Although Islamic finance is one of the fastest growing segments of emerging global financial markets, its concepts are not fully exploited especially in the areas of economic development, inclusion, access to finance, and public policy. This volume is to improve understanding of the perspective of Islamic finance on economic development, social and economic justice, human welfare, and economic growth.

Although Islamic finance is one of the fastest growing segments of emerging global financial markets, its concepts are not fully exploited especially in the areas of economic development, inclusion, access to finance, and public policy. This volume is to improve understanding of the perspective of Islamic finance on economic development, social and economic justice, human welfare, and economic growth.

New Issues in Islamic Finance & Economics: Progress and Challenges provides a review of the main issues and challenges facing Islamic finance. The application of Islamic finance is currently limited to banking. This book starts with an overview of the factors and motives behind the development of Islamic finance. A critical review of issues facing the industry is provided followed by a detailed analysis of areas where further attention is required. The book offers some original thinking on issues pertaining to governance, institutions, public finance and economic development within an Islamic financial system.

The book is a collection of chapters discussing the Sustainable Development Goals in the broader context of Islamic finance along with mapping the SDGs with Maqasid Al-Shariah. It provides a framework for both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to develop a sustainable economy which encompasses not only the concept of the welfare state but also supports development-related activities, ensures financial inclusion through equal distribution of wealth and alleviation of poverty, and protects the overall environmental and ecological system. More specifically, this book explores various aspects of Islamic finance in relation to parameters of SDGs; restructuring of Islamic finance and connecting its dots in the light of SDGs; Islamic perspective on ESG and ecological quality; interest-free tools and modernization of Islamic financial institutions for sustainable development and economic stability; and the role of Islamic finance in infrastructure-related development activities. Consistent with the view that SDGs are embedded within the theme of Islamic finance, this book is specifically designed to meet the needs of key regulatory institutions, academic scholars, and industry practitioners both in the field of Islamic finance and sustainable finance.​

Developing economies such as those in sub-Saharan Africa are searching for realistic economic policy prescriptions. Despite economic growth in countries like Nigeria, poverty and unemployment blight the lives of many, in the midst of plenty. Simultaneously, much neo-classical economic thought is being questioned against the backdrop of global economic meltdown, giving rise to inquiry about more integral approaches to sustainable development. In An Integral Approach to Development Economics, Basheer Oshodi examines modernization theories, dependency theories, world system theories and emerging 21st century economic theories and links a neo-modern mix of economic thought with the practicalities of finance in parts of the World where poverty is rife. In a specifically African setting, over half of the population are Muslims, Oshodi considers Islamic finance in the context of the triple heritage of indigenous culture, Westernized Christianity, and Islam. He argues that the principles of Islamic banking and finance can be integrated with other elements of that heritage, focusing on meeting the challenges of poverty and unemployment. Islamic finance is not just a religiously-oriented, Sharia-compliant, alternative financial model. It can contribute to overall socio-economic transformation and a wider, people-centred approach to economic development. International organizations, financial institutions, reserve banks, policy makers, donor agencies and students will find resonance in this valuable addition to Gower’s Transformation and Innovation Series.

This is an extremely valuable book written by three highly qualified scholars whose credentials for writing such a book are difficult to match. The timing of the book is also perfect, having come at a time when the worst financial crisis in living memory has intensified the quest for reform of the international architecture. The proposals made by the authors should go a long way in not only reforming the system but also in accelerating the move towards financial globalization and convergence of the conventional and Islamic financial systems. Dr. Umer Chapra Prominent Scholar of Islamic Economics and currently Research Advisor Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Globalization and Islamic Finance, by three well-respected authors in Islamic finance, provides a thought-provoking analysis of an important and topical issue, particularly, given the global impact of the current financial and economic crises. The book is the first attempt to make a compelling case of convergence between globalization and Islamic finance. Askari, Iqbal and Mirakhor should be praised for this serious effort, which is a must-read for academics and practitioners interested in Islamic finance. Professor Rifaat Ahmed Abdel Karim Secretary General Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) This book has a robust discussion of the growth and spread of Islamic finance within the umbrella of globalization. The book provides a unique view of Islamic finance, not only from the perspective of how Islamic finance fits within globalization in general, but globalization of finance in particular. This is a must read for anyone interested in the complex and complicated world of Islamic finance. Scheherazade S. Rehman, Ph.D. Director, European Union Research Center Professor of International Finance, School of Business The George Washington University I have not come across any literature that has delved so intensely in financial globalization, in particular Islamic finance. Due to this reason, I would encourage all interested in this area to read this book. Hajah Salma Latiff Managing Director, Crescent Sdn. Bhd. Former Director, Centre for Islamic Banking, Finance and Management (CIBFM), Universiti Brunei Darussalam The recent crisis has evoked wide interest in Islamic finance publications. Globalization and Islamic Finance is both timely and needed. Sani Hamid Director, Wealth Management Financial Alliance (Singapore)

This book is the second of two volumes which highlight the concept of financial inclusion from the Islamic perspective. An important element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), financial inclusion has been given significant prominence in reform and development agendas proposed by the United Nations and G-20. The significance of Islamic financial inclusion goes beyond improved access to finance to encompass enhanced access to savings and risk mitigation products, as well as social inclusion that allows individuals and companies to engage more actively in the real economy. It represents one of the important drivers of economic growth. This volume explores the financial risks associated with lending to low-income groups due to high poverty levels and the lack of collateralization mechanisms. The first book on the market to provide empirical evidence of Islamic microfinance, deposit insurance and micro-entrepreneurship through the analysis of models and country case studies, this edited collection will be of value to those researching development finance, financial inclusion and Islamic finance.