in mosques and     churches, which the residents of the locality frequently visit. With the community     acting as a guarantor for all its members, loans are granted on the basis of this     brotherhood. This bond also comes to the fore when the community contributes     back in the form of funds to the Akhuwat brethren.

Akhuwat has implemented its model to wide acclaim, primarily because of the simplicity of the model and the great dispersion of Qarz-e-Hasan loans. The loans, being interest free, enable the poor to repay without interest payments. The communal feel of the mosques and churches instills trust in both the employees and the borrowers, which has successfully translated in return donations from former borrowers.

Centre for Women Co-operative Development (CWCD)

Centre for Women Co-operative Development began the provision of microfinance in 1992, and has since grown in size and scale. CWCD’s Gross Loan Portfolio stood at Rs. 128 million in December 2011 with total active borrowers of 7,214[4]. Of these, 2,525 borrowers have been given loans in groups while the rest have borrowed on an individual basis.

  • Primary product:

CWCD provides five Islamic Microfinance products:

  • Salam
  • Istisna
  • Murabahah
  • Diminishing Musharakah
  • Ijarah

CWCD does not offer Qarz-e-Hasan loans and therefore all products have a profit     margin for the organization.

  • Beneficiaries:

CWCD focuses on existing entrepreneurs requiring capital to expand their     business. While they do incorporate social values and gender sensibilities, the     focus remains on enterprise.

  • Methodology:

CWCD has a primary focus on emerging entrepreneurs, and has thus shifted from     a group lending system to individual loans. Since most products are structured to     benefit small businesses, the loans are really intended for the benefit of the     individual business. Potential borrowers apply for the products by presenting     their business models. The exception to the rule is Salam, where the organization     buys a farmer’s crop before harvest at a pre-decided price.

PROPOSED MODELS

The above summation of the current state of Islamic Microfinance in Pakistan shows that the sector is still in its infancy. The range of products has been limited, with only credit products being offered, and the geographical availability of the products currently is heavily concentrated in Punjab. Funds also remain an issue. Therefore, there remains a gap in Islamic Microfinance in Pakistan that can be filled in by the following proposed models.
Waqf based Model
In Islamic literature, waqf means the dedication of a resource in the way of God. The nature of the resource can vary, from agricultural lands to the dedication of time or service by an individual. All of these resources can be declared as waqf as long as it is for a charitable purpose. Usually, waqf is visible in the form of community mosques, cash donations and dedication of land for charity purposes. The basis of the waqf based model is that the resources are given away as waqf and need to be utilized rightfully in order to bring about change amongst those who require them.

The first theoretical hurdle that must be crossed in this context is to establish that Islamic MFPs are a justified way of using waqf funds. Since waqf can only be used for charitable purposes, the beneficiaries of these resources must be those in need. Islamic MFPs meet the criteria in this regard because collateral is not required by most MFPs when they give out a loan. This brings access of credit or financing to the currently underserved.

Another concept to waqf is “sadqa-e-jaariya”, a sadqa that is self perpetuating and bears fruit for generations to come. Planting a tree or teaching someone are popular forms of this, where one act perpetuates itself and brings prosperity to many over time. In the same vein, feeding the poor is indeed a noble cause, but helping them in acquiring a skill and thus earn a living is also a self perpetuating charitable act. Therefore, waqf used as a means of setting up a business can be seen as a “sadqa-e-jaariya”, which justifies the use of waqf in microfinance.
Interest free credit line
The major benefit of the waqf model is an interest free credit line, where no interest is accrued at the source of the funds. There are alternatives to the waqf model in establishing an interest free credit line, some of which are listed at follows:

  • Murabahah:

This is a financial transaction where goods are sold by one person to another by     declaring the actual cost of the goods and adding a profit margin on to it. Since     the cost of the goods is declared, the dealing is just and a stable income stream is     generated. It is a popular method for banks in Islamic countries in order to     promote interest free transactions.

