How do Islamic banks make money without interest?
To earn money without the typical practice of charging interest, Islamic banks use equity participation systems, which are similar to profit sharing. Equity participation means if a bank lends money to a business, the business will pay back the loan without interest and instead give the bank a share in its profits.
Aside from the absence of interest rates, the key concept of Islamic finance is risk sharing between parties in all operations. Here are some of the key sharia-compliant products offered by banks—they have Arabic names but in most cases we can find an equivalent in conventional Western banking.
A Shari'ah-compliant current account doesn't pay interest. Instead, in return for having ready access to your money, the deposit you give the bank is used as an interest free loan. This loan is known as a 'qard'. If you open a savings account, the bank will invest the money you deposit.
Qard hassan is a loan extended on a goodwill basis, mainly for welfare purposes. The borrower need only pay back the amount they borrowed, with no interest. On principle, Islam does not allow interest. Should a borrower encounter difficulty, the lender must extend the repayment time.
For example, in a deposit product, profits from a deposit arrangement will be shared between a bank and its depositors based on an agreed ratio and paid as dividends. Shariah also allows a bank to give hibah (gift) to its depositors as it deems fit.
Islamic banks make a profit through equity participation, which requires a borrower to give the bank a share in their profits, rather than paying interest. Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector-Refinitiv. "Islamic Finance Development Report 2022," Pages 2, 8. S&P Global Ratings.
Zero-Interest Loan Basics
As its name suggests, a zero-interest loan is one where only the principal balance must be repaid, provided that the borrower honors the rigid deadline by which the entire balance must be satisfied. Failure to comply with the deadline carries hefty penalties.
Islamic Finance Lowers the Impact of Harmful Products and Practices. Shariah principles forbid any transactions that support industries or activities which Islam forbids, such as usury, speculation and gambling. Even if these activities are legal in some regions, it is in contrast with Islamic principles.
In shariah, there is not any written upper limit of profit that can be illegal.
Investing is permitted under Islam, but certain aspects of investment practice – such as charging or paying interest – are not. This has traditionally meant a lack of opportunities for Muslim savers and investors in the past.
Are there Islamic banks in America?
According to asset size, the top two Islamic Finance institutions are the followings: LARIBA American Islamic Finance House, University Bank (through its subsidiary University Islamic Financial)
Unlike conventional banks, the operations of Islamic banks are not interest based. They are primarily governed by Sharia laws which prohibit interest transactions, considered by a majority of Islamic scholars as Riba (usury).
By the 21st century this Islamic Banking movement had created "institutions of interest-free financial enterprises across the world". Loans are permitted in Islam if the interest that is paid is linked to the profit or loss obtained by the investment.
The three major risks occurs in Islamic banks as appointed by Akkizidis and Khandelwal (2008) credit, market and operational risks which these occupy the maximum attention of the financial community in different types of contracts such as Musharakah, Mudharabah, Murabahah, Salam, Istisna and Ijarah.
If a transaction is done according to the rules of Islamic Shariah it is halal even if the end result of the product may look similar to conventional banking product.
Islam forbids both receiving and paying interest (riba). Many of us can end up accumulating interest through our bank accounts even if we don't want it, so what should we do with it? Since it is not permissible to use riba for one's own benefit, we should donate it to charity.
Al Rajhi Bank
At the end of 2021, Al Rajhi was the largest Islamic bank globally, with assets of $166 billion and a substantial deposit base. It remains one of the most profitable banks, with an ROAA of 2.7%, and has a strong financial profile.
The principal means of Islamic finance are based on trading, hence, banks can profit from the buying and selling of Shari'ah Compliant goods and services. Islamic financial institutions trade in Shari'ah-compliant investments with the money deposited by customers, sharing the risks and the profits between them.
In the 2nd quarter of 2016, the average net profit margin of Islamic banking worldwide was equal to 40.2 percent.
In fact, these loans actually accrue interest despite being called 0% interest loans. You just don't have to pay that interest if you pay the installments on time until the debt is paid off. Financial institutions count on the percentage of people who default or miss payments in order to make money from these loans.
Are no interest loans legal?
Yes, a no-interest loan is legal, but be wary because no-interest loans could come with deferred interest charges that apply if you don't abide by their terms.
Zero-percent financing deals can work well for those who have a high income and excellent credit, but in most cases 0% really isn't as great as it appears.
In the Islamic context, the Sharia (Islamic law) provides guidance on all aspects of a Muslim's life, including financial activities. It is also the main framework for moral and ethical behavior. Consequently, Islamic banks may be seen as inherently ethical as long as they comply with Sharia rules.
Strength Rank 2021 | Islamic Bank Rank 2021 | Country |
---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Saudi Arabia |
2 | 5 | Qatar |
3 | 37 | Turkey |
Bank efficiency is measured by overhead cost and the cost/income ratio, which indicate that Islamic banks have significantly higher overhead cost but only a marginally higher cost-to-income ratio. Asset quality is assessed using loss reserves, loan loss provisions, and nonperforming loans.
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