What Policy for Islamic Financial Literacy?

Abstract

This paper addresses the concept of financial literacy in Islamic finance and suggests a methodology to elaborate an effective Islamic financial literacy policy (IFLP). Based on a literature review, the paper summarizes the conclusions of studies and surveys conducted in the field of conventional financial literacy while identifying the specificities of the Islamic finance industry. Indeed, the paper would help financial authorities and Islamic financial institutions in elaborating Islamic financial literacy policies (IFLPs) in order to contribute to the sustainable growth of the industry. It promotes the idea that qualitative aspects are worth studying when elaborating an Islamic financial literacy policy that has to take into account many factors such as the maturity of the industry, the objectives of the policy (inclusion or migration), the degree of Shari’ah awareness, the understanding of Arabic terminologies, etc. Finally, the IFLP measurement should include quantitative (Total reach and number of people reached) as well as qualitative aspects (level of financial literacy, impact on financial behaviour).