IS ISLAMIC BANKING A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL BANKING?

Dr. Yahia Abdul-Rahman – Chairman and Shari’aa Supervisor LARIBA-Bank of WhittierGuest: Mufti Ahmed Suliman - Head of internal Shari’ah Department at FNBIslamic banking refers to a system of banking or banking activity that is consistent with the principles of the Shari'ah (Islamic rulings) and its practical application through the development of Islamic economics. The principles which emphasise moral and ethical values in all dealings have wide universal appeal. Shari'ah prohibits the payment or acceptance of interest charges (riba) for the lending and accepting of money, as well as carrying out trade and other activities that provide goods or services considered contrary to its principles. While these principles were used as the basis for a flourishing economy in earlier times, it is only in the late 20th century that a number of Islamic banks were formed to provide an alternative basis to Muslims although Islamic banking is not restricted to Muslims.