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What are Islamic Banks? List of Islamic Banks in Nigeria their Origin, Growth and Details

An Islamic bank is a financial institution that operates in accordance with the principles of Islamic law, or Shariah. These principles prohibit the payment or receipt of interest, as well as the investment in businesses that involve activities considered harmful or unethical according to Islamic ethics.

History of Islamic Banking

The history of Islamic banking dates back to the early days of Islam, with its roots in the Quran and the Hadith

However, modern Islamic banking as we know it began to emerge in the mid-20th century. 

The first Islamic bank, Mit Ghamr Savings Bank, was established in Egypt in 1963. 

Later, in 1975, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) was established to promote economic development among member countries, further boosting the growth of Islamic finance globally.

Principles of Islamic Banking

Islamic banking is guided by several fundamental principles, they include; 

1. Prohibition of Interest (Riba): Interest (usury) is strictly prohibited in Islamic finance. Instead of charging interest, Islamic banks use profit-sharing and risk-sharing mechanisms to distribute returns from investments.

2. Prohibition of Speculation (Gharar):  Islamic banks are prohibited from engaging in speculative activities, such as gambling and futures trading, which are considered to be speculative and high-risk.

3. Prohibition of Unethical Activities:  Islamic banks cannot invest in businesses involved in activities considered harmful or unethical, such as alcohol, pork, gambling, or any business that violates Islamic principles.

Islamic Banks in Nigeria

Islamic banking was introduced in Nigeria in 1983 when the first Islamic bank, the Faisal Islamic Bank of Sudan, was established. Since then, the number of Islamic banks in Nigeria has grown to over 20. The largest Islamic bank in Nigeria is Jaiz Bank, which was established in 2003.

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Origin of Islamic Banking in Nigeria: 

Islamic banking in Nigeria was initially established to cater to the financial needs of the Muslim population, which comprises a significant portion of the country’s population. 

The government recognized the potential benefits of Islamic banking and created a conducive regulatory environment for its growth.

List of Islamic Banks in Nigeria

Jaiz Bank

Jaiz Bank, established in 2003, holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first Islamic bank. Its headquarters are located in Abuja. The bank commenced operations with the aim of providing Shariah-compliant banking products and services.

Jaiz Bank offers a services, including savings accounts, current accounts, investment products, and financing solutions. All of these offerings strictly adhere to Shariah principles, ensuring ethical and transparent transactions.

Jaiz Bank’s innovative approach to Islamic banking has earned it numerous accolades, such as the Islamic Finance News Award for Best Islamic Bank in Nigeria (2014) and the Global Islamic Finance Award for Best Islamic Bank in Africa (2015).

Taj Bank

Established in 2008, Taj Bank is an Islamic financial institution headquartered in Lagos. The bank operates branches in major Nigerian cities. 

Taj Bank is dedicated to delivering ethical and transparent banking services. Its product range includes savings accounts, current accounts, investment instruments, and Shariah-compliant financing products.

Taj Bank’s commitment to Islamic banking excellence is evident through awards like the Islamic Finance News Award for Best Islamic Bank in Nigeria (2016) and the Global Islamic Finance Award for Best Islamic Bank in Africa (2017).

Bank of Industry Islamic Banking

In 2011, the Bank of Industry established its Islamic Banking division, offering Shariah-compliant financial products and services to both businesses and individuals.

The Bank of Industry Islamic Banking plays a crucial role in supporting the Nigerian economy by providing financing to businesses across various sectors, contributing to economic development.

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Bank of Industry Islamic Banking

The Bank of Industry Islamic Banking is committed to supporting the development of the Nigerian economy. The division provides financing to businesses in a number of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

SunTrust

SunTrust is a conventional bank that offers a range of Shariah-compliant banking products and services through its SunTrust Islamic Banking division. 

The division was established in 2013 and offers a range of products and services, including savings accounts, current accounts, investment products, and financing products.

Jabeer Investment Company Limited

Jabeer Investment Company Limited is an Islamic investment company that was established in 2014. The company offers a range of investment products, including sukuk, Islamic mutual funds, and Islamic hedge funds.

Jabeer Investment Company Limited is committed to providing its clients with Shariah-compliant investment products that offer competitive returns.

TrustBank Takaful

TrustBank Takaful is an Islamic insurance company that was established in 2015. The company offers a range of takaful products, which are Islamic insurance products that are based on the principles of mutuality and risk sharing.

TrustBank Takaful is committed to providing its clients with Shariah-compliant insurance products that offer financial protection and peace of mind.

Conclusion

That’s all about Islamic Banks in Nigeria. 

They have made significant strides in Nigeria, driven by their appeal to the Muslim population and government support. It offers a unique financial system based on ethical principles, which can contribute to financial stability, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Thanks for reading to this end. I hope you find this article helpful. 

 FAQS

How many types of Islamic banking are there?

There are three main types of Islamic banking. 

They include;

  • Murabaha
  • Ijarah
  • Mudarabah

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