Ar-Rahnu shop services in Dungun, Terengganu - measuring local people expectations / Saidatul Sheda Alim

The objective of this research is to study the local people expectations towards Ar- Rahnu shop services in Dungun, Terengganu. Based on this objective, the current study tends to develop a model, a theoretical framework to explain the factors that influence local people’s expectations on Islamic-based pawnshop. The model was tested with a survey sample (N = 100). The respondents were randomly chosen either they consume the Islamic-based pawnshop or not. As a whole, the study renders an overview of the local people's expectations towards ar-Rahnu shop services in Dungun, thus creating a chance to suggest a policy either to introduce an ar-Rahnu shop or to make the existing conventional pawnshops introduce window for ar-Rahnu. Nevertheless, questions arise such as why Muslims still do not realize the existence of ar-Rahnu shop in Dungun? How many percentage of Muslims who emphasize on ’halal’ trading without riba’? This complication can be proved with the collected data. Findings are useful for the local authorities or businesses to take initiative to develop an ar-Rahnu shop in order to promote Islamic-based economy among women as well as men minority. It is also treated as an eye opener to the public about the significance of having the Islamic system in Dungun. Apart from that, the implementation of the Islamic pawn broking service has provided opportunity to Muslim consumers to choose transactions that do not involve riba’.