University of Durham

The study provides insight into the financial and economic system of Jordan. Because Islamic banking is well-established in Jordan, the author decided that it was an excellent location for the study. Reference is made to Jordan Islamic Bank, which was classified in 1987 as the third largest Islamic bank in the world. Jordan was the place where the first collapse of an Islamic financial institution occurred. The rise of the Islamic Investment House and the factors that led to its breakdown are a major concern of this study.

The author's goal is to assess the contribution of Islamic banking to the development of the Sudanese economy and the scrutiny they face given their past role in development financing. Questions have arisen about the banks' past roles in supporting trade finance and not promoting equity finance. The sentiment is that the contribution of Islamic banks to development finance is insignificant. This is so, according to the author, because of the attitude of the bank management, government policy makers, and the general complexities that exist in the Sudanese economy.

The thesis begins by offering a geographical perspective of the Arabian Peninsula. Further topics discussed include: the political situation in Arabia in the sixth century AD, a historical background of Mecca since the time of Qusayy, the Ilaf and its impact on Meccan trade, and the role of the sons of Abd Manaf in transforming Meccan trade.