Since research effort in the area is minimal, there is a clear need to examine the practice of Islamic social entrepreneurship (ISE) among successful Muslim social entrepreneurs (SMSE) in Malaysia. One such practice is to organize charitable activities to benefit the community through the gains made from entrepreneurial activities that are based on social mission and vision. However, the studies are not specific to models and concepts that could provide clear guidance to further enhance these practices so that they coincide with the spirit of al-Maqasid al-Syariah. Hence, this study focuses on the development of a conceptual model of ISE derived from the practices of SMSE. For this study, five (5) specific objectives were drawn up, namely: (i) to review the concept of social entrepreneurship from Islamic perspective, (ii) to identify the Islamic social entrepreneurship practiced among successful Muslim social entrepreneurs in Malaysia, (iii) to identify the implications of the practice in accordance with the Islamic perspective of social entrepreneurship, (iv) to explore the factors surrounding the involvement of successful Muslim social entrepreneurs in the activities of social entrepreneurship and their challenges, and (v) to build a model of social entrepreneurship that is based on Islamic perspective. Research methods employed in the study are case study, content analysis, comparative analysis, expert consultation, and interviews which would help to achieve all the objectives outlined. The study identified 13 concepts of ISE that need to be inculcated among SMSE, namely, the concepts of the caliphate (Khalifah), fraternity, economic jihad, fairness and balance, meeting the social needs of society, developing and improving the social value of the giver (contributor), al-Falah, enjoining good and forbidding evil (Amar Makruf wa Nahi Munkar), social security, the enhancement of the economy of the ummah, zakat and waqf, charity and baraqah, and doa, prayers and regular attendance of the mosque. The ISE dimensions have also been identified: faith (iman), taqwa, possessing admirable qualities (mahmudah) and ihsan (kindness). Overall, 13 participants constituting eight SMSE and five experts with religious academic backgrounds participated in the study. The results showed that a total of five themes and 30 sub-themes for the SMSE and the academic experts have been successfully analyzed based on the five research objectives. The study found that all themes and sub-themes point to the importance of ISE be practiced by the SMSE. This is because it is in line with the al-Maqasid al-Syariah and meeting the ultimate quest of approval and blessings of Allah SWT in this world and the hereafter. Thus, the model of ISE is the major contribution of the study which could serve as guidelines for SMSE, particularly young entrepreneurs.
