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The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of financial development on the economic growth of jurisdictions with systemically important Islamic finance.

The authors use several estimation methods. The primary analysis is based on the LSDVC method using a sample of 23 countries covering the period of 2000–2019.

The findings suggest that the financial sector may not be a significant factor in determining economic growth, or that it may decrease it depending on the proxy used. These results are in line with recent studies and robust across different estimation specifications and methods used.

Finance practitioners may reconsider the way they conduct their daily activities as their impact on economic growth is fading away. Similarly, policymakers should consider the role that financial development plays in economic growth alongside other factors that may influence its impact. It may be necessary to examine the moderating effects of institutional development on the relationship between finance and growth and consider the channels through which financial development can contribute to economic growth. Additionally, it would be useful to study the impact of Islamic finance on economic growth using different data sources.

Although the topic has been explored using different data sets and focusing on different samples, it has not been explored considering the impact of Islamic finance development on economic growth. Given the global appeal of the Islamic finance industry, it is worth investigating its significance for economic growth.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concepts of hilah (legal stratagem or legal trick) and makhraj (legal exit) and to examine their relevance and application in the contemporary Islamic financial services and products.

This paper uses the qualitative research approach to provide a theoretical overview of hilah and makhraj literally and technically and to examine their practical applications in Islamic financial products and services. In particular, this paper evaluates several Islamic financial contracts and examines its practices in light of the implications of hilah or makhraj.

The paper finds that there is a glaring difference in perception and application of hilah and makhraj, as argued by some scholars. It has been found that the principle of hilah has been extensively used in the Islamic finance industry as a way to circumvent the riba prohibition. For example, Islamic financial instruments such as bay’ bithaman al-ajil, bay’ al-‘inah, tawarruq, commodity murabahah, musharakah mutanaqisah and, in some cases, the sale and lease back sukuk are found to be tainted by hilah.

Because this is a theoretical paper, it should be explored in more detail, and critical analysis of Islamic financial services and products should be reviewed in line with these two principles to ascertain if the products and services are in line with Shariah requirements and devoid of hilah practices or not and to align the industry with the maqasid al-Shariah.

This paper identifies a serious challenge that Islamic finance practitioners face in product development in their effort to provide more competitive services to their customers. As a result, it demonstrates the need to proactively use makhraj in innovating Islamic financial products and proffering more sustainable and competitive solutions.

This paper discusses a topic that attempts to dispel the suspicious perceptions of some analysts as to the genuineness of Islamic financial practices.

This study aims to present a corporate social responsibility (CSR) model that would apply to Islamic banks, considering the international aspect of social responsibility because CSR is not applicable in the same way in all types of societies.

Based on the extensive review of the existing literature, the authors aim to present an Islamic CSR model applicable to Islamic banks. This study is based on the international approach to CSR developed by Masoud (2017). Each responsibility has an equal share but with specific changes regarding the order of priorities between them and the type of responsibility.

The findings show that the existing literature provides several Islamic CSR models. Most of these models are general and offer guidelines to Islamic financial institutions, but no model applies exclusively to Islamic banks. Using these models for Islamic banks is challenging because of their specific business activities, especially in non-Muslim countries. This study proposes a model that could act as the main guideline for Islamic banks with enough flexibility to meet different market and stakeholders’ requirements.

The model was not tested on a sample, and not all Islamic principles were considered. However, it is applicable for Islamic banks, especially considering internationalization in their businesses and the further development of Islamic banking. At the same time, this model puts ethical norms in the spotlight. This is particularly emphasized in the case of non-Muslim countries or in societies where a particular law does not regulate Islamic bank activities.

Although there is a growing literature on this topic, existing studies primarily discuss the Islamic approach to CSR from the overall perspective, not in a specific industry. While some authors developed their own Islamic CSR models relying on the primary Shariah sources, others base their proposals on other classical CSR ideas. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study based on the CSR model developed by Masoud (2017), considering the relationship between economics and religion and the implications of the Islamic moral economy.

Many lessons have been learned by the global financial system at the aftermath of the Global Health Crisis (GHC), which could last till the financial crisis occurred in 2008–2009 (global financial crisis [GFC]). As such, the system started facing the deep-rooted questions about regulatory reforms. Amidst a perilous situation, Islamic finance (IF) had demonstrated clear evidence of strong muscles into something that countries appreciate as the tool for money intermediation. It constitutes a brief introduction to the way Islamic Financial System or IFS (1) came forth in the past and (2) continues nowadays. The paper starts with the stating the maqasid al-Shari'ah (goals of the Shari'ah), which are the fundamental objectives of the legal system in Islam. Then, it highlights the key concepts, unique features, and modes of financing that are unique within the IFS. The integration of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) into the global economy is covered and IF as well as global financial dynamics at large discussed with the closing comments mirroring IF complexity on the background of global economy. This segment alone has posted very significant gain of almost US$3 trillion, which is projected to rise further to US$6.7 trillion by 2027 – a clear indication of its outreach and accessibility to all.

The following chapter provides a summary of the global financial crisis (GFC) and how it impacted the global financial markets generally, emphasizing the Islamic finance industry (IFI) in particular. The GFC has been a catalyst for the supporters of the Islamic economic and finance principles. Minsky's claim (2008) that stability is the root of instability was gaining more and more supporters after the GFC, provoking more and more criticism of the conventional finance paradigm. Such shift elevated Islamic financial system as a potential alternative. Looking at the failures and lessons learned from the GFC in tandem with the relatively sound state of the Islamic financial industry implies a reexamination of this paradigm and proposal of the one based on Islamic economics and finance principles. Grounded in socioeconomic justice, introducing equality, responsibility, transparency, honesty, and morality, this paradigm can be successful if appropriately implemented. Nevertheless, a current bifurcation exists between the wings of Islamic economics and finance theory and their practical application. To tackle the current issues, innovative thinking has to be applied especially in Islamic economics and finance. Mimicking the conventional financing's methods and incorporating them through Shari'atization process gives rise to the risks of the traditional system's assimilation and system's breakdown. Therefore, building a framework and offering a tangible course of action is unavoidable for the management of the complexities and the risks involved.

