Words of Wisdom - the Editor

Peace.
Got busy with a new project. So couldn’t add more news. Although I came across a fine article by a brother on the history and future of Islamic Banking. I was surprised to know that Islamic banking had beginnings in 1975. Wow. That’s almost as early as my birth. And I guess if there are enough like minded people any idea is bound to grow. I too used to wonder if I can invest without plunging into interest based transactions.

UK I noticed is taking some fine initiatives to promote Shariah Finance. Also came across a western brother or atleast who calls Muslims his brothers and sisters but laughs cynically at the DOW Islamic index as 'bending backwards' to accommodate those guys who have four wives and cut of peoples hands. O well some people just don't get it, do they?

Sunday, February 1, 2009

AMU to start 'Islamic Banking' course

LUCKNOW: In what is being touted as a first of its kind in the country, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will launch a one-year post graduate diploma course in 'Islamic Banking and Finance' based on tenets of Shariah. 

"The basic principle of Islamic banking based on Shariah, Islamic rules of transaction, is prohibition of Riba (interest)and is known as interest free banking system. As per the tenets of Islam earning interest on money deposit and loans in the bank is prohibited by law," Dr Mohammad Nejatullah Siddiqi, who designed the one-year diploma course, told reporters. 

The university academic council, highest body of the university, which decides on academic affairs, has approved of the introduction of the course early this month from the next academic session, he said, adding, that there would initially be 20 seats in the course. 

In this system of banking the depositor, who does not bear risk as in other banking systems, has to equally share the risk with the bank. Owner of the capital, however, is allowed to have a share in the bank's profits, Siddiqui, a retired AMU professor of Economics and Islamic Studies, said, adding that a similar system is followed by the banks while offering loans to the customers. 

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