Handbook of Empirical Research on Islam and Economic Life

Edited by M. Kabir Hassan, Endowed Full Professor of Finance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of New Orleans, US

In Islamic jurisprudence, a comprehensive ethic has been formulated governing how business and commerce should be run, how accountability to God and the community is to be achieved, and how banking and finance is to be arranged. This Handbook examines how well these values are translated into actual performance. It explores whether those holding true to the system are hindered and put at a disadvantage or whether the Islamic institutions have been able to demonstrate that faith-based activities can be rewarding, both economically and spiritually.

‘M. Kabir Hassan presents an impressive collection of 30 empirical studies on a wide spectrum of Islamic finance issues. The authors apply state-of-the-art methods of quantitative research and produce a wealth of fresh and often surprising results. Finance practitioners, policy makers and regulators can benefit from the findings, and Islamic as well as conventional researchers can gain references and inspiration for further studies.’
– Volker Nienhaus, University of Bochum, Germany

‘The Handbook of Empirical Research on Islam and Economic Life presents the reader with the fruits of research in a new area in RF (Riba-Free) Islamic economics, banking and finance. This book is a great addition to the library of the field. I enjoyed reading many of the empirical findings contributed by the book. The research papers included in the book are masterfully assembled by Professor M. Kabir Hassan: a recognized pioneering and prolific author, teacher and researcher in economics in general and in RF (Riba-Free) Islamic economics, banking and finance. Most published books in the field focus on the theory and/or application of Islamic life, economics and finance. The reader of this great new book will enjoy being introduced to a new dimension of research dealing with empirical findings. These findings can be used by theoreticians to ponder on and by practitioners to apply in their business.’
– Yahia Abdul Rahman, founder of the LARIBA System – LARIBA Finance and LARIBA Bank of Whittier

‘This book offers a solid contextual basis and outlines up-to-date empirical research, appraising the effectiveness and utility of Islamic institutions in achieving their objectives. With contributions from eminent researchers, this excellent handbook presents a range of achievements in Islamic finance, concentrating on five key research ranges: growth and religion, Islamic ethical and social finance, Islamic banks and financing institutions, sukuk and the Islamic capital market. Indeed, booklovers will be delighted with these new elements of research, containing findings in the area of Islamic economics, along with contributions from the Islamic financial service industry.'
– The Muslim World Book Review