Thursday, January 1, 2009

Shariah law can be modern

Written by Dr Terry Lacey

The controversy over shariah law raises cultural and economic issues rather than simply religious questions. If shariah banking can be modernized, globalised and in management terms westernized in synergy with a liberal fi nancial system, then why not other aspects of shariah law? Interpretation of shariah law is culturally contextualized in time and space, not universally fi xed like concrete.

The liberal Islamic Indonesian scholar Zuhairi Misrawi argues that shariah law is a cultural product because it has been historically constructed and is attached to a specifi c territorial, geographical and socio political culture. [Jakarta Post 14.02.08].

Last year there were seminars on shariah banking organized with the British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia. Shariah banking can be very modern. It has Export Credits, Bonds, Mortgages, leasing and profi t-sharing, and will doubtless devise environmental credits too.

The profi t and loss sharing aspect of shariah banking is the most innovative but the poor can normally only access fi xed cost Islamic facilities more similar to Western interest. Islamic profi t & loss sharing instruments in Asia are surprisingly heavily used by non Muslims (in Malaysia).

The big issue in shariah banking policy is the gap between rich and poor. When a modern economically dynamic society absorbs migrants from a culture of rural poverty, tribalism and feudalism, then economics is driving social change. Shariah banking needs to fi nd ways to extend its more innovative profi t sharing concepts to poorer people to reduce marginalization & promote social inclusion.

Maybe the UK should consult more with social workers in Pakistani and Bangladeshi cities who are also coping with urbanization from backward rural areas. The only way out of this will be economic and social change, in UK, and in countries of origin.

Shariah banking should offer part of the way forward without excluding other groups or religions. In Indonesia the trend is towards Islamic windows in conventional banks, based on consumer choice, not to an institutionally separatist Muslim banking system. If non Muslim Chinese business people in Malaysia or Indonesia want to use Islamic banking they are welcome to do so, it is open to everybody.

Some UK Muslim communities are resolving family disputes voluntarily with shariah law. Of course all parties should also have the right of recourse to the jurisdiction of UK courts. Such rights have to be taught, learned and upheld. Politicizing the debate on shariah law and confusing it with extreme criminal punishments which are not agreed with or practiced by most Muslims in the world does not help this process.

We should study the voluntary use of shariah law to resolve family disputes in UK, Canada and elsewhere, parallel to recourse to normal courts, to see if this helps resolve confl icts or hinders social changes.

Most of the people who reacted strongly about voluntary shariah law in local communities in the UK would not be so negative if the modernization of their factory or water supply was partly fi nanced by an Islamic Financing Institution which was shariah law compliant. Nor do they object to shariah law when they eat in a Halal restaurant, while they are drinking their laager with their curry. If the Muslims who serve the laager can be broad minded, is it too much to ask of other people?

Dr Terry Lacey was a well known student leader in Manchester in the 1960s studying politics and economics for his BA Econ, French military nuclear technology for his Masters and Internal Security in Jamaica for his PhD. He taught and trained offi cials from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean at the Department of Overseas Administrative Studies. He was an EU offi cial for 7 years, serving in Brussels and West Africa. He worked for 30 years in international development in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacifi c Regions working with NGOs, private sector and UN agencies. He covered political transitions in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe and worked extensively in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon. He is now based in Jakarta from where he covers work in the ASEAN countries. Dr Lacey writes from a modern secular point of view and is part of the Muslim community in Indonesia. His small NGO foundation has supported small business development and vocational training via churches, mosques and secular agencies. He now concentrates on promoting tourism, inward investment and increased trade , especially in new environmentally friendly markets like clean energy.

Source : http://www.islamictimes.co.uk

The Islamic Bank of Britain’s (IBB) Shariah Supervisory Committee (SSC) also got together to discuss amongst other issues, a review of forthcoming Investment (Treasury) and Home Purchase products, as well as undertaking a Shariah review of the bank’s activity in 2007.

The Committee consists of Sheikh Dr. Abdul Sattar Abu Ghuddah (Committee Chairman), Sheikh Nizam Yaqoobi and (UK-based) Mufti Abdulkadir Barkatullah. Between them, they represent almost a century of Shariah-compliance experience. All three committee members are very much in demand by Islamic Financial institutions from around the world, and have chosen to utilise their expertise to further the cause of Islamic Finance in collaboration with IBB.

Mufti Barkatullah explained his commitment: “Islamic Bank of Britain is leading the way in promoting Islamic Finance in the UK, and I look forward to helping IBB with its pioneering role in the development of the industry.”

