Religious Preference and Financial Inclusion: The Case for Islamic Finance

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors investigate the correlation between social and economic indicators and Islamic finance, to see whether increasing Islamic banking will increase account penetration in Muslim majority countries. Inclusive financial services are beneficial to a country as a whole, especially for poorer individuals, giving them more access to investment and financing opportunities. Shari’ah law has guidelines for banking that Muslims must follow and many believe that commercial banks do not follow these guidelines. As many individuals cite religious reasons as their excuse for exclusion, there is potential to develop Islamic finance as a means of improving financial access in certain countries. The authors find that individuals from the countries in our study tend to be more religious and that there are potential economic and social benefits to an increase in Islamic banking in this region.

Citation

Hassan, M.K., Hossain, S. and Unsal, O. (2018), "Religious Preference and Financial Inclusion: The Case for Islamic Finance", Hassan, M.K. and Rashid, M. (Ed.) Management of Islamic Finance: Principle, Practice, and Performance (International Finance Review, Vol. 19), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 93-111. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1569-376720180000019005