EDITORIAL

Standardization Critical to the Sustainable Growth of Islamic Finance

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2021

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By Dr Mohamed Damak

The global Islamic finance industry is expected to grow by 10 percent – 12 percent in 2021-2022 and the growth of Islamic banking assets in some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Malaysia, and Turkey and sukuk issuances exceeding maturities explain this performance.

Islamic finance grew rapidly in 2020, albeit at a slower pace than in 2019, despite the double shock from the pandemic and the drop in the oil price. Although we expect a modest recovery for most core Islamic finance countries in 2021-2022, we think that the sector will expand against the backdrop of continued standardisation and integration.

Within the GCC countries, we expect financing growth in Saudi Arabia to remain strong, fueled by mortgages and by corporate lending as the country implements some of its Vision 2030 projects. We also expect some growth in Qatar supported by investments related to the upcoming World Cup, and to a lesser extent the United Arab Emirates where the Dubai Expo is likely to help boost economic activity.

On the sukuk front, we expect total sukuk issuance of about $140 billion – $155bn in 2021 as compared to $139.8bn in 2020. In the first-half of 2021, sukuk issuance volumes increased 5 percent (20 percent including primary issuances only) due to strong liquidity, low interest rates, and some issuers returning to the market.

Sustainable finance goes hand in hand with Islamic investing

The additional challenges related to compliance with Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions’ (AAOIFI) standards in the GCC has slowed some issuers, though.

The overall takaful sector and funds has a relatively small contribution to the overall industry, it is expected to grow this year. The takaful sector is expected to expand at 5 percent-10 percent, while the funds industry might see some growth as investors chase yields.

Potential risks

There remains high, albeit moderating, uncertainty about the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic effects. Some emerging markets may only be able to achieve widespread immunisation by year-end or later. Overall, we believe a 10 percent-12 percent growth rate for the industry (excluding Iran) over the next two years is achievable.

Will inclusive standardisation eventually happen?

Sukuk instruments remain more complex and time consuming for issuers than conventional bonds. What’s more, some jurisdictions’ adoption of AAOIFI standards has already caused some difficulties for sukuk issuers in early 2021, particularly those with hybrid structures that combine a commodity murabaha with tangible assets.

In the first half of 2021, the UAE particularly saw the steepest decline with a 50 percent drop in issuance volumes due to the adoption of AAOIFI Sharia Standard 59, which covers the sale of debt. The standard was finalised by AAOIFI in December 2018 and came into force in the UAE starting this year.

It has depressed hybrid sukuk issuance in part because it altered the requirements around an important transaction feature necessary for shariah compliance, the tangibility ratio.

In the past, the tangibility ratios of these structures were complied with on a best-efforts basis once the transactions were issued. With the adoption of the AAOIFI standard 59, compliance became an obligation throughout the lifetime of the transaction.

The challenge issuers are facing is how to implement AAOIFI standards without changing the credit characteristics of the transaction.

There are indeed several risks related to obligation of compliance with the tangibility ratio throughout the lifetime of the transaction. One of the risks pertains to the reasons for a potential noncompliance and if it is related to a partial loss, for example of the underlying assets. This returns investors’ exposure to the residual asset risks that were in the past mitigated by the restriction of the exposure to a total loss scenario.

The risk of having one asset destroyed is certainly higher than having several destroyed at the same time.

The second risk is related to prepayments on some assets and if the issuer does not have sufficient unencumbered assets. Another risk is related to dissolution of the transaction before its maturity if the tangibility ratio is not respected, which is one of the strategies implemented by issuers to comply with this requirement.

Overall, this could mean more difficulty in accessing the sukuk market and lower investor appetite for the instrument. This raises the necessity of a critical review of some of the existing standards, and the adoption of an inclusive approach taking on board the views of all the stakeholders.

The process would ultimately lead to the standardization of the full spectrum of sukuk, from fixed-income-like instruments to equity-like ones, factoring the requirements of regulators, sukuk issuers, and investors.