IBB is the fi rst Islamic fi nance institution in the UK authorised and regulated by the FSA to operate as a bank. All Islamic Banks are overseen by a Committee of qualifi ed and experienced Scholars, who are charged with ensuring that all products, services and processes comply with Islamic principles. In addition to Shariah reviews and approving the bank’s operations, the Committee also provides advice and guidance, based on their knowledge and experience within the Islamic Finance industry.

As well as an external and independent review by the Scholars, IBB also has an internal Shariah Compliance Offi cer, who is responsible for continuously monitoring the day-to-day activities of the bank, and reports directly to the Shariah Supervisory Committee.

“The work of the Shariah Supervisory Committee is fundamental to the existence of IBB,” comments Shaher Abbas, the bank’s Shariah Compliance Offi cer. “Their approval is required before we launch any product, and they regularly review our business to ensure we are in compliance with the Sharia’a. This gives our customers complete peace of mind that we are operating in accordance with Islamic and ethical principles.”

IBB offers a number of products and services to it’s customers including Savings accounts, Treasury accounts, Personal Finance and Commercial Property Finance. The bank recently launched two new Commercial Centres for Islamic Finance – in London and Birmingham – to cater for the needs of its High Net-Worth and Business Banking customers.

Source : http://www.islamictimes.co.uk

Global Muslim Interaction Needed

At the official launch of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia said the challenge for the WIEF was to generate greater economic and trade interaction among Islamic countries.

"This is absolutely necessary because there is so much poverty and deprivation among Muslims all over the world." "They live in abject poverty and deplorable conditions. The average per capita income of those living in Islamic countries now is merely US$1,100 compared with the rest of the world average of US$5,133" he said.

About 50 percent of the population in Islamic countries live on less than US$2 a day, an amount barely sufficient for subsistence living, he added. "The vicious circle must be broken. We cannot expect others to take the lead. It is the duty of Islamic countries to help each other, so that they can share the prosperity, not the poverty," he said. "Indeed, the WIEF should be the platform for synergistic interaction among government leaders, civil society and business players of the Muslim ummah," he said.

Abdullah said the forum should explore and identify new and innovative means of strengthening cooperation between Islamic countries. "It should engage in dialogues and trading of ideas not only with Muslims but also with non-Muslim entrepreneurs and provide the networking for leading international business executives and political leaders," he said.

Abdullah said the private sector could take advantage of the forum to voice concerns and put forth proposals to top leaders and decision-makers in an informal setting. "Above all, the forum should also make its contribution towards strengthening the Muslim brotherhood at the same time as it promotes viable joint-ventures and smart partnerships," he added.

In the area of international trade and investment, Abdullah said there was a special niche market for halal products and services which Islamic countries should take the lead in securing.

He said the Islamic financial services industry was another area that Muslim countries should capitalise on and spearhead its growth and development.

"With 1.8 billion Muslims in the world, there is a ready market for Islamic financial services in commercial activities. Malaysia has seen steady progress in this field. There is definitely much prospect for its further growth throughout the world," he said. "It was first developed as an alternative form of financing. However, within a span of 40 years it has now grown into a viable and vibrant tool of financing. Already, it is being practised in over 60 countries, including the major world economies," he said.

"These institutions can also be a vibrant platform for dialogue between the West and the Muslim world in these turbulent times. We need to build not only economic and trade bridges between the two sides but also, and even more importantly, establish institutions and provide forums that assist to spread goodwill and trust between the two great civilisations," he added.

When speaking of the WIEF Foundation, Abdullah hoped it would make important contributions to bring back some of the glory in the history of Islam. "In the past, Muslims excelled in various fields including politics, philosophy, the military, the sciences and the arts, and had in fact dominated the world trade scene. May the foundation be an effective catalyst for economic development, progress and prosperity," he said.

Source : http://www.islamictimes.co.uk


Who benefited by the increase in the price of oil? He is Al-Walid bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. Saudi Arabian businessman who became customers remain in the list of the 20 richest people of the world's version of Forbes magazine.

In 2007, despite rising net wealth of USD300 million, prince Al-Walid to the position down four levels. In 2006, "Warren Buffet" from the Arabs, the nickname of awarded Time magazine, in ranking to-8 with a wealth reached USD20 billion.

The Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company is to collect tens of wealth through investment in 10 sectors. In the hotel business and property of many known name. Grandchildren founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is famed as one of the shareholders networks Four Season Hotel. He also registered as the owner of Savoy Hotel (London), Plaza Hotel (New York), and Songbird Estates PLC (London's Canary Wharf).

Hotelnya related business, in 2007 he twice to make big blow, to buy the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. Neighboring countries in jail until he was 435 million Malaysian ringgit. For the Four Seasons Bangkok, he grope pocket USD48 million (equivalent to Rp451, 5 billion) to buy 81.9 percent of the shares in the hotel's golden triangle area of Jakarta that.

