Iranian Journal of Finance

Abstract This study examines the key drivers of the Islamic debt securities market (Sukuk). This Sharia-compliant financial instrument is gaining recognition for its role in promoting economic development through ethical, non-usurious financing. As it is being used more in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, housing, and development, Sukuk has emerged as a significant financing tool for both Islamic and international markets. Following a two-step research strategy, the study first identified and categorized key factors influencing Sukuk market development by conducting a qualitative analysis of academic literature, scientific reports, and institutional documents. Twenty-one main components were distilled at this stage. Experts' views were gathered and analyzed at the second stage, based on linguistic variables, a fuzzy ranking technique, and Excel-based modelling, to prioritize factors uncovered while managing uncertainty in expert judgment. The results indicate that increasing the liquidity of Islamic finance instruments is the most significant method for improving Sukuk market growth, followed by the Management of Issuance Costs of Islamic Financial Securities (Sukuk) and Risk management (including exchange rate, interest rate, and credit risk) within the Sukuk structure. The study offers policy relevance to policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders who aim to improve the Islamic finance ecosystem by promoting the development and efficiency of the Sukuk market through targeted, evidence-based policies.

Abstract Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital for economic development, growth in production, and employment expansion. One of their key challenges is the financing gap. Therefore, offering alternative financing solutions can aid in their growth and development. This study aims to propose an efficient way to finance SMEs through the issuance of sukuk. At first, we identified challenges in financing SMEs by interviewing experts. Then based on challenges we propose two assumptions in designing a Sukuk model for financing SMEs and based on them, we designed 7 models. We use an intermediary in all models and we propose to finance a portfolio of SMEs instead of financing a single SME and, also we use contracts that originator could use them for any purpose. These models were based on Tawaruq, Ijarah, Musharaka, Manfaat, Salam, Wakalah and Bay' al-dayn. Then we ranked models using the TOPSIS method based on 6 criteria, and the wakalah sukuk model was chosen for SME financing from the capital market. Subsequently, a model based on wakalah sukuk was developed, addressing aspects such as parties involved in Wakalah Sukuk for financing SMEs, profit management in SME Wakalah Sukuk, wakil's fee, construction of SME’s portfolio by Wakil, and reporting and monitoring the performance of the originator.