Islamic banking refers to a system of banking or banking activity that is consistent with Islamic law (Shariah) principles and guided by Islamic economics. In particular, Islamic law prohibits usury, the collection and payment of interest, also commonly called riba in Islamic discourse. In addition, Islamic law prohibits investing in businesses that are considered unlawful, or haraam (such as busi
nesses that sell alcohol or pork, or businesses that produce media such as gossip columns or po*******hy, which are contrary to Islamic values). Maysir is involved in contracts where the
ownership of a good depends on the occurrence of a predetermined, uncertain event in the future whereas Gharar describes speculative transactions. Both concepts involve excessive risk and are supposed to foster uncertainty and fraudlent behaviour. Therefore the use of all conventional derivate instruments is impossible in Islamic banking.
