Exploring the challenges in administration of faraid in Islam: staff experience at Amanah Raya Perlis

The administration of faraid, an important part of Islamic inheritance law, is essential for ensuring the fair and just distribution of wealth among rightful heirs. Despite its importance, the process faces many challenges that reduce its efficiency and effectiveness. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by Amanah Raya Perlis staff in managing inheritance under the faraid law. The main objectives of the study are to identify the challenges in inheritance administration, analyze the impact of these challenges on efficiency and effectiveness, and suggest strategies to overcome the challenges. The study uses a qualitative approach by interviewing five staff members from Amanah Raya Perlis who are directly involved in the inheritance management process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, and thematic analysis was used to identify key issues. The findings reveal several major challenges, including the lack of understanding among heirs regarding faraid, incomplete documentation from heirs, pressure to speed up the process, bureaucracy with third-party institutions, and reliance on manual processes. These challenges cause delays, increase the workload for staff, and lead to dissatisfaction among the heirs. To address these challenges, the study highlights the need for strategic measures, such as integrating Amanah Raya’s system with the National Registration Department (JPN) and the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), organizing Amanah Raya Open Days to engage with the community, universities, and schools, and using social media platforms to raise public awareness. These findings provide guidance for Amanah Raya to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of inheritance administration in the future.