Islamic finance is a financial system that operates in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia). It encompasses a range of financial products and services that are designed to comply with the ethical and moral guidelines set forth in the Qur'an and Hadith. The primary principles of Islamic finance include the prohibition of interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and investments in activities considered haram (forbidden), such as gambling, alcohol, and pork.
 
Key features of Islamic finance include:
 
1. Prohibition of Riba (Interest): Islamic finance strictly prohibits the charging of interest on loans. Instead, financial transactions must be based on profit-sharing or risk-sharing arrangements. This principle aims to promote fairness and equity in financial dealings.
 
2. Asset-Backed Financing: Transactions in Islamic finance must be backed by tangible assets or services. This ensures that financial activities are linked to real economic activities, promoting stability and reducing speculation.
 
3. Risk Sharing: Islamic finance encourages the sharing of risk between parties involved in a transaction. This is often achieved through profit-sharing agreements, where both the lender and borrower share the risks and rewards of an investment.
 
4. Ethical Investments: Investments must align with Islamic values and ethics. This means avoiding industries and activities that are harmful to society or contrary to Islamic teachings.
 
5. Zakat (Charitable Giving): Islamic finance incorporates the concept of zakat, which is a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation for Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and wealth distribution.
 
Islamic finance has grown significantly over the past few decades, with the establishment of numerous Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) and the development of various financial instruments such as sukuk (Islamic bonds), mudarabah (profit-sharing contracts), and murabaha (cost-plus financing). The industry is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars and continues to expand globally, offering an alternative to conventional finance that aligns with the ethical and moral values of Islam