Imam Sadiq(as) University Islamic Economics Studies Bi-quarterly Journal 2008-4102 16 2 2024 04 20 Designing a Qard al-Hasan Banking Facilities Index within the Framework of Interest-Free Banking: A Content Analysis and Best-Worst Method (BWM) Approach Designing a Qard al-Hasan Banking Facilities Index within the Framework of Interest-Free Banking: A Content Analysis and Best-Worst Method (BWM) Approach 57 91 78087 10.30497/ies.2026.246503.2227 FA Hossein Seilsepoor Ph.D. Student in Finance, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Javad Mohagheghnia Assistant Professor, Department of Banking, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Shima Ahmadi Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Financial Sciences, Khatam University, Tehran, Iran Ali Seilsepour Ph.D. Student, Department of Financial Management, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2024 06 15 <span lang="EN">This study aims to design a measurable, index-based framework for evaluating the performance of Qard al-Hasan facilities within the Islamic banking system. The primary objective is to enhance financial ethics, social responsibility, institutional transparency, and process efficiency. Moving beyond normative descriptions, this research conceptualizes Qard al-Hasan indices as systematic analytical tools for institutional monitoring, ensuring the provision of Sharia-compliant, interest-free facilities oriented toward economic justice. Employing a two-stage exploratory mixed-methods design, the study first utilizes qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews with Islamic banking experts to extract key evaluation categories and subcategories. Subsequently, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) is applied to weight and prioritize these elements. Furthermore, practical operational metrics are proposed for each subcategory to facilitate regulatory monitoring and institutional assessment. Findings reveal that the overarching social objectives of Qard al-Hasan-namely poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and social justice-form the core of performance evaluation. Additionally, institutional process quality, equitable resource allocation, and resource cycle sustainability are crucial for operational effectiveness. While not empirically assessing current bank performance, this study provides a weighted, policy-relevant framework for institutional evaluation, suggesting that future research validate and apply this index using quantitative banking data across interbank or cross-country contexts.</span> <span lang="EN">This study aims to design a measurable, index-based framework for evaluating the performance of Qard al-Hasan facilities within the Islamic banking system. The primary objective is to enhance financial ethics, social responsibility, institutional transparency, and process efficiency. Moving beyond normative descriptions, this research conceptualizes Qard al-Hasan indices as systematic analytical tools for institutional monitoring, ensuring the provision of Sharia-compliant, interest-free facilities oriented toward economic justice. Employing a two-stage exploratory mixed-methods design, the study first utilizes qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews with Islamic banking experts to extract key evaluation categories and subcategories. Subsequently, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) is applied to weight and prioritize these elements. Furthermore, practical operational metrics are proposed for each subcategory to facilitate regulatory monitoring and institutional assessment. Findings reveal that the overarching social objectives of Qard al-Hasan-namely poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and social justice-form the core of performance evaluation. Additionally, institutional process quality, equitable resource allocation, and resource cycle sustainability are crucial for operational effectiveness. While not empirically assessing current bank performance, this study provides a weighted, policy-relevant framework for institutional evaluation, suggesting that future research validate and apply this index using quantitative banking data across interbank or cross-country contexts.</span> https://ies.isu.ac.ir/article_78087_27171d2919930346bd601f77ca8300df.pdf