أسئلة و إجابات حول ماهية المصرف الإسلامي

Abstract EN

Islamic researchers still pose several questions about the nature of an Islamic bank.

Is it a merchant competing in the market and rivaling other merchants ? Or is it rather a financial intermediary collecting savings for various purposes in order to invest them through the provision of funds and goods (on deferred payment) to various economic activities ? Trade clearly is different in that it is essentially buying and selling of goods, whereas financial intermediation is a systematic readiness to finance those who buy or sell.

Intermediation also involves buying on the order of those who promise to buy later.

The distinguishing characteristic of an Islamic bank is that it shuns lending on interest (which process favors the credit-worthy who can secure their loans) and resorts instead to various modes of financing as suits various economic activities.