As FOREX trading is getting popular these days due to the fast and easy nature to set up a trading account, the biggest question remain to be elusive among the Muslim community – is FOREX trading halal or haram?
Before I delve into that, let’s get some background information in order first.
What is FOREX?
FOREX is the acronym for Foreign Exchange. Other names commonly used in the marketplace are FX and currency. FOREX trading is the activity in which traders participate in the global financial markets with the objective of profiting from the price movements between currencies.
In simple terms, this is how it works:
Let’s say you’re expecting the Singapore dollars to strengthen against the US dollars. You check the exchange rate and it shows S$1.35 to US$1. So, you buy the 1000 units of US dollars (US$1000) and this trade costs you S$1350. True enough, one week later, the Singapore dollars strengthen and the new exchange rate becomes $S1.40 to US$1. You sell that 1000 units of US dollars and convert it back to Singapore dollars, so you now get S$1400 (S$1.40 x 1000 units). You have just made a profit of $50 (S$1400 – S$1350). Yay.
This is exactly is what we are already doing today. When we’re exchanging money at the money changer for whatever reasons, we are actually doing FOREX trading in the most simplest sense.
FOREX trading in Islam
However, with the rise of the internet, we are seeing faster and more efficient ways of making these trades online without the need for us to leave our house to visit our neighbourhood money changer.
This leads to some questions with regards to its permissibility stipulated by the Sharia Law.
In a hadith narration by Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit, the Prophet (PBUH) said,
Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, salt for salt,except equal for equal, same for same. Whoever adds something more, or asks for something more, he has engaged in Ribâ (usury).” – Muslim, 1587
There are essentially 3 key rulings from this hadith that determines the permissibility of currency exchange.
- The exchange of currencies goes through hand by hand.
- If the transaction is free of any elements which may lead to or stipulate Riba, Gharar and Qimar; which means the commodities must be of equal amounts.
- The buyer and seller prepare the contract in the same sitting and execute the exchange on the spot.
1. The exchange of currencies goes through hand by hand
The first question that probably pops up in your mind is, what does it mean by “hand to hand”?
In the earlier days, buyers and sellers deal with each other face to face (or hand to hand), simply because computers, telephones and the Internet were non-existent during those days. Today, we have these technological advancements which have enable transactions to be done almost instantaneously and without any physical interactions. Online transactions are widely accepted and a norm now.
In fact, one could extrapolate that it was natural and accepted for a deal to be made between two different parties. In modern times, it can be argued that in regards to FOREX trading, the deal is made between a FOREX broker and a trader, through brokerage platforms.
This would then qualify under such definition of two different parties, which would be permissible according to the Islamic law.
2. Free from Riba (Interest), Gharar (Uncertainty) and Qimar (Speculation)
This rule is widely known in the Sharia Law. Any elements of interest, uncertainties and wagering that is involved in the deal, is not permissible according to the Islamic Law.
For Riba, we have seen many FOREX brokerage platforms offering “Halal”, “Islamic”, “Muslim” Forex accounts in which they claim to have no involvement of interest. In a conventional FOREX trading, brokers have a standard practise of applying swaps, or interest differences, when a buy or sell position remains open overnight.
By removing the interest component, these brokerage firms replaces the lost interest income in a form of increasing commission per trade. Some argue that this is merely a camouflaged interest component, while others see it as an alternative mode of trading so long it adheres to the Islamic Law.
Gharar is defined as excessive uncertainty. This element mainly involves in derivatives such as futures and forwards. These contracts involves sale of a non-existent object or of an object not in the possession of the seller. Furthermore, the forecastibility of the currency future prices are unpredictable and volatile. Importantly, spot FOREX trading does not fall under this category as the prices are real-time.
Qimar, or speculation, happens when you make a purchase with the expectation of a substantial gain that comes with significant risks too. This can be problematic as it is hard to distinguish. How do we identify a trade if it is a speculation or an informed investment decision?
3. The buyer and seller prepare the contract in the same sitting and execute the exchange on the spot
FOREX spot trading adheres to this as the trades are executed in real-time, and the Internet enable instantaneous buying or selling in a split second, hence it is permissible according to the Islamic Law.
Fatwa released by Singapore’s MUIS
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has recently released a fatwa to explain about the permissibility of Forex trading. Here is the official statement:
“The general consensus among Islamic Jurists is that buying and selling of currency is permitted as long as it is done on the spot, and there is no delay of time in exchanging the currencies.
Therefore, forex trading is permissible as long as there is an immediate exchange of cash. Although paper currencies nowadays are not backed by gold or any other precious metals (which is impossible since the total amount of trade globally is more than the amount of gold produced so far), it should be presumed that the currencies in circulation has the same purpose and intent as gold, since it is appreciated by human, albeit artificially.
Syariah law dictates that any exchange gold and silver must be done immediately. Hence, exchanging of currencies in the Forex market should be done immediately, without delay. This is usually the case in the Forex market nowadays.
However, in cases where the handing over of the “commodity” is done within a grace period of two days and not immediately, there is an opinion within the Maliki school of thought which states that a slight delay in transfer of the commodity does not invalidate the sarf (exchange) contract. This is also the view adopted by the the Fiqh Academy and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC). Therefore the delay of two days in the case Spot Trading is permissible.”
SmartMamat – Closing Thoughts
So, going back to the question – is FOREX trading halal?
While researching to put together this article, we realise that there is no one-size-fit-all answer to this. Both sides of the jurists have valid arguments to support their stands.
However, one key takeaway from what we’ve learnt is to truly understand the main reason why Sharia Law exists.
