This book explores how Islam can impact the structures and performance of firms, financial institutions and capital markets across a range of countries and industries.

The Islamic finance industry represents an important reality not only because of the oil wealth of the Gulf states, which have fueled demand for such financial services, but also for an increased demand from a growing Muslim population in the West that aspires to express a full and all-inclusive religious identity. The increased demand for Muslim financial institutions has prompted Western non-Islamic firms to begin providing these services in an interesting effort of acculturation to the new plural scenario.

By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, which also takes into account the theological, legal and geopolitical framework, the book offers a comprehensive picture of Islamic financial tools, contracts and business opportunities. Drawing on different fields of expertise, it deals with various themes, such as the theological roots of Islamic economics and finance and its geopolitical impact; the EU policy of cooperation with MENA and GCC countries; the instruments of Islamic finance, its legal principle and ability to become an instrument for enhancing business opportunities; the functioning of Islamic banks; the development of capital markets within a financial model influenced by religious constraints and, finally, the new relationships of this religious financial system with Western legal systems. The book thus provides a complete and extensive overview of the practice of Islamic finance through the lenses offered by studies of economics and management.

Providing a careful analysis and an integrated framework of geo-economic and political issues, the book will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers and professionals in International Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Law and Religion and Intercultural Studies.