This chapter is about the role Islamic finance has been able to stay on the track of facing social–economical predicaments and on the way to sustainable development with the involvement of social prosperity. When trying to investigate the convergence between social finance and Islamic standards, what is argued is that a need for observing financial operations in the same way as prodevelopment theories arise. It is considered that in a holistic approach, which assumed a social justice as the basic ethic of the Islamic financial system, the final result tends to be more appropriate. One of the main elements that makes Islamic banking stand up in a high grade is maqasid al-Shari'ah due to its responsibility to assess social performance and apply new updated technologies for sustainable growth based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to that, the situation is critically observed and the gap between ambitions functions and the reality in Islamic banking and finance is also pointed out to find some reconciliation between aspirations and facts. While its ancient foundations did point to the prospect of Islamic banking to serve as a major contributor to the social and economic development, the industry players of today have now been preoccupied with the profit-making objectives and financial performance rather than social banking. This chapter focuses on the role of Islamic finance as a breakthrough force and shows the way that this influence could shape the discussions of financial systems, so that economics follow, and ethical principles and become factors for the national economy to grow more robustness.

In this chapter, the integration of diverse discussions from preceding chapters converges into a comprehensive exploration of four pivotal challenges facing Islamic finance both presently and in the future. The chapter systematically addresses these challenges, commencing with a focused analysis on augmenting the role of Islamic finance in fostering financial inclusion. It scrutinizes innovative strategies to broaden access to financial services. Moving forward, the narrative navigates the intricate intersection of Islamic finance and sustainability, unraveling the potential synergy between these two domains and their collective contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The exploration extends to the realm of digitalization, probing how modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain can serve as catalysts for the progression of Islamic finance. Finally, the chapter delves into the imperative of harmonizing the Islamic financial industry (IFI), tackling challenges and proposing solutions to enhance uniformity and coherence in practices. These nuanced discussions not only address contemporary challenges but also underscore their critical role in achieving the SDGs and aligning with the targets of the Paris Agreement by 2030, providing valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of Islamic finance.

This chapter delves into the complex yet fascinating arena of Islamic finance, looking at its historical foundations and dealing with today’s complexities. There is a huge struggle in Islamic economics in meeting the contemporary needs while practising moderate framework, observing the difference between strictly abiding by the rules and achieving the ethical goals beyond the profit. It urges for a value-driven approach within institutions and the implementation of the zakat, sadaqah and waqf systems to fill the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) financing gap. Seizing the opportunities, the chapter promotes the necessity of Islamic fiqh experts with current Shari’ah body of knowledge in considering the ethical and legal aspects alongside fintech. This is essentially to ensure that the implementation of Islamic finance enables the sustainable economic development. Looking toward the Industry 5.0, it expects a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) with Islamic finance and identifies Islamic social finance as a powerful socially-driven tool. In the end, the chapter lays out Islamic finance as the powerful tool to work together to achieve an ethical, equitable, and sustainable financial system.

Islamic economic ideology has exerted a profound influence on the evolution of the open market, particularly in the domains of individual property rights, unobstructed commerce, and restrained governmental interference. The Islamic doctrine pertaining to individual property rights underscores the entitlement of individuals to possess and exercise dominion over their possessions, and this fundamental doctrine has played a pivotal role in shaping the unrestrained market. Islamic economic philosophy also champions free trade, affording individuals the freedom to exchange commodities and services devoid of governmental constraints. This doctrine has contributed to the creation of a more efficient and prosperous economic milieu. Ultimately, Islamic economic thought propagates the concept of delimited governmental involvement in economic affairs. This principle affords enterprises the latitude to undertake risks, while empowering entrepreneurs to establish novel companies, both of which are integral to economic expansion. The undeniable contributions of Islamic economic thought to the maturation of the open market are incontestable. These principles have been instrumental in the establishment of a more efficient, flourishing, and vibrant economic landscape. As our world becomes progressively intertwined, it remains imperative to retain the insights gleaned from Islamic economic thought and persist in the pursuit of an equitable and free market system.

The announcement of the SDGs in 2015 marked a dramatic shift in global development, culminating in an age of international cooperation where the international community bands together to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. This chapter discusses the peculiar connection between Islamic financing and the SDGs and focuses on the possible harmony between these two sectors. It emphasizes the need for significant financial resources to advance sustainable development. Researchers argue it is crucial to bring digital technologies together with Islamic finance to reach sustainable economic growth through innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and fintech. In addition, the chapter explains core principles of Islamic finance that conform to Shari'ah, which will eradicate poverty and promote conscientious consumption. Islamic finance opens the opportunity for financially and socially excluded groups, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability through programs like renewable energy projects. However, SDG integration with Islamic finance still poses some challenges, namely, Shari'ah scholars' understanding of the SDGs, regulatory and operational difficulties, the necessity for innovation, and measuring nonfinancial benefits. Through case studies, the authors provide pragmatic insights into successful integration processes as well as practical lessons for the concerned parties. The chapter ends by making policy recommendations grounded on active support by governments, compulsory educational initiatives, new interesting Islamic finance products, and shared efforts (or undertakings) among various stakeholders. In short, this chapter positions Islamic finance as a potent catalyst for SDGs, furnishing a sustainable economic and social development framework while acknowledging and addressing challenges on the integration journey.