An Islamic Bank for The Poor, Including 4% Hindus, Who Can't and Need Not Pay Interest

Reserve Bank of India guidelines specifically state that banks are compulsorily required to charge an interest and pay taxes to the central government. However, the Muslim Fund Trust in Deoband headed by Haseeb Siddiqui is a financial institution that works on an interest-free loan module. The trust offers loans to only those who have a savings deposit account with them. Conventional banks demand security before issuing loans, which it has the option of falling back upon, in case the consumer defaults. The Muslim Fund Trust accepts only ornaments as security. Locals who avail the services of the Muslim Fund Trust identify Siddiqui as a social worker. Popularly known as Abbaji, Siddiqui has been politically active as a member of BSP. The trust neither has debit or credit cards, nor does it have netbanking facilities like other banks. The Muslim Fund Trust also runs an eye-care hospital, driver-training centre and an orphanage.