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Meet the Institute of Halal Investment Team
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Mohammad Saeed Rahman
Chairman & Founder
Mr. Rahman has 32 years of experience in the financial industry, having held senior roles at Wachovia and Merrill Lynch. He founded several ventures including Rubicon Global and Z-Motors US, and has launched non-profits like the One Ummah Foundation. He holds degrees from Portland State University and Reed College, and earned his Investment Management Analyst Certification from Wharton. He served as an adjunct professor at Portland State for 18 years and sits on boards including Antioch College and previously, the Institute of Halal Investing.
Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque
Board Member
Mr. Rizwan has 25 years of experience in the financial sector, with a strong focus on Islamic economic principles. He holds an MBA in Finance from Punjab University and has played a key role in launching institutions like an Islamic bank and a family Takaful company. As founding Chairman of Dawood Family Takaful Ltd., he continues to promote ethical finance. His expertise spans corporate restructuring, dispute resolution, and economic revival. He is committed to developing a just economic model based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Dr. Eshan Feroz
Co-Chairman & Special Advisor on Halal Microfinance
Dr. Ehsan Feroz is a Professor of Accounting at the Milgard School of Business at the University of Washington, Tacoma, is on the editorial board of several journals. He is involved with the Institute of Halal Investing in a personal capacity
Nurhastuty K. Wardhani
Board Member
Ms. Nurhastuty is an academic and consultant specializing in Islamic Finance and governance. She began her career at BDO Indonesia after earning her degree from Gadjah Mada University, later joining Trisakti University as a lecturer. Her passion for Islamic Finance grew during her Master’s at INCEIF in Malaysia, leading her to found INSPIRE Islamic Finance. She’s worked with the Trisakti Governance Centre and is currently pursuing her PhD in Australia, with research published internationally.
About the Institute
The Institute of Halal Investing is a world-class think tank dedicated to advancing understanding of Islamic banking, finance, and investment. We serve as a central resource for both Muslims and non-Muslims seeking knowledge in this rapidly growing field.
Our offerings include access to global forums, a specialized library of research and white papers, educational courses and seminars, and a regularly published newsletter covering the latest developments in Islamic finance.
Institute of Halal Investing is working to become a world class think tank on Islamic banking, finance and investment. We currently provide or plan to provide following opportunities for both Muslims and non-Muslims to understand this rapidly growing area of finance. Meet the Team
Our Mission & Core Values
The Institute of Halal Investing works to demystify Islamic finance among both Muslims and non-Muslims by providing research on Shari'ah-compliant financial products. It is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the U.S.
At the Institute of Halal Investing, we are committed to promoting ethical, Sharia-compliant financial practices through comprehensive education, research, and community engagement. Our goal is to empower individuals and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in halal investing and Islamic finance.
Why Islamic Finance Matters
With over 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide and 6 million in the U.S., Islamic finance remains a rapidly growing yet often misunderstood field. Rooted in Shari'ah law, it prohibits interest (riba) and speculative risk (gharar), making it distinct from conventional finance. However, Shari'ah-compliant products are still not widely available, especially in Western markets.
Globally, countries like the UAE, Malaysia, and Bahrain are leading hubs for Islamic finance. In the U.S., a few community-based banks have offered Shari'ah-compliant services for decades, though their presence is mostly limited to areas with large Muslim populations. Islamic mutual funds are expanding, and sukuk (Islamic bonds) continue to grow. Academic institutions, notably Harvard, play a vital role in advancing research through initiatives like the Islamic Finance Project. Worldwide, Islamic financial assets are estimated at $1.5 trillion and are growing at a rate of 15% annually.
