Institute of Halal Investing
The Institute of Halal Investing is dedicated to advancing the global understanding and integration of Islamic banking, finance, and investment. Our mission is to serve as a premier knowledge hub, offering comprehensive resources and insights on halal financial practices. We foster meaningful dialogue through world-class forums, provide access to cutting-edge research, and deliver specialized education to both Muslims and non-Muslims. By promoting ethical financial practices and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration, we aim to support the growth and development of a just and inclusive financial system that aligns with Islamic values.
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Institute of Halal Investing
at a Glance
Institute of Halal Investing: A World-Class Think Tank on Islamic Banking, Finance, and Investment
The Institute of Halal Investing is committed to becoming a global leader in the field of Islamic banking, finance, and investment. Our mission is to provide both Muslims and non-Muslims with the knowledge and resources they need to understand and engage with this rapidly expanding sector of the financial industry. We offer a range of opportunities designed to educate, inform, and facilitate meaningful dialogue on Islamic finance:
Through these initiatives, the Institute of Halal Investing aims to bridge the knowledge gap and promote a deeper understanding of Islamic finance principles, ultimately contributing to the growth and integration of ethical, halal financial practices worldwide.
History of Islamic Economics
Islamic finance aims to provide an alternative financial system based on principles derived from Islamic law, known as Shari'ah, as outlined in the Qur'an and the Sunna. Emerging in the post-colonial period of the 1950s, Islamic finance was developed by scholars in newly independent, previously colonized states who sought to establish a new economic framework. This framework was envisioned as a "third way" between capitalism and socialism, grounded in ethical and moral guidelines. A core assumption underpinning this system is that Muslims, guided by their faith, will inherently prioritize broader social and ethical considerations in their economic dealings, as opposed to focusing solely on individual profit maximization.
Islamic finance prohibits practices such as charging or paying interest (riba), engaging in speculative activities (gharar), and investing in industries that are considered harmful or unethical (such as alcohol, gambling, and weaponry). Instead, it promotes risk-sharing, profit-and-loss sharing, and investing in assets that contribute to the real economy. The overarching goal is to create a financial system that aligns with Islamic ethical values, promoting social justice, equity, and the well-being of the community.
Knowledge Center
There are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, and 6 million in the United States[1], yet little is known about a relatively new and rapidly growing area of finance administered in compliance with Shari'ah law. Shari'ah (Islamic) law lays down a code of ethics and conduct under which Muslims are instructed to live their lives. However, it is very difficult for Muslims to comply with the financial restrictions enunciated in the Qur'an and Sunna because the Islamic financial industry is still undeveloped or absent in many areas of the world.
Education Resources
The main area in which Islamic finance has entered the United States is in academic institutions. Harvard University has a well-developed Islamic Finance Project (IFP) under the law school, which brings in scholars from law, economics, business and Islamic studies together to study the development of Islamic finance. Since 1997, the IFP (previously the Harvard Islamic Finance Information Project (HIFIP)) has hosted an annual conference, the University Forum on Islamic Finance, where current research in Islamic finance is presented and discussed. Since 2000, this conference occurs biennially.
Resources
Amana Mutual Trust Funds
Today, a variety of Halal investment products serve the needs of Muslim investors, including the original Amana Income Fund started in 1986, the Amana Growth Fund started in 1994, and the Amana Developing World Fund started in 2009.
Free Guide For Islamic Inheritance
Our goal is to help educate the Muslim community about their obligations to their family and help them fulfill those obligations. Estate Planning saves families heartache, pain and often, money. It is how your family stays united during difficult times, by keeping to your faith.
MALAYSIA
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, Islamic finance in Malaysia has developed into a comprehensive and sophisticated Islamic finance marketplace. Our marketplace is characterised by a robust regulatory, supervisory, Shariah and legal framework, a deep primary market and active secondary sukuk market
Meezan Bank
Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank, is one of the fastest growing financial institutions in the banking sector of Pakistan. With its Vision of establishing ‘Islamic banking as banking of first choice’ – the Bank commenced operations in 2002, after being issued the first-ever Islamic commercial banking license by the State Bank of Pakistan.
CPI Financial
CPI Financial is committed to delivering the most relevant financial news, features and analysis to bankers and businesses throughout the Middle East and beyond. We offer the latest information through a variety of platforms including magazines, directories, e-newsletters, websites, events and contract publishing. The core philosophy of the company is transparency, ensuring accurate reporting of the current economic situation.
Contact Institute of Halal Investing
Get in touch with Institute of Halal Investing to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
(503) 997-2007