xvi Foreword
Recent times have seen a steady increase in the interaction between
conventional financial institutions and Islamic investors. As Muslims
increasingly desire to assert their own identity, conventional commercial
banking and financial institutions are willing to cater to their unique
requirements and seize a share of this growingmarket. Collaboration
between Islamic and conventional financial institutions are strategies that
will result in creating a better and more effective Islamic financial system
than what could be achieved by the Islamic finance industry on its own. The
involvement of Shari’a scholars, government, regulatory bodies andbusiness
leaders will further strengthen the sustainable growth and development of
the Islamic finance system.Mohammad A. Qayyum
Director General, Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance