An Evaluation of the Interest-Free Pension System Implemented in Turkey in Terms of Islamic Law

Abstract

The private pension system (PPS) in Türkiye is based on the long-term investment of savings individuals make throughout their work life and results in the payment of a lump sum or salary to the person upon retirement. This private pension system was launched 19 years ago and consists of the voluntary-based individual pension system (Volunteer PPS) and the obligation-based automatic enrollment system (AES). People participating in PSS can choose the funds in which they want their money to be invested. Two types of pension plans exist in terms of Shariah compliance: conventional and interest-free. While all pension management companies have interest-free pension funds (usually from AES) in addition to conventional funds, two pension companies provide interest-free-only pension plans and fund services. This study aims to evaluate the current application of interest-free PPS in Türkiye within the framework of Islamic law. After introducing information about the development process and current status of PPS practices in Türkiye, the article will go on to explain the Islamic ruling on interest-free PPS pension plans according to Islamic law and point out the possible objectionable issues.

Keywords

• islamic law
• private pension system
• interest-free private pension system
• pension funds
• pension plans