Money Interest And Debt In Monotheistic Religions

This book offers a chronological account of the development of interest-bearing debt and how the issue of interest has been addressed throughout medieval and modern civilizations. It provides a review of the impact of these interest-bearing debt practices upon social relations and institutions, throughout the history of modern economics, observing the relative conditions of the time. The author asserts that the development of the concept of interest and debt can be traced through three historical periods. The first period covers measures from a more radical stance, as introduced by the Monotheistic religions, with the same foundations and principles at their core. The second period examines the arguments that justify interest-bearing debt and particularly how the stance of major religions has been translated into a basis of support for these transactions. And the final part offers a linear report of the development of interest-bearing debt and its disruptive impact throughout the history of economics from medieval times to the modern era. Initially, the book presents a conceptual framework of terms applicable to the discussions and then examines the consistency and reliability of the theological and philosophical arguments on the restrictions imposed upon the practice of interest and debt, including rigid prohibition. While the book is grounded in research that relies heavily on historical sources, it offers a contribution to the literature on economics as well, since the historical findings are analyzed in the context of economic terms and theories. An interdisciplinary effort, the book will attract the attention of those who have an interest in finance, economics, history, religion, and sociology.

This book offers a chronological account of the development of interest-bearing debt and how the issue of interest has been addressed throughout medieval and modern civilizations. It provides a review of the impact of these interest-bearing debt practices upon social relations and institutions, throughout the history of modern economics, observing the relative conditions of the time. The author asserts that the development of the concept of interest and debt can be traced through three historical periods. The first period covers measures from a more radical stance, as introduced by the Monotheistic religions, with the same foundations and principles at their core. The second period examines the arguments that justify interest-bearing debt and particularly how the stance of major religions has been translated into a basis of support for these transactions. And the final part offers a linear report of the development of interest-bearing debt and its disruptive impact throughout the history of economics from medieval times to the modern era. Initially, the book presents a conceptual framework of terms applicable to the discussions and then examines the consistency and reliability of the theological and philosophical arguments on the restrictions imposed upon the practice of interest and debt, including rigid prohibition. While the book is grounded in research that relies heavily on historical sources, it offers a contribution to the literature on economics as well, since the historical findings are analysed in the context of economic terms and theories. An interdisciplinary effort, the book will attract the attention of those who have an interest in finance, economics, history, religion and sociology.

It would be difficult to examine interest- free alternative fi nancial systems without reviewing the evolution of debt; thus, this book offers a chronological account of the development of interest- bearing debt and contributors offer their take on how the issue of interest has been addressed throughout medieval and modern civilizations. The Evolution of Interest and Debt provides a review of the impact of these interest-bearing debt and practices upon social relations and institutions, throughout the history of modern economics, observing the relative conditions of the time and, as such, will shed light on the ongoing problems as well. The authors assert that the development of the concept of interest can be traced through three historical periods. The first period covers measures from a more radical stance, as introduced by the Abrahamic religions, with the same foundations and principles at their core. The second period examines the arguments that justify interest-bearing debt, particularly how the stance of major religions has been translated into a basis of support for these transactions. The third and final part offers a chronological account of the development of interest-bearing debt transactions and their disruptive impacts throughout the history of modern economics from the medieval to the modern era. Initially, the book presents a conceptual framework of terms applicable to the discussions and then examines the consistency and reliability of the theological and philosophical arguments on the restrictions imposed upon the practice of interest and debt, including rigid prohibition. Each period presents its own dynamics and helps analysts better understand the history and roots of interest-bearing debt. While the book is grounded on research that relies heavily on historical sources, it offers a contribution to the literature on economics as well, since the historical findings are analyzed in the context of economic terms and theories. An interdisciplinary effort, the book will attract the attention of those who have an interest in fi nance, economics, history, religion and sociology.

This book explores the roots of the prohibition of interest and how interest has been justified as a viable practice in financial transactions. It offers insight into the current nature of finance and economics and the distinctive features of Islamic finance, and enables researchers to review interest-free financing models.

