Impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financing Sector

Impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financing Sector Abstract This study finds out the realistic or any factual impact caused by the introduction of Islamic Banking on the consumer financing sector generally, while keeping its main focus explicitly on House Financing and Car Financing through banks in Pakistan. The total banks involved in consumer financing whether Islamic or Conventional where included in this research, keeping 2003 as the base year of data initiation. Since 53% of Consumer financing was being defined by House and Car financing so they were kept in focus. Independent T-Tests were run on the investments as well as the growth of both the sectors that is Islamic and Conventional banking sectors. The data was collected from the Statistical Data Ware House Department of State Bank of Pakistan. The results show that the variances in the investment sectors of both Islamic and Conventional differed from each other where H0 was rejected on the basis of value of t stats where as in the growth comparison the variances were said to be sa me at 10% significant level but the means of growth stood at 29% and 9% in cases of Islamic and Conventional banking respectively proving the positive impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financings bulky sector of House and Car Financing in Pakistan . In case of any incongruity to State Bank of Pakistan or the AAOFI standards, the latter shall prevail. Chapter one: Introduction The intent to write this research was to undermine the factual understanding as well as affect caused due to the introduction of Islamic Banking in Pakistan. It was acclaimed by the people related to the industry that Islamic Banking had positively affected the banking sector here and across the globe. The numbers were quoted and percentages claimed but no real research supported the declarations. So the author thought of doing a research to dwell on the issue and conduct a research with respect to Pakistan hence, configure the true standings of the conterparts known commonly as Islamic Banking and Conventional Banking. Islamic Banking though has a mere institutionalised history of 35 years across the globe but has gained tremendous recognition in this short tenure which shall be wittnessed in the literature review ahead in this paper. The evolution of Islamic Banking in Pakistan started as late as 2000 01 after the historical judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in1999 against the prevailing interest based banking system. The Islamic banking emerged, though after a valiant effort which continued over two decades prior to its surfacing. Different reports, articles, awareness sessions, books and other relative material endowed to this very existence of Islamic Banks in Pakistan. Though the clouds of uncertainity have lingered on this newly instigated initiative ever since its emergence, but then again that has always remained a norm for innovative things in Pakistan. Though Islamic Banking has come a long way after its start almost a decade ago but it still has a lot to prove to its spectators with respect to shariah compliance and market effectiveness in the Pakistans lucrative but stingent souk. Consumer Financing is a sector which has its part of exuberance attached to it in the banking and financial sector. When ever the financial markets are flooded with accessive liquidity the first thing that magnetizes the banker is the consumer financing sector specially in Pakistan where the yeilds were as high as 15% on proceeds. The magnitude of House and Car finance together tend to weigh around at almost 53% of this sector so the proceedings in this neighborhood can be established by analysing these mentioned sectors. In view of the fact that the House Car financing sector provide a level playing field for the conterparts that is Islamic and Conventional players, was another reason for this assortment. In the paper further the comparative analysis is conducted as well as the background of both Islamic Banking and Finance with Consumer Financing has been discussed in comprehensive detail. Statement of the Problem Islamic Banking ever since its emergence in Pakistan has raised eyebrows of related and non related players. Is there a difference? Which banking system shall prevail? Does Islamic Banking have enough weight to outset its conterpart? Can Islamic Banking loose the tag of being a parellel banking system and become the prefered banking operation in Pakistan? The researcher answers to these questions in the light of the literature review as well as by testing the viability of Islamic Banking sector to its conterpart Conventional Banking in the asset backed sectors of House and Car finance (through banks) in Pakistan. Objective Basic purpose of this research is to determine the differential impact of Islamic Banking in contrast to Conventional Banking on House Car Financing through Banks in Pakistan. Research Model Hypotheses H0: Islamic Banking does not impact House Car Financing through Banks In Pakistan. H1: Islamic Banking directly impacts House Car Financing through Banks In Pakistan. Chapter Two: Literature Review This segment will appraise the comprehesive literature review with respect to Islamic Banking globally while Consumer Banking Sector in Pakistan. Islam as a Code of Life Islam acclaims its self to be a Deen which provides a complete code of life to its practitioners. According to its claim Islam not only helps its followers rather also those who seek for help without believing in its core essence for day to day hinderances. May it be a name for a believers child or be it the purpose of life, Islam alone tends to answer to all the versatile queries of its disciple. This is the beauty of Islam but it can only lead to enlightenment only if all the resources of Islam are kept in view or an adherent may astray from the righteous path. The main resources of Islam can be categorized as follows: Quran e Karim The Holy Book sent upon Hazarat Muhammad Ahadith e Mubarakah (Sayings of Hazarat Muhammad) Shariah (Implementation of Islam) Lives of Hazrat Muhammad and the Sahaba (Companions of Hazarat Muhammad) Hence the Deen, Islam, can be categorized into three main branches: Beliefs (Aqaaid) Reformation and Rectification (Tassawuf) Islamic Laws and Principles (Fiqha). Since my paper would be coming under the third bough of a healthy hierarchy, that is, Islamic laws and Principle Jurisprudence (Fiqh). Further elaborating this division known as Fiqh (Islamic Laws and Principles) can be further sub-divided into the following sections: Prayers (Forms of submissions to Allah Tallah, Ibadaat) Societal or Civil Laws (Maamlaat) Criminal Laws Constitutional laws Since my paper discusses the Societal or Civil laws (Maamlaat) or rather absolutely specifying it would be dealing with financial aspects of this vast sub branch of Fiqh. Coming to the financial aspects of a Muslim or even an Oriental who believes in the fairness of Islamic laws, the main concern of this individual is to abide by Islamic law and principles while earning bread and butter for himself and his family. The things permissible by Islamic Jurisprudence are referred to as Halal while the things that are prohibited in Islamic Fiqh are known as Haram. It is by obligation that a Muslim or even an Oriental who believes in Islamic laws can earn his living only through Halal ways. One way of distinguishing Halal is by identifying the prohibitions while the rest remains permissible. Prohibitions in Islam for Financial Procedures The two of the main ills identified by Islam in financial procedures are: Riba (Interest) Gharar. Riba (Interest) In perspectives of Shariah money is considered to be a assessing means for value or worth rather than an asset within itself, it necessitates that an investor should not be able to obtain income from capital (or everything that is treated as a kind of money) alone. This production of money from money (commonly known as interest) is Riba, which is prohibited in Islam. Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Quran Following are the verses where Quran has out rightly identified interest as a prohibition. In the following verse our Creator nullifies the visual increase of wealth earned through interest. And whatever Riba you give so that it may increase in the wealth of the people it does not increase with Allah Subhanahu Tallah (30:39) At another place it has been identified that the Jews werent allowed to indulge in interest. And because of their charging Riba while they were prohibited from it (4:161) A verse which identifies the prohibition of interest and its form whether it be compounded. O those who believe do not eat up Riba doubled and redoubled (3:130) Ribas eminent prohibition can be seen in the following verse while at the same time the permissible alternative of trading has been offered. Another important factor which can be witnessed here is that giving of charity is being encouraged while interest is being regarded as a curse. Those who take Riba (usury or interest) will not stand but as stands the one whom the demon has driven craze by his touch. That is because they have said: Trading is but like Riba and Allah Subhanahu Tallah has permitted trading and prohibited Riba. So, whoever receives an advice from his lord and stops, he is allowed what has passed, and his matter is up to Allah Subhanahu Tallah . And the ones who revert back, those are the people of fire. There they remain forever. Allah Subhanahu Tallah destroys Riba and nourishes charities. And Allah Subhanahu Tallah does not like any sinful disbeliever. Surely those who believe and do good deeds, establish Salah and pay Zakah, have their reward with their lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve. O those who believer, fear Allah and give up what still remains of Riba if you are believers. But if you do not, then listen to the declaration of war from Allah and his messenger. And if you repent, yours is your principal. Neither you wrong, nor be wronged. And if there be one in misery, then deferment till ease. And that you leave it as alms is far better for you, if you really know. And be fearful of a day when you shall be returned to Allah, then everybody shall be paid, in full, what he has earned. And they shall not be wronged. (2: verses 275-281) Identifying one of the greatest ills of Interests concentration of wealth the rich becoming wealthier and the poor becoming underprivileged, the verse tends to unfold one of the many aliments caused by going against the prohibition. So that this wealth should not become confined only to the rich amongst you.(59:7) During the tenure of 1984 to 1994, $ 719 Billion dollars were sanctioned as interest based loans while $ 749 Billion were returned during the same tenure still leaving behind a liability of $ 1258 Billion. 225 people possess 47% of the wealth of the world at the same time 1 Billion and 30 Million people earn $ 1 daily while 32% of the population of this world earns $ 4 daily. These facts show that the present financial system has the above mentioned illness known as the concentration of wealth. Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Hadith The second source of Islam is the sayings of the Holy Prophet MuhammadSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam. Ahadith of ProphetSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam which are on the prohibition of Riba (Interest) are as follows: In the following Saying the excess on either sides is regarded as riba. Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, date for date, salt for salt, must be equal on both sides and hand to hand. Whoever pays more or demands more (on either side) indulges in Riba.1.( Sahih Muslim, Karachi, V.2, P.25) As per the following saying commercial interests existence is exhibited. Ibn Juraij says: in the pre-Islamic period, the tribe of Banu Amr bin auf used to take interest from the tribe of Banu-al-Mughira, and the Banu-al-Mughira used to pay this interest. When islam came,the later owned considerable amount of money to the former. And further on:the Banu-al-mughira used to pay interest to Banu-thaqif. All the people involved in the transaction of riba are found to be guilty and at fault as per quoted saying below. From Jabir: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam, may cursed the receiver and the payer of interest, the one who records it and the two witnesses to the transaction and said:they are all alike [in guilt] (Muslim,Kitab-al-Musaqat, Bab lani akili al-Riba wa mukilihi;also in Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmed) The implication or the inference of sins that a person attains on indulging himself in interest based transactions is emphasized in the following quotes. FromAbdullah ibn Hanzalah:the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam,said : a dirham of Riba which a man receives knowingly is worst than committing adultery thirty-six times(Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab al-Buyu,Bab al -Riba,on the authority of Ahmed and Daraqutni) From Abu Hurayrah: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam said: Riba has seventy segments, the least serious being equivalent to a man committing adultery with his own mother.(Ibn Majah) Interest based transaction reap no profits here or hereafter. The misery that one is bound to go through after death just for indulging himself in interest based proceeds in visible in the following quote. From Abu Hurayrah: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam, said: On the night of Ascension I came upon people whose stomachs were like houses with snakes visible from the out side. I asked Gabriel who they were. He replied that they were people who had received interest ( Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Tijarat, Bab al Taghlizi fi al-Riba; also in Musnad Ahmad) Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Bible It is not that only in Islam, interest is prohibited even in Christianity, the prohibition of interest is eminent. We have even seen above that even Jews were prohibited from interest based activity according to the Qurans verse. Following are the quotes from the Bible proving the prohibition of Riba. Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury. [Deuteronomy 23:19] Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his hearth. He that putteth not out of his money to usury, not taketh reward against the innocent.[Psalms 15:1, 2, 5] He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. [Proverbs 28:8] Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the noble, and rules and said unto them, ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.[Nehemiah 5:7] After identifying that interest has been prohibited in the past as well as in the contemporary era by the Creator of mankind as He tends to proscribe this act, it would be important to understand the types of Riba which are as follows: Riba Al Jahiliya/ Riba An Nasiyah That type of debt where specified reimbursements period and an amount in surplus of capital is fixed. (Usmani, 2002) Riba Al Fadl / Riba Al Hadees Riba Al Fadl means that the amount or goods paid back in excess other than the Qard (Loan) or which is taken in exchange of explicit homegenous products and are utilized in their hand to hand purchase and sale as explained in the Hadees. (Sahih Muslim, Karachi, V.2, P.25). (Usmani, 2002) Gharar The second of the ailments identified by the Islamic Juriprudence is known as Gharar. Gharar, is usually understood to denote ambiguity in the contractual conditions and/or the uncertainty in the survival of an essential good in an agreement and this creates concerns for Islamic scholars in the light of Islamic Jurisprudence. Shariah does include the ideology of Public benefit, denoting that, if something is tremendously in the public favor, it may be executed and so hedging or alleviation of preventable business threats, do come into this class but further elaboration is as follows by Islamic Scholars: Gharar is where the participants that is the buyer and seller, dont know what one bought and what the other sold. Professor Mustafa Al-Zarqa the researcher of Shariah has written Gharar can be