The acquisition of the hotel was named Regent is a debutnya in Indonesia, at the same time increase the portfolio in seven Asian countries. Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) now have shares in all 35 properties in 21 countries, consists of 22 hotels and resorts that are already operating, and 13 hotels and resorts that are built in the framework of the expansion.

How can the son of the Arab position is to climb such a high speed? Many of the suspect, it hamate with the role of Al-Walid as the spearhead of the investment for the Saudi prince other than publicity. There are also issues related to the spread pace with the development of the county in the contract a secret military base in Saudi Arabia, and commissions over from the shipment of oil.

Al-Walid was born on March 7, 1955. His mother, Mona El-Solh, daughter is the first prime minister of modern Lebanon, Riad El-Sohl. When the prince was born, Riyadh is still the desert city that prohibited foreign people. As the son of Prince Talal, Al-Walid enjoy the convenience of the special unknown by most Saudi people: tap water and cars.

State wiped nearly went bankrupt that it changed overnight. The explosion in oil prices in the 1970s siphon wealth exceeds, and the Al-Saud clan, which has an 6,000-prince collectively become the richest family in the kingdom of earth.

Al-Walid Al-Saud with a difference. In 1962, the father of four with his brother protest. Talal show sympathy to the enemy Al-Saud, namely, the revolutionary leaders of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser. In a devious they demanded that the political system more open. This makes matters embarrassed clan, and Talal outcast to Egypt. Talal eventually allowed to return to the motherland. Since there is no such rule written in the Al-Saud clan that Talal and his family not to be active in government.

Marginalized, Al-Walid had excess motivation. He pitch aspiration of becoming a businessman while still on the age dozen years. He landed in San Francisco in 1976 to start studying Business Administration. In the age of 24 years, Walid Al-degree Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in the field of Menlo College, with specialization in management. Later, he MA degree in social science from Syracuse University, New York state, in 1985. Al-Walid obtain financial expertise through work, not from the course book.

When returned to Riyadh at the end of 1979, to start a profitable business. The price of oil reached a record, and the government pumping billions of dollars to the construction sector, from toll roads and building new ministries to skuadron-skuadron latest fighter. With USD30.000 capital loan from his father, mortgage and home of USD300.000, Al-Walid start a business. He first became a foreign company that brokers want to do business in Saudi Arabia.

In 1982, two years after the founding company called Kingdom Establishment in Riyadh, Al-Walid mengegolkan first transaction: build a single club in a military academy near Riyadh worth USD8 million. He represents the small contractors from South Korea. From there, Al-Walid business grow rapidly and become more sophisticated. Not simply act as an agent, he increase profits by establishing their own companies, and formed a joint venture with foreign private.

Activities Al-Walid as investor attention when he began buying shares Citicorp (now known as Citigroup), which terlilit liquidity difficulties in 1991. With initial investment of USD550 million, Prince mem-bail-out of Citibank, which involved real estate bad debts in the United States and Latin America. He also suppress scale capital in the giant AOL, Apple Inc., WorldCom, Motorola, News Corporation Ltd., and in the field of technology and media companies.
Currently he has a 17 percent share in Euro Disney SCA, the organization that manages Disneyland Resort Paris in Marne-la-Valle, France. In 2007, he was talking with Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood restaurant network, to discuss ownership shares Everton FC in the English League. Earl is the owner of 23 percent shares in the football club.

Source : http://elqorni.wordpress.com

Saudi Hollandi Bank (SHB) announced yesterday the successful closure of its SR775 million issue on Monday, which is the first tranche of a SR1.5 billion Tier-II Sukuk issuance recently approved by the bank's shareholders.

"The successful closure of this Sukuk puts SHB as the first bank in the Middle East to support its capital in a Shariah-compliant manner," SHB's Chairman Mubarak Al-Khafrah said after closure of the issue.

He added that the decision to support the bank's capital is aimed to help SHB achieve its plans to grow its Shariah-compliant services and products to meet client requirements and also to achieve higher returns for shareholders.

He continued that "The Kingdom is one of the fastest growing markets in the world for Islamic banking and finance and with this Sukuk issue, SHB extends its long tradition of bringing innovative financing solutions to the Saudi market." Al-Khafrah also thanked SHB's Shariah Committee for their guidance and support in the Sukuk transaction. Geoff Calvert, SHB's managing director, explained, "the SR775 million Mudaraba Sukuk is a Shariah-compliant follow-up to the bank's first Tier-II capital bond for 700 million that was issued in 2004." He added that, "SHB's Sukuk issue is the first by a bank in the Middle East and is expected to set the standard for future Shariah-compliant debt issues in the Kingdom and the region."

