Questions and Concerns

Islamic finance refers to a financial system that operates in accordance with the principles of Islamic law, or Sharia. Unlike conventional finance, Islamic finance prohibits the charging or paying of interest (riba) and promotes risk-sharing, ethical investments, and asset-backed financing. This system has grown significantly in recent decades, offering a viable alternative to traditional banking in many Muslim-majority and even non-Muslim countries.

At the heart of Islamic finance is the principle of fairness and equity. Instead of interest-based lending, financial institutions offer profit-and-loss sharing arrangements. One common example is Mudarabah, a partnership where one party provides capital and the other offers expertise; profits are shared as agreed, but losses are borne by the capital provider. Another model is Musharakah, where both parties contribute capital and share profits and losses proportionally.

Islamic finance also promotes investments in real assets and productive economic activity. This is achieved through instruments like Ijara (leasing), Murabaha (cost-plus financing),…

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing various industries, and its transformative impact on supply chain management is particularly significant. Traditionally, supply chains are complex, fragmented systems involving numerous stakeholders—from raw material suppliers to end consumers. These systems often suffer from a lack of transparency, inefficiencies in communication, and limited traceability. Blockchain, with its decentralized and immutable ledger, offers a compelling solution to many of these challenges.

At the core of blockchain’s value in the supply chain is its ability to create a single source of truth. Every transaction or movement of goods can be recorded in real-time on a distributed ledger that is visible to all authorized participants. This fosters greater transparency across the entire chain, making it easier to verify the origin, quality, and status of products. For example, in the food industry, blockchain enables tracking of items from farm to table, helping to quickly identify sources of contamination and reduce…