defined as the sale of possible goods whose characteristics or individuality can not be established, due to the dicey character which makes this form of business related to gambling. Hadith for bidding this prototype of trading in Gharar (jeopardy) are available in books of Hadith. Some examples of Gharar transactions are (e.g. trading any fish swimming in the sea or a bird from a collection of species flying in the sky an unborn calf in cows womb, are some of the saleable goods which cannot be probed and examined as their true traits are unknown. Islamic Jurisprudence researchers have given many complete definitions of Gharar. They have also evolved with the idea of Yasir (minor risk); a financial deal with an insignificant risk is believed to be Halal (permissible) while transactions involving significant risk (Bayu-ul-Gharar) is deemed to be Haram. Gharar is one of those impediments which limit the power of decision making. An agreement that has any element of Gharar is not valid from the Islamic Jurisprudence view, irrespective of whether the parties to the agreement agree upon the agreement. The lexical meaning of Gharar is to deceive, cheat, delude, lure, entice and uncertainty. Gharar can be defined as follows: The uncertainty that is present in the basic elements of an agreement, wording, subject matter, consideration and the liabilities. Example of events which have been prohibited in Ahadith because of Gharar are: Sale of unborn Camels baby still in the mother abdomen. Sale of flowers before they appear on the plant. Sale of fish that comes in one throw of net. Sale of wool on the body of the animal. Qimar is that event in which there is a possibility of total loss to one party.Every gambling is a form of Qimar but Qimar is not limited to gambling. The Contract in which the participants, at the moment of implementing the agreement, cannot determine or rather decide as to how much it would give or receive. Causes of Gharar Though the conditions can be many but the most commonly occuring causes can be identified in (Samadani, 2007) are as follows: Uncertainity relating to the existence of thing sold Uncertainity relating to the possession of thing sold Uncertainity relating to the thing sold itself Uncertainity relating to the price Uncertainity relating to the payment of price Uncertainity relating to both thing sold as well as the price Types of Gharar Some types of Gharar are as follows: Baitan fi Bai (Twin sales) Safaqa fi Safaqa (Twin contracts) Bai urban/urboon Forward contract Superficial bull whip effect In the dark ages, many contracts were in vogue, where that condition would turn trade into treasure hunt. Like the seller would have different pieces of cloth and the buyer would cast a stone and would get the cloth where the stone would land. The Holy ProphetSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam has disallowed all such contracts. After identification of the prohibitions in the current financial system where interest and Gharar (Uncertainity) are a part and parcel of day to day proceedings. The need for a system which eliminated such illnesses was required. Another reason was that, after the jolts of 1930s and other economic crisis of 1970 and now of 2008 that followed, the financial world started talking about alternatives to the present systems of (Communism, Socailism and Capitalism). Though Capitalism is the largest spread system across the globe but by all means its jolting has been witnessed since 1839, 1930, 1970 and 2007. Is it at the verge of its end? Nobody knows but people have started looking for options. Islamic Economics Islam provides an economic system based on rules and principles defined by Islamic Jurisprudence. Human being is just a custodian of wealth and the true ownership is with Allah Tallah. Islamic Economics point of difference is that it not only deals with the materialistic needs of human being rather it also fulfills the spirtual needs at the same time. The main theory behind the Islamic economics is that money is only a means of exchange (in other words money tends to serve as an intermediary between the transaction of asset) and not a product that can be sold or discounted. Here it is noteworthy that a human being is not the true owner of wealth as it belongs Allah Tallah rather he has been given only the right to use it as the second owner, keeping in mind that he would be questioned on the day of judgement of his usfruct. Islam doesnt deny the forces of law of demand and supply but does emphasis on the consumer as well as the government to abide by the rules of Islam. Islam as a De en has the capability to accomadate all good things that life has to bring accept those which are outrightly against its divine principles. To summarise Islamic economics can be defined as the humanitarian goal of achieving the well-being of all members of the human family which cannot be attained by concentrating primlairly on the materialistic needs of comfort and creating maximisation of riches as the core intention of economics. Hence it is part and parcel to raise the spirtual content of well being of the whole society and reduce all symptons of anomie, like family disintegration, heavy interest based debt payments, conflict and tension, crime, alcholism, addiction to drugs and psychological illness, all signifying lack of internal delight and satisfaction in the life of human beings. Captialism similar to socialism, both have fallen short to show the way to their followers such an overall welfare. As a prospective measure, it is seems almost inevitable to put down the outlines of a new scheme of operations which helps maximise human well being as per the divine guidelines of Allah Tallah. As per (Khan, 1993) that since the unavailibilty of an Islamic society anywhere in the world the Islamic economics at present is scarely able to express or articulate Islamic position on economic issues as per its connotations. Islamic economics implies a serious execution of the Islamic strategy to raise the spirtual as well as the material well being of all people and to establish socio-economic justice, which is the vital objective of the Islamic message. On the spirtual side, the peace of mind that is fundamental to inner happiness cannot be attained except by increasing the nearness of the human being to his Creator, which Islam is capable of bringing about but secularism doesnot even aspire to. (Chapra, 1992). Islamic Banking Banks serve as the heart of any economy as they pump funds into the economic veins of a country. The four main functions that the bank performs are: lending and deposit business securities issuing asset management and foreign exchange trading. Trading has been given as an alternative to interest based transactions by Quran e Kareem as mentioned above. In the light of this fact the comtemporary Islamic scholars after reviewing the current financial system have comeup with different modes of financing to fulfill the much needed requirement. In the futher discussion we shall discuss those modes of financing. But first we would define Islamic banking as per the State Bank Of Pakistan. Islamic banking has the same utility as of conventional banking except that it asserts to function in agreement with the rules of Islamic Jurisprudence, called Fiqh ul Muamalat (Islamic regulations for transactions). The indispensable law of Islamic banking is the sharing of gain and loss and the prohibition of interest and Gharar. The Islamic concepts, that are mainly used in Islamic banking are profit sharing combination of isolated investor and worker (Mudharabah), safekeeping (Amanah), joint venture (Musharkah), Diminishing Musharkah, cost plus profit (Murabahah), asset finance (Ijarah), manufacturing (Istisna) and agricultural goods (Salaam). Islamic banking proposes to a structure of banking or participatory pooling actions that is dependable on Islamic Jurisprudence (Shariah) and channeled by Islamic economics. Islamic law prohibits interest the collection and payment of Usury. Islamic law also disallows trading in financial risk (since it is a form of gambling) discussed abov e as Gharar. In addition, Islamic