Al-Bay' Bithaman Ajil, Musharakah Mutanaqisah and Ijarah Sukuk

This study represents an attempt to revive the true nature of Islamic banking and finance industry based on profit and loss sharing (PLS) mechanism. Chiefly, the study theoretically compares al-Bay' Bithaman Ajil (BBA), Musharakah Mutanaqisah Partnership (MMP) and Ijarah Sukuk. It critically examines BBA and its negative effects as implemented in Malaysia. The study argues that modus operandi of BBA is creating unnecessary pressure on both customer and economy as it is not flexible to changing economic conditions. Thus, the study proposes the use of MMP financing technique as alternative and solution to these problems. While BBA and MMP are suitable tools for retail banking, ijarah sukuk are possible tools for capital market investment. Ijarah sukuk are applicable to almost all financing purposes while adhering to the Sharcah rulings. In short, this study stresses the importance of PLS modes of finance. By applying more PLS modes of finance such as MMP, ijarah, and ijarah sukuk, Islamic banks will be able to distinct themselves from their conventional counterparts and make the real contribution to the development of Islamic banking and finance.