Is Islamic banking more beneficial than conventional banking?

Islamic banking differs from conventional banking in its principles, primarily because it adheres to Sharia (Islamic law) that prohibits certain financial practices, such as charging or paying interest (Riba), engaging in excessive uncertainty (Gharar), and investing in businesses involved in prohibited activities (e.g., alcohol, gambling). Whether Islamic banking is more beneficial than conventional banking depends on the perspective and specific benefits you're considering. Here’s a breakdown of the comparative benefits and potential drawbacks:

Ethical Investment: Islamic Banking Operates on ethical and socially responsible investments, ensuring funds are used for activities that benefit society. Investments must align with Sharia, avoiding industries like gambling, alcohol, and arms. Conventional Banking: Lacks such ethical restrictions, allowing investments in any profitable venture, even if it’s socially harmful. Benefit: For individuals and businesses seeking ethically grounded banking options, Islamic banking aligns more closely with these principles.

Risk Sharing vs. Risk Transfer: Islamic Banking: Works on a risk-sharing model, meaning the bank and the customer share the risks of any investment. Common Islamic financing products like Mudarabah (profit-sharing) or Musharakah (partnership) promote shared responsibility. Conventional Banking: Primarily uses a risk-transfer model where the bank gives out loans and earns a fixed return in the form of interest, regardless of the outcome of the borrower’s project. Benefit: Islamic banking's risk-sharing promotes mutual interest in the success of an investment and can offer more financial stability during economic downturns.

Interest-Free Structure: Islamic Banking: Prohibits Riba (interest), which can prevent borrowers from facing excessive debt burdens. Instead of interest, banks earn through profit-sharing or fixed charges for services. Conventional Banking: Charges interest on loans, potentially leading to high debt if borrowers face financial difficulties, as they must continue paying interest. Benefit: Islamic banking may be more suitable for those seeking alternatives to high-interest debt or those who prefer a model that doesn’t involve paying or earning interest.
Financial Stability and Economic Impact: Islamic Banking: Due to its restrictions on speculative investments and emphasis on asset-backed financing, it may lead to greater financial stability. Islamic banks invest in real assets (like real estate or businesses), avoiding high-risk derivative products. Conventional Banking: Allows more speculative investments, which can lead to higher volatility in times of economic crisis.

Benefit: During economic crises, Islamic banks are sometimes less exposed to the kinds of risky investments that might destabilise conventional banks, potentially leading to greater economic stability.

Transparency and Customer Relationship: Islamic Banking: Focuses on transparency, with banks often engaging in more detailed discussions with clients about how funds will be used since both the bank and the customer are stakeholders in the investment. Conventional

Banking: While transparent, it doesn’t emphasise the same level of engagement about fund usage since interest earnings are assured regardless of the investment’s success. Benefit: Islamic banking can foster closer customer-bank relationships based on transparency and shared goals, which may be beneficial for individuals looking for personalised banking experiences.

Potential Drawbacks: Higher Fees: Some Islamic banking services may have higher fees because of their unique structure and the need to create Sharia-compliant investment products. Limited Product Variety: Islamic banking has fewer options for derivatives or complex financial instruments compared to conventional banks, which may limit flexibility for some clients.

Availability: Islamic banking is more common in Muslim-majority countries and may not be as widely available globally, limiting accessibility for international clients.

Profit and Loss Sharing: 

Islamic Banking: The profit-and-loss sharing model, embedded in structures like Mudarabah (profit-sharing) and Musharakah (joint ventures), means that banks and clients share both profits and risks. In a Mudarabah contract, the bank provides capital, while the entrepreneur provides expertise and effort. Profits are shared according to a pre-agreed ratio, and losses are borne by the capital provider. Conventional Banking: Conventional banks do not engage in profit-sharing with customers. Borrowers repay loans with interest, which banks earn regardless of how profitable the borrower’s business is. This interest-based model shifts all business risk to the borrower. Benefit: The profit-and-loss model in Islamic banking encourages entrepreneurship by reducing the financial burden on business owners and fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between the bank and the client.

Asset-Backed Financing: Islamic Banking: Most Islamic financing structures are based on tangible assets or services, rather than simply lending cash. For example, in a Murabaha contract (cost-plus financing), the bank purchases an asset on behalf of the client and sells it to them at a markup, rather than just providing a loan. This ensures that transactions are backed by real assets. Conventional Banking: Conventional banks can provide unsecured loans, which increases the risk of defaults during economic downturns as loans are not necessarily backed by tangible assets. Benefit: Islamic banking’s asset-backed financing approach reduces systemic risk in the economy. Backing transactions with tangible assets can limit speculation, which may reduce the likelihood of financial bubbles.

Focus on Long-Term Value and Stability: Islamic Banking: By avoiding speculative activities and high-risk derivatives, Islamic banks often adopt a more conservative investment strategy. This focus on long-term, real economy investments means that Islamic banks tend to be more resilient to economic shocks and crises. Conventional Banking: Conventional banks often engage in speculative investments, especially in high-risk financial products like derivatives. While these can offer high returns, they can also lead to significant losses and contribute to market instability. Benefit: Islamic banking’s stability-oriented approach can contribute to a more resilient financial system, emphasising long-term value creation over short-term profits.

Consumer Protection and Debt Management: Islamic Banking: Islamic finance principles emphasise justice and fairness in financial transactions. The prohibition of Riba (interest) and excessive gharar (uncertainty) means clients are not overwhelmed by rising debt due to compound interest. The model also encourages banks to work closely with borrowers to ensure debt sustainability. Conventional Banking: Interest compounding can lead to higher debt burdens, especially when individuals or businesses face financial difficulties. Credit card debt and personal loans can accumulate quickly due to high interest rates. Benefit: Islamic banking helps prevent situations of overwhelming debt and encourages financial institutions to assess the affordability of loans before lending, which benefits consumers by helping them manage their financial obligations responsibly.

Banking Fees and Costs:

Islamic Banking: Islamic banks may charge higher upfront fees for certain services, as they do not earn income through interest. The complexity of structuring Sharia-compliant products can lead to increased costs for consumers. Conventional Banking: While interest-bearing products may offer seemingly lower fees, compounding interest can lead to higher costs over time. However, conventional banks may have lower upfront costs and more flexible pricing. Consideration: Islamic banking products may initially appear more costly, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run due to the avoidance of compounding interest, making them appealing to those looking for long-term financial stability.

Final Thoughts: Islamic banking provides a unique alternative for people interested in ethical, stable, and socially responsible financial practices. Its risk-sharing, asset-backed structure and prohibition on interest provide long-term financial stability, ethical assurance, and mutual accountability between the bank and the customer. However, the relative newness and additional compliance costs of Islamic banking can make it less profitable or available in some regions.

Whether Islamic banking is more beneficial than conventional banking depends on personal values, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Islamic banking is more beneficial for those seeking ethical finance and long-term stability, whereas conventional banking may be more suited for those seeking flexible, high-yield investments.

The Writer is a Researcher, PhD, University of Rajshahi and Lecturer, Rajshahi Cantonment Public School & College. He could be reached at [email protected].