Articles

Islamic Banking

Islamic Finance Country Report 2025: Singapore

Singapore’s Islamic finance ecosystem is undergoing a dynamic transformation, propelled by ground-up initiatives, strategic innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. In 2024, the industry achieved significant milestones, including the second Singapore Islamic Finance Forum (SIFF), which established five key resolutions to enhance talent development, regulatory collaboration, public literacy, Shariah governance, and the prioritization of Shariah-compliant products.

With 11 new product launches in 2024 spanning banking, asset management, and fintech, institutions like Maybank Singapore and innovative platforms such as RizqX and GivingFridays.com have redefined financial solutions tailored to the modern Muslim community. Looking ahead, 2025 promises an even brighter horizon, with 9 products in the pipeline, the establishment of the Singapore Islamic College, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) set to enhance regional collaboration.

This report captures the achievements of 24 key players, showcasing how Singapore’s Islamic finance sector laid a strong foundation in 2024 to emerge as a regional hub of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in 2025 and beyond.

Read More »
Islamic Finance

Umdatus Salik #6 – Usurious Gain (Riba): Usurious Gain in Sales of Foodstuffs, Gold and Silver

Usurious gain or interest (Riba) is one of the main prohibitions in Islamic transactions. This article illustrates how riba applies to trading food, gold, and silver. It examines the rulings that make the transactions valid and acceptable under the Shariah law. The purpose is to help ensure that trade in Islam is fair, clear, and Shariah-compliant.

Read More »
Islamic Finance Country Report 1h2024
Islamic Finance

Singapore’s economic highlights and upcoming innovations in Islamic finance

Singapore’s Islamic finance sector is set for significant growth in 2024, bolstered by rising awareness and educational initiatives. Key developments include strategic regional partnerships, such as the MoU with Malaysia, and anticipated product launches. As Southeast Asia’s market for Islamic financing expands, Singapore is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Read More »
Islamic Finance

Lesson 2: Introduction to Sahih al-Bukhari and Intentions in Islamic Finance

In part one of the second lesson in Messenger’s Money Morals, we begin by delving into one of the primary sources we will explore: Sahih al-Bukhari. This foundational text forms a cornerstone of the course, as we seek to understand how our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ might and would have responded to the challenges of our modern era. Studying the history of the author is also a nod to traditional Islamic sciences, allowing us to gain blessings and renew our commitment as we engage with the vast wealth of Islamic knowledge available.

Read More »
Islamic Finance

Umdatus Salik #3 – The Option to Cancel a Sale at the Time of the Agreement + Stipulating an Option to Cancel Period Part I

In the third paragraph of the book on Sale (كتاب البيع), the scholar, Imam Naquib Al Misri, summarises the options of both the buyer and seller when it comes to cancelling the sale. Imam Naquib also expands on the different scenarios such as the number of days the agreement can be cancelled, which party can have the right to cancel and what transactions should have immediate exchange of possessions. We delve further below:

Read More »
Islamic Finance

Messenger’s Money Morals Lesson One

The first lesson, “Introduction and Revealed Guidance Navigation,” delves into the foundational sources of Shariah in Islamic finance, highlighting the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Ijma’ as key elements. The lesson explains how these sources guide the principles of Islamic finance, ensuring alignment with Shariah values such as fairness, justice, and ethical integrity. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Sunnah, which includes the verbal, physical, and tacitly approved practices of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, to maintain the moral and legal standards in Islamic finance. By adhering to these principles, Islamic finance promotes a sustainable and just economic system that benefits both individuals and communities.

Read More »
Umdatus Salik #2
Islamic Finance

Umdatus Salik #2 : The buyer and the seller

The summary for this paragraph in the book The Reliance of the Traveller (عـمـدة الـسـالـك و عـدّة الـنـاسـك) offers an easy-to-understand overview of Islamic sale transactions, particularly on the aspect of the buyer and the seller. It explains the key requirements for a transaction to be valid, such as the importance of maturity, sanity, and consent. The notes highlight situations where transactions are not allowed, like those involving minors, individuals with mental challenges, or selling religious items like the Qur’an to non-Muslims. It also touches on specific rules for transactions involving slaves and when coercion might be justified in legal settings. Overall, it provides a clear and practical guide to navigating Islamic financial transactions with integrity.

Read More »
Hadith

Hadith on Riba #1

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Avoid the seven major destructive sins.” The people enquired, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! What are

Read More »
Hadith

Hadith on Riba #2

Theme: The dangers and prohibition of riba’ The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: This night, I dreamt that two men came

Read More »