(Routledge-Giappichelli Studies in Religion, Law and Economics in the Mediterranean Space) 1st Edition
by Flavia Cortelezzi (Editor), Alessandro Ferrari (Editor)
This
book explores how Islam can impact the structures and performance of
firms, financial institutions and capital markets across a range of
countries and industries.
The Islamic finance
industry represents an important reality not only because of the oil
wealth of the Gulf states, which have fueled demand for such financial
services, but also for an increased demand from a growing Muslim
population in the West that aspires to express a full and all-inclusive
religious identity. The increased demand for Muslim financial
institutions has prompted Western non-Islamic firms to begin providing
these services in an interesting effort of acculturation to the new
plural scenario.
By adopting a multidisciplinary
approach, which also takes into account the theological, legal and
geopolitical framework, the book offers a comprehensive picture of
Islamic financial tools, contracts and business opportunities. Drawing
on different fields of expertise, it deals with various themes, such as
the theological roots of Islamic economics and finance and its
geopolitical impact; the EU policy of cooperation with MENA and GCC
countries; the instruments of Islamic finance, its legal principle and
ability to become an instrument for enhancing business opportunities;
the functioning of Islamic banks; the development of capital markets
within a financial model influenced by religious constraints and,
finally, the new relationships of this religious financial system with
Western legal systems. The book thus provides a complete and extensive
overview of the practice of Islamic finance through the lenses offered
by studies of economics and management.
Providing a
careful analysis and an integrated framework of geo-economic and
political issues, the book will be a valuable resource for academics,
researchers and professionals in International Business,
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Law and Religion and
Intercultural Studies.