Some market participants believe that standardisation is not achievable. However, in our view, it is not only achievable but would unlock growth opportunities for the industry.

Standardisation here includes both aspects of sukuk: sharia interpretation and legal documentation. It is when sukuk issuance becomes comparable with conventional instruments from a cost and effort perspective that it will find a prominent place on the radar for issuers and investors.

Unified global legal and regulatory framework is being created

Over the next 12 months, we expect some progress on the unified global legal and regulatory framework for Islamic finance that Dubai and its partners are developing.

Dubai embarked on this project with the Islamic Development Bank, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Finance, and several other advisors in 2020. The project’s stated objectives include providing a global legal benchmark for Islamic finance, reducing regional differences in product offerings and practices, providing legal protection to all parties involved, and developing an international dispute resolution framework.

Depending on the outcome of the project, issuers may benefit from a speedier and more streamlined process to tap the Islamic finance market. Investors may also gain greater clarity on sukuk resolution in the case of default.

While the pandemic offered the possibility of more broad-based and transformative growth, the industry has not yet fully unlocked the opportunities inclusive standardisation affords and increased its share of sustainable finance activity.

A unified global legal and regulatory framework could make the industry more attractive to new players.

Dr. Mohamed Damak,

Senior Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings

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EDITORIAL

Ending the Humanitarian Crisis: A Call to End the Genocide in Gaza

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3 weeks ago

April 9, 2024

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In the heart of the Middle East lies a region torn apart by violence, oppression, and despair. The Gaza Strip, a small strip of land inhabited by over two million Palestinians, has been the stage for one of the most prolonged and devastating humanitarian crises of our time. For far too long, the world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of the people of Gaza, as they endure relentless attacks, blockade, and systemic oppression.

Six months since the 7 October brutal attack on Israel by Hamas and the Israeli military’s ensuing ground offensive in Gaza, One hundred and thirty four Israeli hostages are still in Hamas’ captivity, of which about 30 are believed dead, and much of Gaza has been turned into a wasteland. Satellite images suggest more than half of all buildings have been destroyed by the Israeli military offensive; the soil and groundwater have been contaminated by munitions and toxins; and, as hunger grips the coastal territory, Israel has been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war and provoking famine in the besieged strip. According to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory the death toll stands at more than 33,000, mostly women and children, and more than 75,000 people have been wounded, with little to no access to medical care as most hospitals are no longer fully operational. But it was the last week’s killing of seven aid workers, by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), six of whom were citizens of allied countries, that has brought about a tipping point. The diplomatic pressure is now being piled on to Israel, with calls for a total ceasefire, release of Hamas held hostages and suspension of arms exports to Israel growing louder globally, and particularly, among Israel’s allies, USA, and UK.

Indeed, it is time for the international community to stand up and demand an end to the genocide in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is dire, with the people living under constant fear and deprivation. Since the blockade imposed by Israel following the 7th October, 2023 attack, Gaza has been effectively cut off from the outside world, with severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods. This blockade has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. The people of Gaza are trapped in a cycle of despair, with little hope for a better future. But perhaps the most egregious aspect of the crisis in Gaza is the violence perpetrated against its people.

Over the years, Gaza has been the target of numerous military assaults by the Israeli government, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children. The use of disproportionate force and collective punishment against the people of Gaza is not only morally reprehensible but also a clear violation of international law. It is time for the international community to take a stand against the genocide in Gaza. The United Nations must uphold its responsibility to protect civilians and demand an immediate end to the violence and blockade. The international community must pressure Israel to lift the blockade and allow unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and essential services. Furthermore, those responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses in Gaza must be held accountable for their actions.