  • Sukuk:

Sukuk is equivalent to a bond in conventional finance. It is a financial certificate     which can be used to raise capital by Islamic banks without having to engage in     interest bearing certificates.

However, the problem with these alternatives is that these can only be practiced on a larger scale, something that is outside the realm of microfinance. Microfinance can hardly go to a large scale to implement these instruments. Waqf therefore is much better suited to the purpose of microfinance.

Waqf based MFI

In Habib Ahmed’s paper on Waqf-based Microfinance (Ahmed 2007)[5], he presented the model for a waqf based microfinance institution. The model presented in this paper will be the model MFP with which we will compare all the existing models.

The Islamic MFP should be able to offer Qarz-e-Hasan loans and other products by setting up the mechanism to support all these activities. The MFP proposed is a comprehensive operation, offering savings products, credit and insurance at the same time. In order to ensure that all these products are offered, Ahmed proposes counterbalancing funds.

A clear distinction needs to be drawn between the Shariah compliant products being offered and the targeted clients. The Qarz-e-Hasan loans are intended for people lying in the low band on poverty, from which expectation of return of the loan is not assured. The other Shariah products, such as Musharakah, are for people with potential for entrepreneurship. The Waqf funds serve the purpose of making Qarz-eHasan loans viable while the remaining Shariah products remain a sustainable venture on their own.

It would be highly instructional to reproduce the balance sheet that Habib Ahmed proposed for such an MFP – see TABLE 1.

The model proposed by Ahmed (2007) is complex. He proposed several counterbalancing mechanisms to ensure that all financial aspects are taken care of and remain compliant with the Shariah guidelines. In this instance, waqf will be a source of funds that can be used to extend loans and other Islamic products to the borrowers. Since Islamic finance essentially calls upon the MFP to share the risk of using capital with the borrower, a number of components have been introduced into the balance sheet. Profit Equalizing Reserves, for instance, is to be used in case an investment does not yield a profit.

The model has been designed so that the MFP is able to offer all kinds of products such as credit, savings and insurance. However, the primary function for the waqf cash is to be able to offer Qarz-e-Hasan loans.

Structure

There can be two alternate ways in which a Waqf model can be set up.

  1. Waqf funds from a State Department:

Provincial governments can choose to allocate a certain amount of funds to       setting up microfinance operations in certain regions. While this option might        provide a steady stream of resources if ever implemented, it is highly unlikely       that the State will give patronage to microfinance institutions in this fashion. As       will be evident later, Auqaf boards incur considerable expenses and are engaged       in many initiatives such as educational schemes and loan funds. Auqaf boards       even provide relief through cash transfers in face of a crisis, as was the case in the       recent floods that hit Pakistan.

  1. Waqf funds directly from the populace:

Microfinance institutions can set up cash boxes and other donations for people       to contribute towards of the institutions. While one cannot determine a definite       amount that this activity can generate, it can be a source of income that an       individual organization can utilize at its own discretion.
Waqf Estates in Pakistan
Waqf properties traditionally have been managed by the descendents and heirs of the saints or patrons of the waqf properties. To this day, great importance is attached to the heirs of these saints. However, prior to a proper legal framework, the heirs used the income generated by the waqf properties for their own personal benefit which, although allowed, was excessive. Therefore, the Waqf Properties Ordinance 1959 was introduced to bring such properties under a formal structure. It has now been devolved to the provinces where provincial governments oversee waqf properties falling under their jurisdiction. The provincial government is also responsible for the upkeep of the waqf properties and all related expenditures.

Insight can be gained into how waqf properties are being managed by looking into the budget of the Auqaf Board in Punjab.