Jurisprudence excludes participation in businesses which are deemed Haram (a going concern which deals in pork or alcohol). At the verge of 20th century, quite a few Islamic banks were crafted, to cater to this specific banking market. (Hassan, 2002) In an Islamic mortgage transaction, instead of giving debt to the buyer, money is utilized to purchase the item that is, money is a medium of exchange and not a commodity. Money cannot be rented, is a fact of Islamic Economics. The supplier acts as a direct vendor for the bank, after acquiring the goods the bank proceeds it to the customer at a gain, while allowing the buyer to payback the bank in installments (assets backed financing). However, for any delay in payment the bank cannot charge additional costs as profit or compensation. To mitigate its risk and close in on the vulnerability of the customers default, the bank keeps strict collaterals as its bail out. After the possession of goods the tangible asset is listed in the name of the buyer, by the Islamic banks. Such a bargain is known as Murabaha. Likewise Ijara wa Iqtina or Ijara bi Tamleek, which is alternative to real estate capital finance. Islamic banks handle proportionate income financings for means of transportations in a likewise manner (vending the automobile at a price, which is higher than the current value of the asset in the market, to the lessee and then holding up the title of the medium until the pre-agreed proceeds are paid up). The previous profits are taken into consideration setting up a profit and loss sharing ratio. Consequently the banks profit on the proportionate income financing is equivalent to a specific proportion of the companys revenues. As soon as the investment amount of the proportionate income financing is reimbursed, the earning-distribution arrangement is terminated. This specific exercise is entitled as Musharaka. Supplementary to this, Mudaraba is venture capital financing where a talented worksman who provides labor while funding is offered by the bank, so that one executes business on behalf of the other. Such participatory indulgence between capital and labor reflect the Islamic conceptions that the borrower should not absorb the peril/price of a collapse, since it is Allah Tallah who determines that failure or success, and intends that all those involved reap or bear it as per their obligations. Last, Islamic banking is bounded within Islamically permissible transactions, which eliminate those involving alcohol, pork, gambling, etc. Thus Islamic investing is the only acknowledgeable form of investment, and asset backed transactions are encouraged at the same time the social illnesses are not propped up. The concepts and financing modes in Islamic banking are as follows: Shariah Advisory Council/Consultant Islamic banks and banking organizations that offer Islamic banking products and services (IBPS banks) are required to establish Shariah advisory boards/ consultants to recommend them and to ensure that the procedures, activities and systems of the bank comply with Shariah doctrine. Amanah (Safekeeping) In Amanah, a bank is reckoned as a warden and custodian of endowments. Person deposits money in the bank and the bank assures to repay the whole amount of the belongings, or any portion of the remaining sum, when the depositor claims it. In this situation the Bank becomes the Amin (the Guardian) while the saver is known as Rab-ul-Maal. In Amanah the bank cannot consume this money until and unless the depositor permits its Amin. Mudarabah (Profit Loss Sharing) Mudarabah is a form or contract established between an investor and an entrepreneur, whereby the entrepreneur can finance the investments for its business proceedings. Any gains generated shall be distributed between the investor and the entrepreneur as per the consented ratio, while only the investor stands all the losses if transpired, it has to be bared in mind that the due attentiveness of the entrepreneur will be evaluated and in case of carelessness he/she would have to bear the consequences. The profit-sharing maintained until the proportionate income financing is reimbursed. The bank receives its share for the time value of its money through a set proportion in profit earned that is attached to the debtors profits. (Hassan, 2002) It is a corporation in proceeds between investment and skill, where one provides funds whereas the other supplements proficiency, expertise and administration. The latter is called as the Mudarib. Any profits accumulated are distributed amongst the participants on a pre-settled ratio, while loss is borne only by the investor. It is noteworthy that any increase in capital shall be the property of Rab-ul-Maal the capital provider according majority of jurist. For example if the sheep provided by rab-ul- maal investor and sheep gave birth to lamb, the lambs would be in the ownership of Rab-ul-Maal not the Mudarib (entrepreneur). The capital provider earns profit from the business on the basis of providing capital while the entrepreneur gets his share with respect to his efforts and endeavors. (Usmani T. M., 2004) Musharkah (Joint Venture) This conception is normally applied for business partnerships or mutual ventures. The profits made are shared on a settled ratio, while if losses are sustained they will be divided on the equity funds allocation ratio. This model is different from fixed-income endowing (i.e. proceeds of propotionate income financings). The two different types of Musharkah modes are Shirkat ul Ooqud and Shirkat ul Milk as per Islamic Jurisprudence. Further elaborating the types can be divided into specific main categories with further sub types each. In Islamic finance the things taken into consideration are Shirkat ul Ooqud (Partnership in Trade) and Shirkat ul Amaal (Partnership in Services). Shirkat ul Amwal (Partnership in trade) Shirkat Ul Amal (partnership in services) Shirkat ul Amwal (partnership in trade) is the mode of partnership where all partners invest some capital into a commercial enterprise. Shirkat Ul Ammal (partnership in services) is the form of partnership where all the partners jointly undertake to render some services for their customers and the fee charged from them is distributed among them accordingly to an agreed ratio. (Usmani T. M., 2004) Musharkah translates itself into a relationship established under a pact by the Impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financing Sector Impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financing Sector Abstract This study finds out the realistic or any factual impact caused by the introduction of Islamic Banking on the consumer financing sector generally, while keeping its main focus explicitly on House Financing and Car Financing through banks in Pakistan. The total banks involved in consumer financing whether Islamic or Conventional where included in this research, keeping 2003 as the base year of data initiation. Since 53% of Consumer financing was being defined by House and Car financing so they were kept in focus. Independent T-Tests were run on the investments as well as the growth of both the sectors that is Islamic and Conventional banking sectors. The data was collected from the Statistical Data Ware House Department of State Bank of Pakistan. The results show that the variances in the investment sectors of both Islamic and Conventional differed from each other where H0 was rejected on the basis of value of t stats where as in the growth comparison the variances were said to be sa me at 10% significant level but the means of growth stood at 29% and 9% in cases of Islamic and Conventional banking respectively proving the positive impact of Islamic Banking on Consumer Financings bulky sector of House and Car Financing in Pakistan . In case of any incongruity to State Bank of Pakistan or the AAOFI standards, the latter shall prevail. Chapter one: Introduction The intent to write this research was to undermine the factual understanding as well as affect caused due to the introduction of Islamic Banking in Pakistan. It was acclaimed by the people related to the industry that Islamic Banking had positively affected the