But ending the genocide in Gaza requires more than just condemnation and rhetoric; it requires concrete action. The international community must work towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the principles of justice, equality, and respect for international law. This includes recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Moreover, it is essential to address the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements. The international community must exert pressure on Israel to comply with UN resolutions and withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

Only through a comprehensive and inclusive peace process can we hope to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict and end the suffering of the people of Gaza. In addition to diplomatic efforts, the international community must also provide meaningful support to the people of Gaza. This includes increasing humanitarian aid and development assistance to alleviate the suffering and rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by years of conflict and blockade. It also means supporting civil society organizations and grassroots movements working for peace and justice in Gaza. Ending the genocide in Gaza is not just a moral imperative; it is also in the interest of global peace and security. The continued oppression and violence in Gaza only fuel extremism and instability in the region, posing a threat to the security of all nations. By standing up for the rights of the people of Gaza, we are standing up for the values of justice, equality, and human dignity that define us as a global community. In conclusion, the genocide in Gaza cannot be allowed to continue. The international community must act now to end the violence, lift the blockade, and support the people of Gaza in their quest for justice and freedom. We cannot afford to remain silent in the face of such blatant injustice. It is time to heed the calls of conscience and work towards a brighter and more peaceful future for the people of Gaza and the entire region.

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EDITORIAL

Observing Laylat al-Qadr: Significance and Practices

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4 weeks ago

April 1, 2024

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By Amir Yaqub

As the crescent moons wax and wane, marking the passage of Ramadan, there comes a night so profound that its power and blessings eclipse a thousand months. This is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, a time when the heavens draw near, the stars align to listen, and the fabric of time itself seems to pause in reverence. The significance and practices of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, are not just elements of tradition; they are the heartbeats of a faith that transcends time and space, connecting the faithful across continents and generations. Let’s delve into the essence of this sacred night and explore how we can immersely engage with its profound spiritual opportunities.

The Tapestry of Time: Understanding Laylat al-Qadr

Imagine standing under the vast expanse of the night sky, where each star’s twinkle is a story, and the moon is a silent witness to the passage of epochs. Laylat al-Qadr is akin to the brightest comet that passes once a year, illuminating the sky and leaving a trail of blessings in its wake. This night marks the occasion when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), offering guidance, mercy, and a criterion for right and wrong to humanity.

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr, known as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, is considered one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar. It falls within the last ten days of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not definitively known, but it is most widely believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, with the 27th night being the most traditionally observed among many Muslim communities.

This night commemorates the occasion when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. It is described in the Quran as being “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3), signifying that the worship and good deeds performed on this night are more rewarding than those performed over a thousand months. Muslims believe that on this night, the divine decrees for the year are sent down, encompassing matters of life, death, and sustenance.

During Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims engage in intensified worship and prayer, seeking God’s forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. Practices include performing extra prayers (especially the night prayer, known as Taraweeh), reciting the Quran, making supplications (duas), and giving in charity. It is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and seeking closeness to God, with many Muslims spending the night in prayer and worship at mosques or in their homes.

The Significance and Practices of Laylat al-Qadr

The significance of Laylat al-Qadr cannot be overstated. It is described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3), a period during which acts of worship, prayers, and good deeds are amplified beyond our understanding. This is a night that encapsulates mercy, forgiveness, and hope for the faithful, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with the divine, seek forgiveness for past transgressions, and make earnest prayers for the future.

Practices to Embrace the Night of Power

Engaging with Laylat al-Qadr involves both the heart and the deeds. It is a time for deep reflection, fervent prayer, and acts of charity, enveloped in the tranquility of the night. Here are practices to help you honor this sacred time:

Vigilant Prayer (Qiyam al-Layl): Engage in night prayers beyond the obligatory five daily prayers. It’s like whispering into the night, knowing that the divine is listening, closer than ever.
Recitation and Reflection on the Quran: Dive into the depths of the Quran, not just reciting its verses but reflecting on their meanings. Imagine each word as a drop of rain nourishing the soil of your soul.
Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar): Use this night to seek forgiveness for past mistakes. It’s akin to cleansing oneself in a pristine stream, emerging purified and renewed.
Dua (Supplication): Pour your heart out in dua, asking for your deepest wishes, for yourself, your loved ones, and the world. Picture each prayer as a bird, soaring high and carrying your hopes towards the heavens.
Charity (Sadaqah): Give generously, for acts of charity on Laylat al-Qadr are like seeds sown in fertile ground, promising abundant harvests of reward.

