The basis for all Islamic finance lies in the principles of the Sharia, or Islamic Law, which is taken from the Qur'an (the Holy Book for Muslims) and Sunnah (sayings and acts of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him).
Islamic banking operates without interest which is not permitted in Islam, as money in itself is not considered to have intrinsic value. As interest is income generated from money, it is seen as effortless return. Instead money must be used in a productive way and wealth can only be generated through legitimate trade and investment, which involves an element of risk.
Islamic banking therefore uses various principles recognised as Sharia compliant such as Ijara (leasing), Musharaka (partnership) and Wakala (agency agreement). Islamic banks use these principles to develop Sharia compliant financial products, such as savings accounts and home finance, which allow Muslims to conduct their finances in an Islamic way.