Document Type : Resear Paper (Islamic Banking)

Authors

• Mohammad Saeid Panahi Boroojerdi ¹
• Ahmadali Rezai ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Economics, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran

² PhD Student, Research Fellow, Institute of Higher Education in Islamic Humanities, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

1. Introduction and Objective
Sustainable development is a critical policy goal for Islamic countries, which seeks not only to achieve economic growth but also to address the social and economic inequalities that persist in these societies. The concept of sustainable development, as embraced by international organizations such as the United Nations, emphasizes the need for a balance between economic progress, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Islamic banking, which is grounded in ethical principles, such as justice, fairness, and social responsibility, has the potential to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development within Islamic countries. By aligning financial services with Sharia-compliant contracts, Islamic banking can contribute to the reduction of economic and social disparities. This study explores the impact of Islamic banking on two key indicators of sustainable development: income inequality and human development. Specifically, it examines the relationship between the growth of Islamic banking and improvements in human development indices, such as health, education, and income distribution, within 12 selected Islamic countries between 2010 and 2023.
2. Methods and Materials
The study focuses on 12 Islamic countries where Islamic banking is actively practiced and measurable. These countries were selected based on three key criteria:
1. A minimum of 15% share of Islamic banks' credit in the total credit of the banking system,
2. Diversity in Sharia-compliant contracts, particularly the use of instruments like Qard al-Hasan (interest-free loans) and Musharakah (profit and loss sharing),
3. Availability of reliable and consistent data over the study period.

       Countries that did not meet at least two of these criteria, such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, were excluded from the sample. The research period covers from 2010 to 2023, a time frame that corresponds to significant growth in Islamic banking and provides relevant data on the effects of Islamic banking in these countries. The study adopts a Quantile Panel Regression approach to examine the effects of the proportion of Islamic banking credit on key development indicators, including human development (HDI) and income inequality (GINI coefficient).
 
3. Research Findings
The study's results reveal several key insights regarding the impact of Islamic banking on income distribution and human development in Islamic countries. The findings indicate a significant, positive relationship between the share of Islamic banking credit in the overall banking system and the improvement in income distribution, particularly among the lower-income deciles of society. Specifically, the coefficient for the variable representing the share of Islamic banking credit shows a negative and significant effect on income inequality in the lower deciles, with a diminishing impact as income deciles rise. This suggests that Islamic banking is more effective in reducing income inequality within the lower-income segments of the population, where access to financial services is often limited.
      In addition to credit volume, other components of Islamic banking, such as participatory banking models, Qard al-Hasan financing, and sustainable finance initiatives, play distinct roles in improving human development indicators. The study finds that Qard al-Hasan financing, which provides interest-free loans to low-income groups, has a particularly strong effect on reducing poverty and improving educational and health outcomes. Musharakah, another core principle of Islamic banking, fosters profit-sharing arrangements that enhance economic participation, especially for marginalized communities. Moreover, the promotion of sustainable finance by Islamic banks, which integrates environmental and social responsibility into their business models, further contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development.
      The findings also highlight the role of the banking system itself. Countries with fully integrated Islamic banking systems have shown more pronounced improvements in income distribution and human development. The study reveals that Islamic banking, when aligned with ethical financial practices, has a broader impact on society's well-being, contributing to improvements in health, education, and income levels, especially among lower-income households.
 
4. Discussion and Conclusion
The results of this study strongly suggest that Islamic banking can play a key role in advancing sustainable development in Islamic countries. By offering financial products and services based on ethical principles, Islamic banking can help reduce economic inequalities and promote human development. The positive impacts observed in income distribution and human development, particularly in the lower-income groups, underline the importance of expanding Islamic banking systems in these countries. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the role of Islamic financial institutions in promoting social justice and sustainable development.
      The results are consistent with theoretical frameworks in Islamic economics, which emphasize the role of financial institutions in promoting justice and equity. According to the principles of Islamic moral economy, financial systems should not only aim at economic growth but also ensure the equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. In line with these principles, Islamic banking systems—through instruments such as Qard al-Hasan, Musharakah, and sustainable finance initiatives—offer a more inclusive and ethical approach to financial intermediation.
      These findings are supported by previous studies, such as those by Asutay (2024) and Khan & Asutay (2025), which highlight the potential of Islamic banking to reduce inequalities and promote human development. Additionally, the results corroborate the work of Haidari and Zarinkhani (2022), who also found that Islamic banking has a significant impact on improving human development indices, particularly in lower-income populations.
      The study concludes with several policy implications for Islamic countries. Governments and financial institutions should focus on strengthening the Islamic banking sector, particularly in regions with low-income populations, to ensure that financial inclusion contributes to broader societal well-being. Furthermore, investing in education, healthcare, and sustainable finance initiatives will be crucial for sustaining long-term development and reducing inequalities. Islamic banking, with its ethical and justice-oriented principles, offers a promising pathway for achieving these goals, and its potential for promoting sustainable development should be further explored and expanded across Islamic countries.

Keywords

• Islamic Moral Economy
• Sustainable Development
• Islamic Banking
• Quantile Panel Regression
• Islamic Countries

Main Subjects

• Islamic Banking