Infaq-Supported Microtakaful for Household Resilience: A Systematic Review

Low-income households are exposed to health emergencies, mortality, livelihood disruption and climate-related losses that can reverse the benefits of financial inclusion. This study reviews how Infaq, microtakaful and Islamic microfinance institutions can be combined to improve household financial resilience. A systematic literature review was conducted using a protocol informed by PRISMA 2020. Searches completed on 5 August 2026 covered publisher platforms, DOI- and Crossref-linked records, Google Scholar, DOAJ, institutional repositories and authoritative policy sources. Publications from 2005–2026 were screened using predefined relevance, traceability and methodological criteria. The final corpus comprised 29 substantive studies and six methodological or policy sources, which were coded and synthesised thematically. The review identifies six connected findings: financing does not remove exposure to shocks; microtakaful adoption depends on affordability, trust, product simplicity and claims performance; Infaq offers flexible support for excluded households; permanent universal subsidy may weaken sustainability; Baitul Maal wat Tamwil can reduce distribution costs but should not assume insurance risk; and fund segregation, Shariah oversight, consumer protection and transparent reporting are essential. The study proposes a ring-fenced and tiered framework in which Infaq supports eligible participants, Islamic microfinance institutions provide community-facing services, and licensed takaful operators manage underwriting and claims. The framework shifts Islamic philanthropy from predominantly reactive relief towards preventive protection while preserving participant responsibility and institutional accountability.

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