Murabaha

Cost-plus profit financing. The Murabaha technique is used extensively to facilitate the trade finance activities of Islamic financial institutions. The financial institution purchases and takes title to the necessary equipment or goods from a third party (either directly or through an agent). The financial institution then sells on the equipment or goods to its customer at cost plus profit. All of the above contracts are undertaken at the request of the customer. Deferred payment terms may be agreed and the arrangement may be secured. Such arrangements are not considered to be contrary to Shari'ah law as, by taking title to the equipment or goods, the bank is assuming a risk and engaging in a sale transaction which entitles it to profit. As the price of the equipment or goods is fixed, the customer is not affected by fluctuations in the base lending rate. Exchange Handbook Glossary