Islamic Finance Volumes: Key Figures

Islamic finance, grounded in Sharia principles, is reshaping global markets with its ethical and transparent approach. By banning riba (interest) and haram (forbidden) sectors, it ties investments to tangible assets and social good. In 2024, the market reached $4.9 trillion, with forecasts projecting $6.7 trillion by 2027, per LSEG. What numbers define this sector’s growth, […]

Ethical Islamic Finance: The New Investment Trend

Islamic finance, rooted in Sharia principles, offers an ethical alternative to conventional investing, blending profitability with social responsibility. By prohibiting riba (interest) and haram (forbidden industries), it emphasizes real assets and transparency. In 2024, the Islamic finance market reached $4.5 trillion, according to Deloitte, drawing investors seeking sustainable, value-driven solutions. Islamic securities sukuk—a Sharia-compliant bond […]

Fair Profit Sharing and the Growth of the Islamic Banking Sector

Islamic banking is a philosophy rooted in fairness, ethics, and partnership. By banning riba (interest), it focuses on the real economy, sharing profits and losses among stakeholders. This model captivates not just Muslim-majority nations but the world, offering stability amid economic storms. Ernst & Young’s 2024 report pegs Islamic financial assets above $4 trillion, with […]

Social Responsibility in Islamic Finance: In Practice

What is Social Responsibility in Islamic Finance? Social responsibility is a core pillar of Islamic finance, rooted in Sharia’s ethical framework from the Quran and hadiths. Islamic finance demands fairness, transparency, and a ban on exploitation, inherently tied to societal welfare. Unlike conventional finance, where profit often reigns supreme, Islamic finance prioritizes community well-being alongside […]

Sharia Principles in the Islamic Banking Sector

What is Sharia in the Financial Context? Sharia is the Islamic legal framework, drawn from the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad’s hadiths, and scholarly interpretations, guiding all life aspects, including banking. In the Islamic banking sector, Sharia establishes ethical and religious standards, setting it apart from conventional systems. Its core aim is to promote fairness, transparency, […]

Sukuk: What Are Islamic Bonds and How to Invest in Them?

What Are Sukuk? Sukuk are Islamic financial instruments, a form of Sharia-compliant securities akin to bonds, rooted in the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. Unlike conventional debt tools, they grant ownership in tangible assets—real estate, infrastructure, or equipment—rather than promising interest-based returns. This structure avoids riba (interest), aligning with Islamic prohibitions, and ties income […]

How is Islamic Insurance (Takaful) Structured?

What is Islamic Insurance? Islamic insurance, or takaful, is a financial system deeply rooted in Sharia principles derived from the Quran and Hadith. Unlike conventional insurance, which prioritizes profit through premiums and investments, takaful focuses on mutual assistance and collective responsibility. Participants contribute to a shared fund, which is then used to compensate any member […]

Murabaha: Sharia-Compliant Trade Financing

Murabaha is among the most widely used instruments in Islamic finance, representing a trade-based contract that replaces conventional lending with a markup sale. Instead of charging interest, the financial institution or investor first purchases an asset and then resells it to the client at a higher price, clearly disclosing the cost and agreed markup. This […]

Haram and Halal in Finance: How to Invest Ethically

In Islam, the terms “halal” (permitted) and “haram” (forbidden) establish the boundaries of acceptable behavior under Sharia law. While many people are familiar with these concepts in relation to dietary rules, their impact extends far into the financial world. Ethical investing, free from forbidden sectors or practices, is a cornerstone of Islamic economics. Yet determining […]

What Is the Prohibition of Interest (Riba) in Islamic Finance?

The concept of charging or paying interest has long been central to most conventional financial systems. However, in Islamic finance, the practice known as riba—broadly interpreted as usury or unjust increases on loans—is firmly forbidden by Sharia law. The term “riba” stems from Arabic, meaning “increase” or “excess,” emphasizing the idea of illegitimate gain from […]