Romanian Arab Investments House Association
AsociaÈ›ia - Casa de investiÈ›ii româno-arabă
Islamic finance is a values-driven approach to banking, investment and commerce rooted in the principles of Shariah (Islamic law). It promotes fairness, transparency, and shared responsibility, prohibiting interest (riba), avoiding excessive uncertainty (gharar) and ensuring all transactions are tied to real economic activity. By focusing on ethical investment and risk-sharing, Islamic finance seeks to create a system that benefits individuals, communities and society at large. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional, this section will guide you through its foundations, products, and real-world applications.
Our mission is to bridge businesses, legal systems, and cultures, fostering shared success, raising awareness, and creating a future where collaboration knows no borders.​
​(Casiana Dusa - President)
What does Halal mean?
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Halal is an Arabic term meaning “permissible” or “lawful” under Islamic law (Shariah). Its opposite is haram, which refers to anything prohibited in Islam. The concept of halal extends beyond food and applies to finance, cosmetics, and ethical business practices.
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​Halal across different sectors ​
Food & Beverage - Halal food is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. Meat must come from permissible animals and be slaughtered in the name of God using a prescribed method. Pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
Cosmetics & Personal care - Halal cosmetics are free from forbidden ingredients such as pork-derived substances and alcohol, and are produced following hygienic and ethical standards.
Finance - Halal financial activities must be ethical, transparent, and compliant with Islamic principles. This forms the basis of Islamic finance, which promotes fairness, real economic activity, and social responsibility.
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Key Principles of Islamic Finance
​Islamic finance operates under Shariah principles designed to ensure ethical and sustainable financial practices:
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No Interest (Riba): Charging or receiving interest is prohibited. Profit must be earned through trade or investment.
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Risk & Profit Sharing: All parties share risks and rewards, commonly through structures such as Mudarabah (profit-sharing) and Musharakah (joint ventures).
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No Excessive Uncertainty (Gharar): Contracts must be clear, transparent, and free from speculation.
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Ethical Investments Only: Funds may only be invested in halal sectors, excluding alcohol, gambling, pork, adult entertainment, and interest-based institutions.
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Asset-Backed Transactions: All financial dealings must be linked to real assets or services.
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Fairness & Transparency: Business practices must be just, ethical, and non-exploitative.
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Commitment to Contracts: All agreements are honored and enforced in good faith.
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Islamic finance supports responsible growth by aligning financial activity with ethical values and real economic impact.
Casiana Dusa (President) is exclusive correspondent of IFN - Islamic Finance News in Romania.
Back to basics - Sohail Zubairi
Sukuk in Romania
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Knowledge
Romania - country reports
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Interviews
Introducing Islamic Finance Opportunities – Insights from Dubai
An interview with Mr. Sohail Zubairi, former CEO if Dubai Islamic Bank and and a world-renowned specialist in Islamic Finance.
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In this interview, Mr. Zubairi shares insights into the rapid evolution of Islamic Finance in Dubai, highlighting the UAE’s new federal strategy to become a global hub for Islamic finance and the Halal economy. He outlines strong growth targets for Islamic banking, Sukuk issuance, asset management, and sustainable finance, driven by top-down government support. The discussion explores rising investor demand for Islamic retail banking, fintech solutions, and innovative Sukuk structures. Mr. Zubairi also addresses key challenges, particularly the need for greater investor awareness and education. Reflecting on new markets such as Romania, he emphasizes the transparency, ethical foundations, and resilience of Islamic investment principles. The interview offers valuable lessons for investors seeking responsible and long-term financial alternatives.
Introducing Islamic Finance Opportunities – Insights from UK
An interview with Mr. Ashley Freeman, English qualified lawyer with over 30 years of exclusive specialization in financial services. ​
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In this interview, the UK-based expert shares insights into the steady evolution of Islamic Finance in the United Kingdom, one of Europe’s earliest adopters of Sharia-compliant financial services. He highlights how London’s position as a global financial centre, combined with strong regulation and government–private sector collaboration, has supported sustainable sector growth since the 1980s. The discussion underlines continued investor demand for Islamic investment accounts, money-market instruments, and especially real estate-backed structures. He also notes the importance of supportive regulatory initiatives and industry task forces in maintaining market confidence. Key challenges include tax treatment complexities and the need for deeper investor education, though significant progress has been made in bridging knowledge gaps.