BUDGET OF PUNJAB’S AUQAF BOARD AT A GLANCE

S. No. Details Budget Estimates (Rs. in Millions)
2010-2011 2009-2010
1 Opening Balance 137.7 132.0
2 Income 928.5 837.9
3 Total Expenditure 793.7 737.2
4 Surplus 121.5 232.7
5 Development Budget 102.4 95.0
6 Closing Balance 19.1 137.7

Source: Punjab Auqaf Department Budget, 2010-11

The province of Punjab is home to many saints, and a large number of waqf properties are within the jurisdiction of Punjab Auqaf Board. It is therefore not surprising that Auqaf Board Punjab generates significant income from these properties: almost Rs. 1 billion for year 2010-11. The available funds for the year 2010-11 amounted to Rs. 1,066.2 million. It is thus evident that the well established tradition of charity in Punjab results in a big pool of funds for the upkeep and development initiatives of Auqaf properties.

The breakdown of the income reinforces this tradition of giving back.

More than half of the income generated in both years has been from cash boxes kept at the sites for donations. It cannot be denied that the people of this country have, without fail, given whatever they have for a charitable cause. The Data Darbar in Lahore alone has an annual income of Rs. 249.3 million.

All these figures establish the fact that there is a tradition of generosity and charity within the Pakistani public, who give out a huge amount in charity to waqf estates. While it is hard to establish that this can be a definite source of funds, the potential to utilize this channel nonetheless exists.

Viability

  1. Strengths

The Waqf based Microfinance model has many advantages which include the following:

  • Waqf based MFPs will be able to generate a considerable amount of funds through the cash waqf. This will enable the MFPs to provide Qarz-e-Hasan loans     on a regular basis. Qarz-e-Hasan loans can be instrumental in setting up     communities and businesses. It will also enable Islamic MFPs to expand in scale     and reach out to many more by gaining geographical coverage.
  • Many potential clients decline conventional microfinance loans due to their non-compliance with Shariah The proposed model will invite more     borrowers who have previously been avoiding conventional loans.
  1. Weaknesses

As with any novel endeavor, there are a few drawbacks in the implementation of these models.

  • Waqf is not a sustainable source of funds. Although the influx of cash has been of considerable volume, yet it can be said with surety that not all of that cash will be     placed with a single MFP, or for microfinance.
  • No current legal framework structure exists that can redirect the funds collected by the provincial Auqaf boards to Islamic MFPs. The Auqaf boards currently use     the money to maintain the properties under their jurisdiction.
  • A fully functioning MFP, as described in Ahmed (2007), will require considerable cash reserves, which may not be possible for the MFP to do.

iii.   Opportunities

Many opportunities lie ahead for the waqf model which, if properly utilized, can help address the concerns that currently exist in microfinance.

  • This model can be a great tool in eradicating poverty since the purpose of the waqf funds is to help the poor. The features of the model enable it to make an     impact in fighting poverty. Providing Qarz-e-Hasan loans would, in other cases,     not be financially viable for MFPs.
  • Islamic microfinance operates mainly in the province of Punjab currently. While

Akhuwat has a branch in Quetta, KPK and Sindh are not being catered to by     Islamic microfinance at the moment. These areas have potential for microfinance     loans and especially Shariah compliant products.

  • There is a need for Islamic microfinance. Islamic microfinance currently makes for less than one percent of the microfinance borrowers across the world. Waqf can     give the impetus to Islamic microfinance to enable them to expand their     operations, which are being held back by a lack of funds.
  • To some extent, Akhuwat is currently running on waqf where the members of the community donate and become part of the organization. Similarly, CWCD already     has strong product line that does not incur a loss for the organization. The waqf     model will allow them to enhance and develop their organizations into more     complete MFIs.
  1. Hurdles in implementing the model

There can be many hurdles in implementing this model.