banking sector here and across the globe. The numbers were quoted and percentages claimed but no real research supported the declarations. So the author thought of doing a research to dwell on the issue and conduct a research with respect to Pakistan hence, configure the true standings of the conterparts known commonly as Islamic Banking and Conventional Banking. Islamic Banking though has a mere institutionalised history of 35 years across the globe but has gained tremendous recognition in this short tenure which shall be wittnessed in the literature review ahead in this paper. The evolution of Islamic Banking in Pakistan started as late as 2000 01 after the historical judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in1999 against the prevailing interest based banking system. The Islamic banking emerged, though after a valiant effort which continued over two decades prior to its surfacing. Different reports, articles, awareness sessions, books and other relative material endowed to this very existence of Islamic Banks in Pakistan. Though the clouds of uncertainity have lingered on this newly instigated initiative ever since its emergence, but then again that has always remained a norm for innovative things in Pakistan. Though Islamic Banking has come a long way after its start almost a decade ago but it still has a lot to prove to its spectators with respect to shariah compliance and market effectiveness in the Pakistans lucrative but stingent souk. Consumer Financing is a sector which has its part of exuberance attached to it in the banking and financial sector. When ever the financial markets are flooded with accessive liquidity the first thing that magnetizes the banker is the consumer financing sector specially in Pakistan where the yeilds were as high as 15% on proceeds. The magnitude of House and Car finance together tend to weigh around at almost 53% of this sector so the proceedings in this neighborhood can be established by analysing these mentioned sectors. In view of the fact that the House Car financing sector provide a level playing field for the conterparts that is Islamic and Conventional players, was another reason for this assortment. In the paper further the comparative analysis is conducted as well as the background of both Islamic Banking and Finance with Consumer Financing has been discussed in comprehensive detail. Statement of the Problem Islamic Banking ever since its emergence in Pakistan has raised eyebrows of related and non related players. Is there a difference? Which banking system shall prevail? Does Islamic Banking have enough weight to outset its conterpart? Can Islamic Banking loose the tag of being a parellel banking system and become the prefered banking operation in Pakistan? The researcher answers to these questions in the light of the literature review as well as by testing the viability of Islamic Banking sector to its conterpart Conventional Banking in the asset backed sectors of House and Car finance (through banks) in Pakistan. Objective Basic purpose of this research is to determine the differential impact of Islamic Banking in contrast to Conventional Banking on House Car Financing through Banks in Pakistan. Research Model Hypotheses H0: Islamic Banking does not impact House Car Financing through Banks In Pakistan. H1: Islamic Banking directly impacts House Car Financing through Banks In Pakistan. Chapter Two: Literature Review This segment will appraise the comprehesive literature review with respect to Islamic Banking globally while Consumer Banking Sector in Pakistan. Islam as a Code of Life Islam acclaims its self to be a Deen which provides a complete code of life to its practitioners. According to its claim Islam not only helps its followers rather also those who seek for help without believing in its core essence for day to day hinderances. May it be a name for a believers child or be it the purpose of life, Islam alone tends to answer to all the versatile queries of its disciple. This is the beauty of Islam but it can only lead to enlightenment only if all the resources of Islam are kept in view or an adherent may astray from the righteous path. The main resources of Islam can be categorized as follows: Quran e Karim The Holy Book sent upon Hazarat Muhammad Ahadith e Mubarakah (Sayings of Hazarat Muhammad) Shariah (Implementation of Islam) Lives of Hazrat Muhammad and the Sahaba (Companions of Hazarat Muhammad) Hence the Deen, Islam, can be categorized into three main branches: Beliefs (Aqaaid) Reformation and Rectification (Tassawuf) Islamic Laws and Principles (Fiqha). Since my paper would be coming under the third bough of a healthy hierarchy, that is, Islamic laws and Principle Jurisprudence (Fiqh). Further elaborating this division known as Fiqh (Islamic Laws and Principles) can be further sub-divided into the following sections: Prayers (Forms of submissions to Allah Tallah, Ibadaat) Societal or Civil Laws (Maamlaat) Criminal Laws Constitutional laws Since my paper discusses the Societal or Civil laws (Maamlaat) or rather absolutely specifying it would be dealing with financial aspects of this vast sub branch of Fiqh. Coming to the financial aspects of a Muslim or even an Oriental who believes in the fairness of Islamic laws, the main concern of this individual is to abide by Islamic law and principles while earning bread and butter for himself and his family. The things permissible by Islamic Jurisprudence are referred to as Halal while the things that are prohibited in Islamic Fiqh are known as Haram. It is by obligation that a Muslim or even an Oriental who believes in Islamic laws can earn his living only through Halal ways. One way of distinguishing Halal is by identifying the prohibitions while the rest remains permissible. Prohibitions in Islam for Financial Procedures The two of the main ills identified by Islam in financial procedures are: Riba (Interest) Gharar. Riba (Interest) In perspectives of Shariah money is considered to be a assessing means for value or worth rather than an asset within itself, it necessitates that an investor should not be able to obtain income from capital (or everything that is treated as a kind of money) alone. This production of money from money (commonly known as interest) is Riba, which is prohibited in Islam. Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Quran Following are the verses where Quran has out rightly identified interest as a prohibition. In the following verse our Creator nullifies the visual increase of wealth earned through interest. And whatever Riba you give so that it may increase in the wealth of the people it does not increase with Allah Subhanahu Tallah (30:39) At another place it has been identified that the Jews werent allowed to indulge in interest. And because of their charging Riba while they were prohibited from it (4:161) A verse which identifies the prohibition of interest and its form whether it be compounded. O those who believe do not eat up Riba doubled and redoubled (3:130) Ribas eminent prohibition can be seen in the following verse while at the same time the permissible alternative of trading has been offered. Another important factor which can be witnessed here is that giving of charity is being encouraged while interest is being regarded as a curse. Those who take Riba (usury or interest) will not stand but as stands the one whom the demon has driven craze by his touch. That is because they have said: Trading is but like Riba and Allah Subhanahu Tallah has permitted trading and prohibited Riba. So, whoever receives an advice from his lord and stops, he is allowed what has passed, and his matter is up to Allah Subhanahu Tallah . And the ones who revert back, those are the people of fire. There they remain forever. Allah Subhanahu Tallah destroys Riba and nourishes charities. And Allah Subhanahu Tallah does not like any sinful disbeliever. Surely those who believe and do good deeds, establish Salah and pay Zakah, have their reward with their lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve. O those who believer, fear Allah and give up what still remains of Riba if you are believers. But if you do not, then listen to the declaration of war from Allah and his messenger. And if you repent, yours is your principal. Neither you wrong, nor be wronged. And if there be one in misery, then deferment till ease. And that you leave it as alms is far better for you, if you really know. And be fearful of a day when you shall be returned to Allah, then everybody shall be paid, in full, what he has earned. And they shall not be wronged. (2: verses 275-281) Identifying one of the greatest ills of Interests concentration of wealth the rich becoming wealthier and the poor becoming underprivileged, the verse tends to unfold one of the many aliments caused by going against the prohibition. So that this wealth should not become confined only to the rich amongst you.