What is an Islamic finance loan?
Islamic finance loans is a way of banking, lending, and borrowing money, that is consistent with the principles of Islamic or sharia law. These principles include the avoidance of financial activities seen as forbidden. Including things like riba and usury. Ultimately, this means that sharia-compliant loan providers do not charge interest on any amount borrowed and do not fund illegal businesses. In Nigeria, Kano is the center of Islamic finance, with a number of Islamic banks operating in the state.
Islamic Finance Loans gives you an opportunity to access a loan without having to pay any interest rate. It grants an interest-free credit loan amount.
Islamic finance loans — considerations
Central to Islamic finance is the concept that, as money has no intrinsic value, one should not be able to make money from money directly. Money is simply seen as a medium of exchange, and as such charging interest is highly forbidden.
With Islamic finance, wealth can only be generated by involving in legitimate business activities and investing in legal assets. In other words, money must be used in productive ways. Islamic finance is primarily based on trading where risks are shared between the person providing the capital and the person with the expertise.
How Islamic Finance Loans works
A business that is interested in a Islamic finance product, may approach an Islamic bank compliant financial institution. These Islamic banks, can offer credit loan to your business with a variety of different financial products depending on your specific needs. These products will all be structured in ways that adhere to the principles of Islamic banking, which are, the sharing of profits and losses, and the ban on the collection and payment of interest.
Types of Islamic Finance Loans products
Musharaka:
This is a situation where a bank and a customer both contribute money for either an investment or purchasing an asset. The profits (and the risks) are shared proportionally.
Wakala:
Wakala refers to a contract where a customer appoints an agent, to accomplish a defined legal action, on his or her behalf. This product facilitates economic exchange, so for instance
Ijara:
Ijara works as a leasing arrangement, where a lender can purchase a product and then lease it out to you. As an example, this can be used to acquire a vehicle or plant machinery.
Murabaha:
Here a bank provides you with goods for resale. at a price that includes a margin above costs. This allows a business topurchase a goods and pay in installments.
Benefits of Islamic finance loans
- Interest free (no interest to pay)
- Promotes financial justice — risks and rewards are shared
- Financial inclusion — encourages un-banked Muslims to benefit from finance
- Reduces impact of harmful practices — alcohol, betting etc.
- Promotes financial stability — less risk and more stable returns
- Accelerates economic development
Limitations of Islamic finance loans
- High costs — as documentation is often tailor made to the transaction
- Longer application processes — Islamic banks do more due diligence
- Not many Islamic finance providers