  • The model MFP proposed by Ahmed (2007) is a fairly complex ideal for the others to follow in Pakistan. The model includes all financial services that an MFP can     possibly offer. However, in Pakistan, MFPs offering Shariah compliant products are     mostly concentrating on credit products. While Akhuwat does offer insurance, it     has packaged its credit product with a mandatory life insurance. CWCD is not     offering insurance at all. Both of these MFIs are not mobilizing savings as a source     of funds, as existing regulations do not allow them to do so. Therefore, it will be     hard for these MFIs to follow the ideals set by the paper (Ahmed 2007)     immediately and its implementation may be far off.
  • The patronage of the provincially administered Auqaf boards would really help implement the model because the properties under the jurisdiction of these     boards receive a lot of waqf in the form of cash through charity boxes at the     mosques and shrines. To receive a portion of this funding source might be a     tedious process and unlikely to come through.

Takaful Model
Takaful literally mean “guaranteeing each other”. It is a Shariah compliant alternative to insurance. The technical details and modalities of providing Takaful to the consumers lies outside the scope of this MicroNote, but it is important to state the importance of initiating a model exclusively providing Shariah compliant insurance, rather than the packaged life insurance that comes with credit products in microfinance. Although initiatives have been taken time and again to set up Takaful in Pakistan, it has not been successful, especially at the microfinance level.

Past experiences

There have been attempts at setting up Shariah compliant micro insurance which caters to the needs of the community. Unfortunately, none of them have been successful so far. Many major hurdles have to be overcome before a micro insurance scheme can be successful.

In previous attempts at providing micro insurance for health purposes, processing claims have been a major problem, as insurance companies have been slow to adapt to the requirements of the new consumer base. There are two components to a health insurance plan – in-patient coverage and out-patient coverage. In-patient coverage was the only part that the micro insurance schemes covered, with patients required to spend 24 hours at a hospital in order to put in a claim. The people, belonging to the lower working class, attached a large opportunity cost to missing a day of work and therefore, they were unable to benefit from the scheme. Claims were rejected by the providers frequently which bore ill will in the client base.

Another reason for the limited success of these initiatives has been the limited focus on developing a relationship between the community and the MFP. All Islamic microfinance models require that there be trust between the clients and the organization. As in the case of Akhuwat, social and communal bonds have been instrumental in low delinquency and the success of the model. However, in the case of Takaful, practitioners have been unwilling to process claims of health insurance. The rejection of all these claims creates distrust amongst the community, and leads to less enthusiasm for Takaful. It is important to bear in mind that this community is one of the vulnerable segments of society. In order to reach out to this segment, a mutual trust is essential. Unless a model is able to inculcate this trust, success might be hard to find.

It is essential to ensure that these vulnerable people are insured against risks. A simple model is presented here that can be used as a possible emergency fund.

Insurance model: “Boli” Committee variation

This insurance model is a variation of the “committee” system, an informal method prevalent in Pakistan. In a committee system, all members of the committee pool in a specified monthly contribution to create a fund. Every month, one member gets the entire fund and the cycle ends when all members have had their turn once. This  system is not a profit generating mechanism, but is meant to ensure that a member has access to a sizeable fund in a specified month. The order of receiving the money is usually done by drawing lots. For members receiving the fund early, it is an interest free loan while for the person receiving it last, it is a savings fund. In any case, each member receives an amount he would normally not have access to in a month.

The “boli” committee is a variant of the committee system. In the “boli” variation, the order of receiving the money is not decided through lots. Instead, members bid for the money each month. The lowest bid gets to take the money for that particular month. In this manner, the person with the smaller and more urgent need receives the money first. However, he receives the amount that he has bid and not the entire amount. Only the initiator of the committee is assured of receiving the entire amount as he gets the first turn.

The model can be replicated in a formal micro insurance structure, with the microfinance institution acting as the initiator of the committee. The insurance provider will always be profitable as the initiator will always profit from this arrangement. It will therefore be a sustainable option in the long run.

Viability

  1. Strengths

This Takaful model has many advantages which include the following:

  • As with the waqf model, it is a Shariah compliant way of providing insurance, for which there is a great potential market in Pakistan.
  1. Weaknesses

Like any new endeavor, there are a few drawbacks in the implementation of these models.