(59:7) During the tenure of 1984 to 1994, $ 719 Billion dollars were sanctioned as interest based loans while $ 749 Billion were returned during the same tenure still leaving behind a liability of $ 1258 Billion. 225 people possess 47% of the wealth of the world at the same time 1 Billion and 30 Million people earn $ 1 daily while 32% of the population of this world earns $ 4 daily. These facts show that the present financial system has the above mentioned illness known as the concentration of wealth. Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Hadith The second source of Islam is the sayings of the Holy Prophet MuhammadSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam. Ahadith of ProphetSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam which are on the prohibition of Riba (Interest) are as follows: In the following Saying the excess on either sides is regarded as riba. Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, date for date, salt for salt, must be equal on both sides and hand to hand. Whoever pays more or demands more (on either side) indulges in Riba.1.( Sahih Muslim, Karachi, V.2, P.25) As per the following saying commercial interests existence is exhibited. Ibn Juraij says: in the pre-Islamic period, the tribe of Banu Amr bin auf used to take interest from the tribe of Banu-al-Mughira, and the Banu-al-Mughira used to pay this interest. When islam came,the later owned considerable amount of money to the former. And further on:the Banu-al-mughira used to pay interest to Banu-thaqif. All the people involved in the transaction of riba are found to be guilty and at fault as per quoted saying below. From Jabir: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam, may cursed the receiver and the payer of interest, the one who records it and the two witnesses to the transaction and said:they are all alike [in guilt] (Muslim,Kitab-al-Musaqat, Bab lani akili al-Riba wa mukilihi;also in Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmed) The implication or the inference of sins that a person attains on indulging himself in interest based transactions is emphasized in the following quotes. FromAbdullah ibn Hanzalah:the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam,said : a dirham of Riba which a man receives knowingly is worst than committing adultery thirty-six times(Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab al-Buyu,Bab al -Riba,on the authority of Ahmed and Daraqutni) From Abu Hurayrah: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam said: Riba has seventy segments, the least serious being equivalent to a man committing adultery with his own mother.(Ibn Majah) Interest based transaction reap no profits here or hereafter. The misery that one is bound to go through after death just for indulging himself in interest based proceeds in visible in the following quote. From Abu Hurayrah: the Prophet,Sallalaho Alaihi Wassallam, said: On the night of Ascension I came upon people whose stomachs were like houses with snakes visible from the out side. I asked Gabriel who they were. He replied that they were people who had received interest ( Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Tijarat, Bab al Taghlizi fi al-Riba; also in Musnad Ahmad) Prohibation of Interest (Riba) in Bible It is not that only in Islam, interest is prohibited even in Christianity, the prohibition of interest is eminent. We have even seen above that even Jews were prohibited from interest based activity according to the Qurans verse. Following are the quotes from the Bible proving the prohibition of Riba. Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury. [Deuteronomy 23:19] Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness and speaketh the truth in his hearth. He that putteth not out of his money to usury, not taketh reward against the innocent.[Psalms 15:1, 2, 5] He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. [Proverbs 28:8] Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the noble, and rules and said unto them, ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.[Nehemiah 5:7] After identifying that interest has been prohibited in the past as well as in the contemporary era by the Creator of mankind as He tends to proscribe this act, it would be important to understand the types of Riba which are as follows: Riba Al Jahiliya/ Riba An Nasiyah That type of debt where specified reimbursements period and an amount in surplus of capital is fixed. (Usmani, 2002) Riba Al Fadl / Riba Al Hadees Riba Al Fadl means that the amount or goods paid back in excess other than the Qard (Loan) or which is taken in exchange of explicit homegenous products and are utilized in their hand to hand purchase and sale as explained in the Hadees. (Sahih Muslim, Karachi, V.2, P.25). (Usmani, 2002) Gharar The second of the ailments identified by the Islamic Juriprudence is known as Gharar. Gharar, is usually understood to denote ambiguity in the contractual conditions and/or the uncertainty in the survival of an essential good in an agreement and this creates concerns for Islamic scholars in the light of Islamic Jurisprudence. Shariah does include the ideology of Public benefit, denoting that, if something is tremendously in the public favor, it may be executed and so hedging or alleviation of preventable business threats, do come into this class but further elaboration is as follows by Islamic Scholars: Gharar is where the participants that is the buyer and seller, dont know what one bought and what the other sold. Professor Mustafa Al-Zarqa the researcher of Shariah has written Gharar can be defined as the sale of possible goods whose characteristics or individuality can not be established, due to the dicey character which makes this form of business related to gambling. Hadith for bidding this prototype of trading in Gharar (jeopardy) are available in books of Hadith. Some examples of Gharar transactions are (e.g. trading any fish swimming in the sea or a bird from a collection of species flying in the sky an unborn calf in cows womb, are some of the saleable goods which cannot be probed and examined as their true traits are unknown. Islamic Jurisprudence researchers have given many complete definitions of Gharar. They have also evolved with the idea of Yasir (minor risk); a financial deal with an insignificant risk is believed to be Halal (permissible) while transactions involving significant risk (Bayu-ul-Gharar) is deemed to be Haram. Gharar is one of those impediments which limit the power of decision making. An agreement that has any element of Gharar is not valid from the Islamic Jurisprudence view, irrespective of whether the parties to the agreement agree upon the agreement. The lexical meaning of Gharar is to deceive, cheat, delude, lure, entice and uncertainty. Gharar can be defined as follows: The uncertainty that is present in the basic elements of an agreement, wording, subject matter, consideration and the liabilities. Example of events which have been prohibited in Ahadith because of Gharar are: Sale of unborn Camels baby still in the mother abdomen. Sale of flowers before they appear on the plant. Sale of fish that comes in one throw of net. Sale of wool on the body of the animal. Qimar is that event in which there is a possibility of total loss to one party.Every gambling is a form of Qimar but Qimar is not limited to gambling. The Contract in which the