Understanding Islamic Finance

In this summary you will learn

• How the practice of Islamic finance began
• How it is governed according to Shari'ah law
• What impact the prohibition of interest and other forbidden gains has on financial practice
• How specific Islamic financial practices comply with Shari'ah law

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Why you should read Understanding Islamic Finance

Muhammad Ayub provides a thorough report on the major economic and political ramifications of Islamic finance, now practiced in more than 75 countries. This system follows specific, religion-grounded financial policies. For instance, it accommodates Riba, the Islamic prohibition of certain kinds of gains, including interest. Ayub makes it clear that Islamic finance, backed by billions in petrodollars, could come to compete with Western capitalist practices, which he roundly criticizes. His book is simultaneously academic, religious, legal, political and economic (as well as being rhetorical at times, with some challenging long and winding sentences). He also states some apparently opinion-based observations as facts, often with no references, but he knows his subject area and he sounds authoritative throughout, though you may differ with his political viewpoint. getAbstract finds this book critically important for anyone whose work is touched by Islamic banking or finance.

About the Author

Muhammad Ayub directs training development and Shari'ah aspects at IIBI, London. Formerly, he was the senior joint director in the research and Islamic banking departments of the State Bank of Pakistan, heading the Islamic Economics Division and Shari'ah Compliance. He is an Islamic Finance master trainer.