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Understanding Islamic Microfinance

Leverage Islamic microfinance principles and practices to promote ethical investments and enhance financial inclusion with INCEIF.

Understanding Islamic Microfinance

  • 4 weeks

  • 1 hour per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    1 hour
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Expand your understanding of Islamic finance to comply with Shariah law

If you’ve ever wondered if the world of finance was more than just profit-driven transactions, you’ve come to the right place.

On this flexible, four-week course from the International Center for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) University, discover how Islamic microfinance integrates ethical principles with financial inclusion to empower communities and promote sustainable development.

In joining this Islamic microfinance-specific course, you’ll gain expert insights into providing ethical and equitable solutions that adhere to Shariah law.

Distinguish between conventional finance and Islamic microfinance

Begin this course by differentiating between conventional microfinance practices and Islamic microfinance.

You’ll gain a comprehensive insight into the foundational principles and practical applications of Islamic microfinance, how these differ from more traditional methods, and their benefits.

Explore various Islamic financial models, including Sadaqah and Zakat

Fill your financial toolkit with an understanding of Islamic microfinance models. Dive into the principles and applications of Sadaqah (voluntary charity), Zakat (obligatory almsgiving), and Murabahah (cost-plus financing), and see how these models contribute to economic justice and financial inclusion.

As you learn, you’ll grasp the real-world impact and effectiveness of Islamic microfinance through in-depth case studies and practical examples.

Learn more from the experts at INCEIF University

INCEIF University stands as a leader in Islamic finance education. Their team of experts will be there to guide you throughout this course, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex financial transactions and advance your career.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Microfinance

    • Welcome to the Course!

      Welcome to Understanding Islamic Microfinance, a course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand and implement Islamic microfinance principles effectively

    • Importance of Microfinance

      When implemented effectively, microfinance can be a tool that can empower a whole nation, driving growth not only in economic terms, but also in terms of of social progress and overall human development.

    • Criticism on Microfinance

      Having a balanced perspective will help you understand the complexities and limitations of microfinance in practice.

  • Week 2

    Islamic Microfinance

    • Defining Islamic Microfinance

      Although similar to its conventional counterpart, Islamic microfinance offers some nuanced differences that sets it apart.

    • Differentiating Islamic Microfinance

      How different is Islamic microfinance compared to conventional microfinance?

  • Week 3

    Different Models of Islamic Microfinance

    • Charity/Non-Profit Models

      Explore how zakat (compulsory charity), sadaqah (voluntary charity), and waqf (endowment) is used to empower marginalized individuals and foster inclusive economic development in accordance with Islamic ethical principles

    • Market-Based/Profit Models

      Examine the potential of Islamic finance instruments in empowering low-income entrepreneurs and drive economic development within the Islamic microfinance framework.

    • Composite Islamic Microfinance Model

      Discover how Islamic microfinance can be a tool to alleviate poverty in different parts of the world.

  • Week 4

    View from the Top?

    • Unveiling the Impact of Islamic Microfinance

      Explore the transformative power of Islamic microfinance as we look at how Islamic microfinance institutions are fostering financial inclusion, alleviating poverty, and driving sustainable economic growth within Muslim communities

    • Course Recap

      A brief rundown of what was covered in the course

    • Complete the Course

      Congratulations, you have completed the 4-week lessons. Next, in order to obtain the certificate of completion, you are required to take the course assessment. Details of the course assessment are provided on the next page.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the basic premise of microfinance and its criticism
  • Compare conventional and Islamic microfinance
  • Describe the different models used in Islamic microfinance
  • Discuss the case studies of Islamic micro finance in the different countries

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Islamic financial practices, including banking professionals, accountants, financial advisers, consultants, bank customers, students, and the general public.

You don’t need to have an existing knowledge of finance to be able to complete this course, but if you want more context of Islamic finance and banking, we recommend you take another online course from INCEIF, such as their Understanding Islamic Banking for Businesses or Understanding Islamic Banking for Consumers.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

INCEIF

INCEIF is considered to be the knowledge leader in Islamic finance through providing excellent teaching, research and thought leadership.

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 11 Feb 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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