The objective of the Sharia Law is the happiness and well-being of the people in this worldly life as well as in the life Hereafter. Hence, the law must contribute to the development and the good of the Islamic community. How it achieves this purpose is guided by principles written down in the Holy Qur’an. Not surprisingly, therefore, the fundamental feature of Sharia Law is socio-economic and distributive justice.
Every Islamic community has its own sets of opportunities and challenges. Hence, we should take heed from our local Islamic body to determine whether it’s permissible within the community that we’re currently living in and take it from there. While we may get the green light in Singapore, it may not necessarily be the same for other Muslim communities in other cities.
This is very helpful in clearing up my confusion regarding this topic. Thank You!
Glad it helps!
I have 2 question, when you for example open a currency pair, you are buying a currency at that price, and when you close the trade, selling it at a difference price? Also are stop/limit orders haram then, because you are buying or selling at a different time?
I’m into Forex too..until I come across this YouTube..what is your opinion..this ustadz is an expert in Islamic wealth. Need your comment on this..
https://youtu.be/9j5Ao_Uj9Wc
Salam brother. I must say this was a good read for me. I have a question for you, brother. How is binary trading differs from FOREX, if any. And what are your opinions on binary trading based on the Islamic Law. Wassalam.
Salam Zach, binary trading is separate topic than Forex. From my limited understanding, there is an element of gharar (excessive uncertainty) hence I would stay out of it for now. I would also normally prefer to hear out if there is any Fatwa released by MUIS before making any decisions. Till then, I will stay on the sideline.
Selam brother. What about dealing with leverage in forex ?
Because in my opinion its not a real loan and with islamic account you dont pay interest over it. And some scholar forbid is because prophet (pbuh) said: you cant loan in order to sell.
But is this the same loan or even a loan we are talking about ?
Wsalam Omar, thanks for asking. Short answer – I don’t have a clear answer to this now.
I would like to delve into this further too, and will update this space insya’Allah.
hi , i would like to say that forex trading and forex trading with leverage is two diffrent thing . 1) forex trading – buying and selling currencies using your own money . 2) forex trading with leverage – buying and selling currencies with your money ( a small amount ) plus the brokers money ( borrowed ) . the fatwa given by muis refers to number 1 and did not clarify about number 2 .
Salam brother Khairul. Do you have any idea if the two following companies are ok for us to be involved in.
1.Cashfx which is primarily a network marketing company using Everfx to trade profits.
2. Quibitech
These two companies have enabled low income normal working class people to make sizeable incomes through networking and the returns on their deposits traded.
assalamualaikum .. i research fatwa in United state American forex is halal alsong no leverage ,.. how about in Singapore , are we halal using leverage ? is possible using 1:1 leverage at octafx and free swap .but it need a lot budget to trade .
We are of the opinion that FOREX trading with sole intention to make money do not meet Shariah requirements and will result in unlawful income. This is because in retail FOREX, there is no actual trading of currencies except for, inter alia, accounting and leveraging effect to the borrowed money to the trading account. The industry is mainly speculative and there is high level of risks involved (i.e. one may lose all their capital). Hence, we view FOREX trading as having high level of risks i.e. gharar fahish (excessive uncertainty) with elements of qimar (gambling).
This also applies to any FOREX trading platforms, whether regulated (through financial institutions supervised by MAS) or unregulated (mostly online and possibly fraudulent).
The permissibility of FOREX activities depends on the purpose. For example, Shariah recognises currency exchange for hedging as it reduces the risks of market volatility. The exchange must be at spot price, with the amounts being of equal quality and quantity. Other acceptable foreign currency exchange involves trading of commodity at different currency value. We are of the view that profits cannot be earned from the exchange of money only; Shariah outlines that earnings should be directly connected to economic activity and production, but profits derived from FOREX trading does not constitute an economic activity or wealth creation. Such trading is non-productive and does not benefit society. In fact, profits earned from FOREX trading comes from someone else’s loss.
As such, we advise the Muslim community in Singapore to stay away from FOREX trading.
While we note that there are many websites inviting Muslims to do halal FOREX day trading (with immediate trade execution and settlement, no rollover and no interests or leverage), majority of scholars generally still do not agree with such transactions as a way to earn income.
On the other hand, FOREX transactions that involve possession of the currencies (i.e. usually over the counter), based on spot to facilitate real economic activities, where payment is effected in full at the time of contract (i.e. no leverage/margin trading) and/or hedge against currency exchange fluctuations to protect loss (whether actual or perceived) are permissible.
Meanwhile, forward transactions (i.e. not done at spot) shall be based on unilateral binding promise (wa’d mulzim) and is binding on the promisor. This is the practice of many companies who deal with multiple currencies due to cross-border transactions, including financial institutions doing Shariah-compliant transactions in global markets. Such transactions are permissible as long as there is no short selling, no leveraging and the purpose is only for hedging.
Finally, we would call upon the Singapore Muslim community to deepen and strengthen their knowledge in personal financial management as part of societal expectation and religious obligations. Should there be doubts or confusion regarding any issues on finance, the community should seek clarification from our asatizah fraternity, personnel from the MAS Register of Representatives or qualified financial/wealth consultants on how to better manage their monies and make sound financial decisions based on their risk appetite and consistent with Shariah requirements.
The article can be downloaded via https://www.academia.edu/38695046/SHARIAH_ANALYSIS_OF_EARNING_INCOME_VIA_FOREIGN_EXCHANGE_FOREX_TRADING_A_GUIDE_FOR_THE_SINGAPORE_MUSLIM_COMMUNITY
and also:
https://blog.pergas.org.sg/shariah-analysis-of-earning-income-via-forex-trading-part-one/
https://blog.pergas.org.sg/shariah-assessment-on-forex-trading-part-two/