It is a well-known fact that conventional commercial banks provide financial intermediation services on the basis of interest rates on assets and liabilities. However, since interest is prohibited in Islam, Islamic banks have developed several other modes through which savings are mobilized and passed on to entrepreneurs, none of which involve interest.Islamic Banking and Finance discusses Islamic financial theory and practice, and focuses on the opportunities offered by Islamic finance as an alternative method of financial intermediation. Key features of profit-sharing (as opposed to debt-based) contracts are highlighted, and the ways in which they can facilitate improved efficiency and stability of a financial system are explored. The authors illustrate that in addition to some 200 Islamic banks operating in Muslim as well as non-Muslim countries, some of the biggest multinational banks are now offering Islamic financial products. This book will fascinate students, researchers and academics with a special interest in comparative banking, middle-eastern studies and international finance, and will also appeal to practitioners of banking and finance.

The relatively new sukuk (or Islamic debt securities) markets have grown to more than US $800 billion over the past decade, and continue to grow at a rate of around 20-30 per cent per year. Arguably the first of its kind, this path-breaking book provides a highly unique reference tool relating to key issues surrounding sukuk markets, which are found in 12 major financial centers, including Kuala Lumpur, London and Zurich. The internationally renowned contributors present an in-depth study of sukuk securities, beginning with a comprehensive definition and history. They go on to discuss Islamic financial concepts and practices that govern how sukuk securities are issued, how markets are carefully regulated to protect investors, and how securities are designed to safeguard invested money. The prospects and challenges of developing sukuk Islamic debt markets across the world are also illustrated. This comprehensive guide to sukuk markets will prove a fascinating and useful reference tool for academics, students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in Islamic finance, and, more specifically, in the nascent field of sukuk securities. Contributors include: M. Ariff, P. Casey, M. Cizakca, S.A. Hussein, M. Iqbal, S.S.A. Khan, A. Meor-Amri, S. Mohamad, H.S. Nasser, A. Saeed, M.T. Skully

Debt finance involving interest payments - the standard method in the global economy - goes against Qur'anic teaching and Shariah law. Wealth creation is therefore one of the greatest challenges facing Muslims and the Islamic world.

This book explores the longer term issues of Islamic capital accumulation and its contribution to the development of Muslim societies in the East and West. Although many of these societies remain poor, it is shown that there is much positive experience to learn from - especially that wealth creation is most successful when the institutions created to harness and deploy funds share the values of the societies they serve. It can be seen that adherence to religious values brings social development, and that moral financing makes good business sense.

The book includes:

* evaluation of Asian Islamic banking experiences

* assessment of Islamic banking efficiency and service quality

* analysis of Islamic insurance and risk management, and equity finance and venture capital

Countries covered include:

Iran

Pakistan

Sudan

Kuwait

Egypt

Malaysia

Bahrain

Jordan

Saudi Arabia

The book provides a comprehensive discussion of the various aspects of Islamic finance, focusing on key countries and institutions in a coherent manner and bringing both breadth and depth to the subject.

Key Features:

* First book to bridge the gap between Islamic economic theory and financial practice

* Considers risk management in accordance with Islamic law by exploring Islamic mortgages and insurance

* Looks at equity finance, venture capital and the stock market from an Islamic perspective

* Offers detailed case studies of country experiences ofIslamic capital formation and wealth accumulation

* Includes a glossary of Arabic terms