Competing measurement models of Maqasid Shariah-based sejahtera living

The study examined four competing models, which are unidimensional model, correlated-factor, second-order factor, and bifactor model, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). It aimed at identifying the best-fitting model that measures sejahtera living (SL), an inventory which is based on maqasid shari‘ah. The study also evaluated the statistical properties of the optimal solution, in terms of factor dimensionality and reliability. An online self-reported SL inventory was created to collect the data. It is a questionnaire containing 21 content-validated items measuring five facets of SL, namely the preservation of religion, life, intellect, dignity, and wealth. A total of 461 employees and 596 students at a public university participated in the study. The bifactor model best fitted the data. The model yielded results that all items loaded on their specified dimensions. In addition, it confirmed the presence of a general factor that influenced the variability of responses across all items. The bifactor model confirmed the contributions of the general factor to the reliability of the SL inventory. The results indicate that inventory is an effective tool for assessing research and educational practices related to a good life.