With the spread of interest-based transactions, major problems such as inequality, poverty and debt-based slavery have emerged. Those who practiced professions such as usury have, despite the negative connotations attributed to them, contributed extensively to the construction of the conventional financial system in the global economy, suggesting that the core concepts in this practice need to be analyzed in greater depth and from a historical perspective. This book analyzes the evolution of interest-bearing debt transactions from ancient times to the era of Abrahamic religions. In modern times, interest is strictly prohibited by Islam, but this book demonstrates that it is a practice that has been condemned and legally and morally prohibited in other civilizations, long before Islam outlawed it. Exploring the roots of this prohibition and how interest has been justified as a viable practice in economic and financial transactions, the book offers deep insight into the current nature of finance and economics, and the distinctive features of Islamic finance in particular and enables researchers to further delve into a review of interest-free financing models. Islamic finance, or alternative financial methods, have become extremely popular particularly in the aftermath of global financial crises, suggesting that they will attract further interest in the future as well. The book is primarily aimed at undergraduate and graduate students but, as it avoids the use of technical jargon, it also speaks to a general readership. It will appeal to those who have an interest in financial history, particularly the history of debt as well.

Public debt pressures due to the global economic crisis in several countries have impacted higher education, compelling governments to curtail the funding of higher education institutions (HEIs). Various instruments have been proposed as a platform for the private sector to channel funding to HEIs. This book introduces readers to the issues surrounding the financing of HEIs, especially public universities, which are dependent on government budgets. It discusses the sources of funding for HEIs, focusing on philanthropic instruments through endowment and waqf funds. Since both forms of income are obtained via contributions from third parties, such as alumni, individuals, business corporations etc., it is essential that they are managed in such a way to ensure their sustainability and that their benefits can be accessed without interruption. It explains the theory of successful endowment and waqf at HEIs, namely appropriate investment planning, superior investment committees, highly skilled investment managers, alumni networks, diversity of income sources and effective fundraising. These elements have been studied empirically in this book through case studies of several selected Malaysian public universities. The book considers policy implications and offers recommendations of strategies that Universities can adopt, such as the appointment of fund managers. No specific guidelines currently exist for appointing fund managers to enable universities to invest in assets such as bonds, equities, and property. Therefore, the book encourages universities to grow the endowment and waqf funds through proper investment strategies executed by professional fund managers. The book contributes new knowledge to scholars, students and researchers, as well as informing university administrators how to collect, manage and invest funds from endowment and waqf.

Economic capital is the subject of great debate among academics and professionals in the field of risk management. Conceptually, Islamic finance's encouragement of risk-sharing eliminates the debt burden encountered by the conventional banking sector. The majority of the Islamic banking system is based on equity-based financing. To be effective in practice, a variety of well-functioning institutions are required to translate Islamic banking concepts into a 'real-world' financial system. In spite of this, the regulatory, legal, product and operational requirements specific to Islamic banks may necessitate a distinct strategy for managing capital-related risks. This book provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical and practical aspects of Islamic economic capital in relation to contemporary Islamic finance. Drawing on the risk-sharing concept, this book delves into the core concept of economic capital from an Islamic perspective, including comparisons to conventional finance theory. Furthermore, it introduces alternative models and offers practical examples to strengthen the regulation and supervision of the Islamic banking system. It also addresses critical policy challenges concerning economic capital in Islamic finance, especially in dual banking countries. This book seamlessly integrates new theory with empirical insights and discusses emerging themes, including stress testing and Shari'ah compliance issues. Most of the chapters are illustrated with real-world cases and practical examples. This book is intended for advanced degree students in finance, and investment professionals, as well as financial practitioners and advisors, particularly those who are pursuing Islamic economics and finance courses.

Theology of Money is a philosophical inquiry into the nature and role of money in the contemporary world. Philip Goodchild reveals the significance of money as a dynamic social force by arguing that under its influence, moral evaluation is subordinated to economic valuation, which is essentially abstract and anarchic. His rigorous inquiry opens into a complex analysis of political economy, encompassing markets and capital, banks and the state, class divisions, accounting practices, and the ecological crisis awaiting capitalism. Engaging with Christian theology and the thought of Carl Schmitt, Georg Simmel, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, and many others, Goodchild develops a theology of money based on four contentions, which he elaborates in depth. First, money has no intrinsic value; it is a promise of value, a crystallization of future hopes. Second, money is the supreme value in contemporary society. Third, the value of assets measured by money is always future-oriented, dependent on expectations about how much might be obtained for those assets at a later date. Since this value, when realized, will again depend on future expectations, the future is forever deferred. Financial value is essentially a degree of hope, expectation, trust, or credit. Fourth, money is created as debt, which involves a social obligation to work or make profits to repay the loan. As a system of debts, money imposes an immense and irresistible system of social control on individuals, corporations, and governments, each of whom are threatened by economic failure if they refuse their obligations to the money system. This system of debt has progressively tightened its hold on all sectors and regions of global society. With Theology of Money, Goodchild aims to make conscious our collective faith and its dire implications.