The Storytelling Heart of Laylat al-Qadr

Every year, as Laylat al-Qadr approaches, the air fills with anticipation and hope. It is said that during this night, the angels descend to earth, carrying with them peace and blessings until the break of dawn. Imagine a night so peaceful that even the trees seem to bow in prayer, and the wind whispers sacred melodies.

The Lasting Echoes of the Night of Power

As the dawn of Laylat al-Qadr fades, its blessings and lessons continue to resonate throughout the year. Engaging with the practices of this night is not just about a momentary spiritual uplift; it’s about weaving the essence of Laylat al-Qadr into the fabric of our daily lives, transforming our actions, intentions, and relationships.

“The Night of Power: Significance and Practices of Laylat al-Qadr” is a reminder of the boundless mercy awaiting us, a call to seek the divine with sincere hearts, and a testament to the transformative power of faith. Let this Laylat al-Qadr be a turning point, a night of deep reflection, heartfelt prayers, and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth. May the peace and blessings of this holy night envelop you and your loved ones, guiding you towards a path of righteousness and serenity.

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EDITORIAL

Celebrating a Decade of Resilience and Impact: Our Journey in Fostering Islamic Economics in Africa

Published

4 months ago

January 2, 2024

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On the 13^th of December, 2023, the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation (AFRIEF), clocked ten years as an organization. Surviving as an organization in itself speaks volumes about our strength, resilience, determination, and adaptability. Despite facing various challenges, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to promoting Islamic economic principles and sharing news and developments in the Islamic economy.

Against all odds, we have continued to actively engage with the Islamic economy community, fostering connections, promoting dialogue, and contributing to the intellectual growth of the field. This accomplishment is a testament to our vision, perseverance, and commitment to its mission.

Over the past decade, we have successfully established a presence and created a platform for dialogue across the continent. Through conferences, seminars, and workshops, we have brought together scholars, experts, and stakeholders from various African countries to exchange ideas, share experiences, and promote a better understanding of Islamic economic principles.

We have been instrumental in advancing research and scholarship in the field of Islamic economics. Through rigorous academic studies and publications, we have contributed to the body of knowledge surrounding Islamic economics, addressing both the theoretical and practical aspects. These research publications have not only enhanced understanding but also provided valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Last November, we held a virtual and impersonal Summits on Islamic finance and healthcare financing in Abuja, Nigeria. These summits are not only innovative and noteworthy achievements but demonstrate our commitment to exploring new avenues within Islamic economics to addressing critical sectors, such as finance and healthcare. What is more, these summits serve as a testament to our forward-thinking approach and commitment to driving positive change in crucial sectors. Through such innovative initiatives, we have established ourselves as key players in promoting Islamic economics, influencing policy discussions, and contributing to the sustainable development of Africa

The publication of the news website and the weekly e-newsletter, “Focus on the Islamic Economy,” is another testament to our dedication to disseminating valuable information to Islamic economy intellectuals and professionals worldwide. Through quality and unbiased journalism we have been able to establish a platform for knowledge-sharing and keeping the community updated, thus becoming a trusted source of insights, trends, and advancements in the field.

Recognizing the importance of education, we have prioritized capacity building initiatives like training programs, workshops, and online courses, and empowered individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intersection of Islamic principles and economic practices. This has resulted in a growing pool of professionals equipped to contribute to the development of Africa’s Islamic economic sector.

We have also played a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development within Africa, through our flagship initiatives, Innovate Africa Program (IAP) and the Halal Business Transformation Program (HBTP). This support for innovative business ideas and providing access to funding, mentorship, and networks, is nurturing a thriving ecosystem of Islamic-inspired entrepreneurs and ventures in the Continent. These initiatives have not only contributed to economic growth but also emphasized ethical business practices aligned with Islamic values.

As we celebrate our tenth year anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of survival and the positive impact we have made in the Islamic economics landscape in Africa and beyond. May the coming years bring even greater achievements and continued success to the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation.

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