  • Takaful requires a certain amount of funds to become viable. This would require capital, which remains a challenge in setting up Takaful. The additional stipulation     in Takaful is that the unused funds need to be returned to those who made the     Therefore, Takaful needs a larger initial fund than required in     conventional insurance.
  • There are more risks at the micro level because of the vulnerability of the segment that is targeted. The impoverished segment tends to have more health     claims, for example, due to the fact that they tend to live in an unhygienic     It is exacerbated by the fact that people living below the poverty     would rather work through an illness than take the day off. Due to their frequent     health issues, their claims tend to be rather high. Practitioners are currently     unwilling to take on such a huge responsibility.

iii.   Opportunities

Many opportunities lie ahead for Islamic Microfinance models in the times ahead.

  • Natural calamities have increased in Pakistan in the past few years. It is also feared that the rains and floods in Sindh can become a regular feature. In this     unfortunate scenario, Takaful can be a way for communities to generate funds     and insure themselves.
  • The implementation of Takaful can help an organization set up a sustainable While Qarz-e-Hasan loans are crucial for people below the poverty line,     this model can cater to the more settled entrepreneurs. As in the model set up by     Habib Ahmed for use of waqf funds, insurance can help the existing clientele     secure itself from shocks. It can help strengthen the waqf model and both of     these models can be implemented in conjunction with each other.
  1. Hurdles in implementing the model

There can be many hurdles in implementing this model.

  • Due to the greater risk associated with Takaful at the micro level, it is hard to find auxiliary functionaries to cooperate with the model. In the case of providing     health insurance, clinics and local insurance practitioners have been unwilling to     provide the coverage required for this model to be successful.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that there is a great need for financial services in Pakistan that are Shariah compliant, especially at the micro level, where Shariah compliance is seen as a prerequisite before financial services are used. However, the provision of the services has been lacking and there is a need to fill in the gap. Islamic microfinance is suitable for Pakistan not only because of the predominantly Muslim population of the country but also because of the focus on the creation of a just economic system.

There are two clear levels at which the Islamic Microfinance model can operate: Qarz-e- Hasan loans given out to the poor in order to provide them an impetus for sustainable living, or financial products for clients, especially emerging entrepreneurs, on a profit sharing basis. The Waqf model makes it feasible for MFPs to give out Qarze-Hasan loans while the profit sharing products are sustainable ventures on their own.

Takaful at the microfinance level would require much to be done before it can be rolled out and become successful. Supporting services such as proper medical facilities and effective monitoring needs to be in place so that the claims made by the clients can be paid out promptly and there is no trust deficit between the clients and the Takaful providers. Since Islamic microfinance models all require an element of trust between the practitioners and the people, it is imperative that the functioning of the MFP is smooth and this trust is developed without any obstacles.

Although the models have great potential in meeting the needs of the people and contributing to their development, the modalities of the implementation are debatable. The health services in the case of Takaful leave much to be desired. In the case of Waqf funds, there can be Shariah issues pertaining to the way Waqf funds are accessed.

Nonetheless, this is a great opportunity for practitioners to tap into a new market where the demand for Islamic products is considerably high. Already the number of institutions exploring Shariah compliant product lines has increased, especially as MFPs seek to enter regions where such considerations are important to clients.

[1]  Karim et al. “Islamic Microfinance: An Emerging Market Niche.” CGAP Focus Note no. 48. August 2008

[2]  Source: PMN MicroWatch Issue 22 (Q4 – 2011)

[3]  Pakistan Microfinance Review 2010

[4]  Figures taken from MicroWatch Issue 22 (Q4 -2011)

[5]  Ahmed, Habib. “Waqf-based Microfinance: Realizing the Social Role of Islamic Finance.” Written for the seminar on

“Integrating Awqaaf in the Islamic Financial Sector.” Islamic Research and Training Institute, Islamic Development Bank

Group, March 6-7, 2007