The purpose of this study is to investigate the behavioral factors that influence individuals in Uzbekistan to contribute to waqf funds. It applies an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by incorporating religiosity (REL) and institutional trust to capture context-specific determinants of Islamic philanthropic behavior.
This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data was collected using structured surveys administered to 300 respondents from various regions of Uzbekistan. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between attitudes, subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), trust, REL and the intention to contribute to waqf.
The results revealed that REL, SN and PBC significantly influenced the intention to contribute, with REL emerging as the strongest predictor. Contrary to expectations, neither attitude nor trust demonstrated a statistically significant effect, indicating that spiritual motivation and social influence play a greater role in shaping waqf-related behavior in this context.
This study used cross-sectional, self-reported data, which may have been influenced by social desirability bias. Religion was evaluated as a unidimensional concept. Future research should examine multidimensional REL, its influencing factors (including knowledge) and individuals’ actual monetary contributions in various religious and social contexts.
Waqf institutions and Islamic financial bodies should design faith-based and community-driven engagement strategies. Enhancing transparency, simplifying donation mechanisms and aligning local religious values may foster stronger participation.
This study contributes to the literature by extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to the post-Soviet Central Asian context. It provides empirical evidence that REL and SN outweigh institutional trust and personal attitudes in predicting waqf participation, offering new insights into Islamic philanthropic behavior in transitional societies.
