LA-RIBA

A few of my previous posts have covered attempts by various parties to introduce their own versions of a financing method closer to what is perceived as genuinely riba-free.

To name a couple, Ansar Finance in the UK, Grameen Bank from Mohammed Younus have made an effort to shed light on alternative models which are closer to interest-free financing, in that an interest derived rate is not charged to the customer.

Ofcourse, the wider context of this should not be forgotten – the money itself, the paper (or digits) we use as a means of transaction – is of interest and IS interest itself. Given this fundamental fact, one cannot escape true defined RIBA in any such method outlined in these endeavors.

However, designing alternative models can expose the wider audience to the weaknesses of the mainstream Islamic Banking practices, which are all in name not in spirit, and I find it refreshing and worthwhile to introduce different forms which may be used as a stepping stone to something widely accessible and equitable in future, Insha Allah.

Contributing to this intiative, are LARIBA, a US based institution who have introduced their own version of what they feel is a RIBA-free mechanism. Judge for yourselves weather you feel their method is actually viable, however this company has been established since the late 1980’s and I favour their understanding of the monetary system, even though they still resolve to make use of it. They too understand and are upfront with their clients about the debt enslavement aspects of interest based loans, and also draw attention to the wider Islamic Banking industry which still uses interest rates in their products.

Their website has a number of worthy materials on related topics which I would also like to recommend.

https://www.lariba.com/sitephp/index.php

Allah (SWT) knows best about their intentions and actions.