The Sukuk is a Floating Rate Note (FRN) with tenor of 10 years, with an option to call it at the end of 5 years. Investors will receive a return of SIBOR (Saudi interbank offered rate) plus 2 percent per annum to be distributed bi-annually. The principal investment amount will be returned as a bullet payment on maturity.

Calvert further explained that, "the bank has successfully closed this issue with a positive response from a number of major institutional, corporate and private clients." Saudi Hollandi Capital acted as sole lead manager & book runner for this transaction.

Source: AJP and http://www.islamonline.com

The Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) is poised to expand abroad and will develop financial instruments to meet increasing calls for Shariah-related banking and financial services locally and internationally, says its Chairman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jabr Al Thani.

In an interview to QIB in-house magazine 'Al Masraf', Sheikh Jassim said: "QIB has developed a five-year strategic business plan until 2012. The objectives of this plan are to consolidate and maintain our leading position in Shariah-compliant banking in Qatar and to become a leading global provider of Islamic banking."

He said in order to execute the plan the bank has been totally restructured. External advisors and auditors have been hired to evaluate the bank's information technology and human resources as well as its organisational structure.

"The expansion plan will continue. We are now licenced by the FSA in the UK to open the European Finance House (EFH) there. We will expand our European presence and prepare to open finance houses in France and Germany," Sheikh Jassim said.

"We will also expand our Asian presence, extending the reach of our Malaysia-based Asian Finance Bank by opening representative offices in Indonesia, Singapore and brunei."

The bank will continue its expansion in Lebanon as well with the Arab Finance House growing from four to seven branches. A feasibility study is in the final stages to expand to Turkey, Kazakhstan and Egypt and the bank is also seriously considering a move into other GCC countries. "Acquisitions are also a part of our growth strategy, and we are evaluating a few options," Sheikh Jassim said.

( Source: AJP and http://www.islamonline.com )

by JORDAN ROBINSON
The Muslim community in America remains gripped by “analysis paralysis,” argues Shahed Amanullah, editor-in-chief of the online magazine altmuslim.com. But he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, and for Amanullah, that light comes from his MacBook laptop screen.
The Internet can be a powerful tool for open discussion, criticism, engagement and empowerment. But few efforts from the Muslim community have leveraged it as well as altmuslim.com.

For now, the American Muslim foray into the fourth estate remains in its infancy. Whether it is the print or broadcast medium, according to Amanullah, the Muslim community has yet to develop a fully functioning and vigorous free press that acts as a watchdog and transparent interface between different levels of the Muslim American population. The consequence of this, he says, is a rather static and seemingly monolithic plane of conversation that does little to address important issues affecting Muslims and their role in contributing to the betterment of American society. In other words, we need to get past “Islam means peace.”

Founded in 2001 after 9/11, altmuslim.com attracts 160,000 unique users and 360,000 page views a month. Amanullah and fellow editors are leveraging the power of the Web to plug in and provide media consumers with commentary barely audible in many publishing corners, be they Muslim or not. Topics vary widely, including family and community, art and culture, U.S. politics and gender relations. The Web continues to create ripples in Muslim and mainstream media, challenging society’s traditional gatekeepers of knowledge. Amanullah and his altmuslim.com colleagues are riding the wave of Internet-enabled community introspection by creating new modes of critique and accountability that circumvent not only traditional power monopolies, but also national borders.

With clairvoyance for coding, Amanullah created several Web sites, including zabihah.com, salatomatic.com and halalapalooza.com, in effect establishing the first “consumer reports” for everything Muslim. Salatomatic.com — “Your guide to the best mosques & Islamic schools in your area” — allows worshippers to rate their mosque experiences and provide information about things such as a mosque’s type of governance and the availability of women’s facilities. In the age of Wikipedia, who needs experts?
With the Web’s great democratizing and decentralizing effects, something not lost on Amanullah, alt.muslim is designed to be an interactive forum that includes more than 1,500 registered users with the ability to provide feedback to writers and artists. Interactivity for Amanullah includes using the Web as a facilitator for large-scale collaboration and social networking. Along these lines he recently introduced unitedmuslims.org that will include more tools for project sharing and collaboration. As a dynamic platform for greater Muslim activism and participation, major organizations can use it as a way to plug into the average Muslim whose talents and experiences have yet to be tested or utilized. This enhancement, Amanullah says, will help empower America’s grassroots activists working for change.

While most other Muslim information dissemination organizations take the top-down approach, Amanullah empowers from the bottom up. “I think the lay Muslim can do wonders but has never been given a chance.”

( Source : http://www.islamicamagazine.com)

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