participants, at the moment of implementing the agreement, cannot determine or rather decide as to how much it would give or receive. Causes of Gharar Though the conditions can be many but the most commonly occuring causes can be identified in (Samadani, 2007) are as follows: Uncertainity relating to the existence of thing sold Uncertainity relating to the possession of thing sold Uncertainity relating to the thing sold itself Uncertainity relating to the price Uncertainity relating to the payment of price Uncertainity relating to both thing sold as well as the price Types of Gharar Some types of Gharar are as follows: Baitan fi Bai (Twin sales) Safaqa fi Safaqa (Twin contracts) Bai urban/urboon Forward contract Superficial bull whip effect In the dark ages, many contracts were in vogue, where that condition would turn trade into treasure hunt. Like the seller would have different pieces of cloth and the buyer would cast a stone and would get the cloth where the stone would land. The Holy ProphetSallalaho Alaihi Wassallam has disallowed all such contracts. After identification of the prohibitions in the current financial system where interest and Gharar (Uncertainity) are a part and parcel of day to day proceedings. The need for a system which eliminated such illnesses was required. Another reason was that, after the jolts of 1930s and other economic crisis of 1970 and now of 2008 that followed, the financial world started talking about alternatives to the present systems of (Communism, Socailism and Capitalism). Though Capitalism is the largest spread system across the globe but by all means its jolting has been witnessed since 1839, 1930, 1970 and 2007. Is it at the verge of its end? Nobody knows but people have started looking for options. Islamic Economics Islam provides an economic system based on rules and principles defined by Islamic Jurisprudence. Human being is just a custodian of wealth and the true ownership is with Allah Tallah. Islamic Economics point of difference is that it not only deals with the materialistic needs of human being rather it also fulfills the spirtual needs at the same time. The main theory behind the Islamic economics is that money is only a means of exchange (in other words money tends to serve as an intermediary between the transaction of asset) and not a product that can be sold or discounted. Here it is noteworthy that a human being is not the true owner of wealth as it belongs Allah Tallah rather he has been given only the right to use it as the second owner, keeping in mind that he would be questioned on the day of judgement of his usfruct. Islam doesnt deny the forces of law of demand and supply but does emphasis on the consumer as well as the government to abide by the rules of Islam. Islam as a De en has the capability to accomadate all good things that life has to bring accept those which are outrightly against its divine principles. To summarise Islamic economics can be defined as the humanitarian goal of achieving the well-being of all members of the human family which cannot be attained by concentrating primlairly on the materialistic needs of comfort and creating maximisation of riches as the core intention of economics. Hence it is part and parcel to raise the spirtual content of well being of the whole society and reduce all symptons of anomie, like family disintegration, heavy interest based debt payments, conflict and tension, crime, alcholism, addiction to drugs and psychological illness, all signifying lack of internal delight and satisfaction in the life of human beings. Captialism similar to socialism, both have fallen short to show the way to their followers such an overall welfare. As a prospective measure, it is seems almost inevitable to put down the outlines of a new scheme of operations which helps maximise human well being as per the divine guidelines of Allah Tallah. As per (Khan, 1993) that since the unavailibilty of an Islamic society anywhere in the world the Islamic economics at present is scarely able to express or articulate Islamic position on economic issues as per its connotations. Islamic economics implies a serious execution of the Islamic strategy to raise the spirtual as well as the material well being of all people and to establish socio-economic justice, which is the vital objective of the Islamic message. On the spirtual side, the peace of mind that is fundamental to inner happiness cannot be attained except by increasing the nearness of the human being to his Creator, which Islam is capable of bringing about but secularism doesnot even aspire to. (Chapra, 1992). Islamic Banking Banks serve as the heart of any economy as they pump funds into the economic veins of a country. The four main functions that the bank performs are: lending and deposit business securities issuing asset management and foreign exchange trading. Trading has been given as an alternative to interest based transactions by Quran e Kareem as mentioned above. In the light of this fact the comtemporary Islamic scholars after reviewing the current financial system have comeup with different modes of financing to fulfill the much needed requirement. In the futher discussion we shall discuss those modes of financing. But first we would define Islamic banking as per the State Bank Of Pakistan. Islamic banking has the same utility as of conventional banking except that it asserts to function in agreement with the rules of Islamic Jurisprudence, called Fiqh ul Muamalat (Islamic regulations for transactions). The indispensable law of Islamic banking is the sharing of gain and loss and the prohibition of interest and Gharar. The Islamic concepts, that are mainly used in Islamic banking are profit sharing combination of isolated investor and worker (Mudharabah), safekeeping (Amanah), joint venture (Musharkah), Diminishing Musharkah, cost plus profit (Murabahah), asset finance (Ijarah), manufacturing (Istisna) and agricultural goods (Salaam). Islamic banking proposes to a structure of banking or participatory pooling actions that is dependable on Islamic Jurisprudence (Shariah) and channeled by Islamic economics. Islamic law prohibits interest the collection and payment of Usury. Islamic law also disallows trading in financial risk (since it is a form of gambling) discussed abov e as Gharar. In addition, Islamic Jurisprudence excludes participation in businesses which are deemed Haram (a going concern which deals in pork or alcohol). At the verge of 20th century, quite a few Islamic banks were crafted, to cater to this specific banking market. (Hassan, 2002) In an Islamic mortgage transaction, instead of giving debt to the buyer, money is utilized to purchase the item that is, money is a medium of exchange and not a commodity. Money cannot be rented, is a fact of Islamic Economics. The supplier acts as a direct vendor for the bank, after acquiring the goods the bank proceeds it to the customer at a gain, while allowing the buyer to payback the bank in installments (assets backed financing). However, for any delay in payment the bank cannot charge additional costs as profit or compensation. To mitigate its risk and close in on the vulnerability of the customers default, the bank keeps strict collaterals as its bail out. After the possession of goods the tangible asset is listed in the name of the buyer, by the Islamic banks. Such a bargain is known as Murabaha. Likewise Ijara wa Iqtina or Ijara bi Tamleek, which is alternative to real estate capital finance. Islamic banks handle proportionate income financings for means of transportations in a likewise manner (vending the automobile at a price, which is higher than the current value of the asset in the market, to the lessee and then holding up the title of the medium until the pre-agreed proceeds are paid up). The previous profits are taken into consideration setting up a profit and loss sharing ratio. Consequently the banks profit on the proportionate income financing is equivalent to a specific proportion of the companys revenues. As soon as the investment amount of the proportionate income financing is reimbursed, the earning-distribution arrangement is terminated. This specific