ISLAMIC FUNDS AND MICRO-FINANCING AS MEANS OF REALIZING THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF ISLAMIC BANKING

Abstract

In this paper, we try to shed some light on the possibility and necessity for Islamic banks to play some more active role in realizing one of the most important purposes of Islamic law – Sharia – to eradicate poverty and to insure just distribution of profit and wealth. The paper presents a sharia-legal foundation for starting institutions inside Islamic banking system which would offer micro-financing services through allotted funds. Islamic banks, with their expertise, would offer projects and professional supervision of their realization, and that way they would help the poor to overcome poverty that can be a great temptation for both an individual and a community. The funds within Bosnia Bank International are presented in this paper. Together with two nongovernmental funds, they can set an example for practical functioning of micro-financing on a benevolent basis. In the conclusion, activities necessary for Islamic banks to undertake in order to actively pursue the goal of eradicating poverty in local and larger communities are suggested. Key words: Sharia, Islamic banks, Islamic allotted funds, micro-financing, the poor, poverty eradication, vakuf, charity, zekat.