exercise is entitled as Musharaka. Supplementary to this, Mudaraba is venture capital financing where a talented worksman who provides labor while funding is offered by the bank, so that one executes business on behalf of the other. Such participatory indulgence between capital and labor reflect the Islamic conceptions that the borrower should not absorb the peril/price of a collapse, since it is Allah Tallah who determines that failure or success, and intends that all those involved reap or bear it as per their obligations. Last, Islamic banking is bounded within Islamically permissible transactions, which eliminate those involving alcohol, pork, gambling, etc. Thus Islamic investing is the only acknowledgeable form of investment, and asset backed transactions are encouraged at the same time the social illnesses are not propped up. The concepts and financing modes in Islamic banking are as follows: Shariah Advisory Council/Consultant Islamic banks and banking organizations that offer Islamic banking products and services (IBPS banks) are required to establish Shariah advisory boards/ consultants to recommend them and to ensure that the procedures, activities and systems of the bank comply with Shariah doctrine. Amanah (Safekeeping) In Amanah, a bank is reckoned as a warden and custodian of endowments. Person deposits money in the bank and the bank assures to repay the whole amount of the belongings, or any portion of the remaining sum, when the depositor claims it. In this situation the Bank becomes the Amin (the Guardian) while the saver is known as Rab-ul-Maal. In Amanah the bank cannot consume this money until and unless the depositor permits its Amin. Mudarabah (Profit Loss Sharing) Mudarabah is a form or contract established between an investor and an entrepreneur, whereby the entrepreneur can finance the investments for its business proceedings. Any gains generated shall be distributed between the investor and the entrepreneur as per the consented ratio, while only the investor stands all the losses if transpired, it has to be bared in mind that the due attentiveness of the entrepreneur will be evaluated and in case of carelessness he/she would have to bear the consequences. The profit-sharing maintained until the proportionate income financing is reimbursed. The bank receives its share for the time value of its money through a set proportion in profit earned that is attached to the debtors profits. (Hassan, 2002) It is a corporation in proceeds between investment and skill, where one provides funds whereas the other supplements proficiency, expertise and administration. The latter is called as the Mudarib. Any profits accumulated are distributed amongst the participants on a pre-settled ratio, while loss is borne only by the investor. It is noteworthy that any increase in capital shall be the property of Rab-ul-Maal the capital provider according majority of jurist. For example if the sheep provided by rab-ul- maal investor and sheep gave birth to lamb, the lambs would be in the ownership of Rab-ul-Maal not the Mudarib (entrepreneur). The capital provider earns profit from the business on the basis of providing capital while the entrepreneur gets his share with respect to his efforts and endeavors. (Usmani T. M., 2004) Musharkah (Joint Venture) This conception is normally applied for business partnerships or mutual ventures. The profits made are shared on a settled ratio, while if losses are sustained they will be divided on the equity funds allocation ratio. This model is different from fixed-income endowing (i.e. proceeds of propotionate income financings). The two different types of Musharkah modes are Shirkat ul Ooqud and Shirkat ul Milk as per Islamic Jurisprudence. Further elaborating the types can be divided into specific main categories with further sub types each. In Islamic finance the things taken into consideration are Shirkat ul Ooqud (Partnership in Trade) and Shirkat ul Amaal (Partnership in Services). Shirkat ul Amwal (Partnership in trade) Shirkat Ul Amal (partnership in services) Shirkat ul Amwal (partnership in trade) is the mode of partnership where all partners invest some capital into a commercial enterprise. Shirkat Ul Ammal (partnership in services) is the form of partnership where all the partners jointly undertake to render some services for their customers and the fee charged from them is distributed among them accordingly to an agreed ratio. (Usmani T. M., 2004) Musharkah translates itself into a relationship established under a pact by the

Arguements For Gun Control Essay -- essays research papers

The violence in today’s world, has become ordinary and common. This violence causes a staggering number of deaths and injuries throughout the world. The main weapon used to engage in violence is the gun. That’s why I want a strict gun control policy that would nearly abolish guns and make the world a safer place. This policy would make it impossible to buy guns and would only allow hunters to â€Å"rent† guns. By doing this, violence, related to guns, would greatly and rapidly decrease. On April 20th, 1999, 2 friends from Columbine, Colorado came to school. They had a diabolical plan to try and kill as many people as possible. They were well prepared and had thought out their plan carefully. Together they had 4 guns with them when they began their â€Å"operation†. It resulted in the biggest gun issue in the U.S. to date. 12 students and a teacher were killed, that’s not including the 2 killers who committed suicide shortly after the murders. Around 20 others were injured. This single act at Columbine high school sparked a question in American society, is our gun control policy strong enough? I say it isn’t, with all the deaths and or related to violence in our country today, it’s nearly nearly impossible to ignore it. I say we need a very strict gun control policy. An after diasters like Columbine, a lot of people agree with me. Unfortunately, the government just can’t snap their fingers and automatically have a gun control policy. Like all laws and regulations, it must go through congress and if it gets through that, then it has to be signed by the president. Many gun control policies and been proposed in congress and most haven’t even made it through a committee. According to the article â€Å"Gun Control vs. Gun Rights†, on www.opensecrets.org, the government only takes action on gun control when a diaster occurs or when a well known figure is killed. In my eyes, this is entirely true considering that when a â€Å"normal everyday joe† is killed, he doesn’t make national headlines. It makes sense however, the people aren’t going to make a big deal out of a guy that they don’t know. Also it’s a known fact that when it comes to gun control, democrats and republicans, split right down the middle when it comes to gun control. Democrats favor heavy restriction on guns. Republicans sway towards gun rights and tend to hide behind the 2nd amendment. This results in gridlock (when... ...ssible considering that since the demand would go up and the supply would go way down, some people would be able to smuggle them in from other countries from lots of money. Also I understand that the hunters in particular wouldn’t be happy with this policy. I myself am not a hunter, I don’t believe in killing something for fun. I do, however, understand that I’m from an urban society and wasn’t raised remotely close to how most people who hunt are raised. Some hunters argue that it’s a source of food but it’s not â€Å"survival† food and therefore I wouldn’t let hunters keep their guns. I know that I’m being extremely bias, but I feel very strongly against guns and what they are capable of. Don’t get me wrong, I know that guns have probably helped us war most of war we’ve fought and saved some families from starvation but it’s today world there’s just no need for them. I love to argue my point. I also love a challenge. That’s why I’ve decided to debate someone standing by his own opinion, our founding fathers, and the 2nd amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The actricles that I’m going to rip apart, is â€Å"Gun Control Isn’t About Guns, It’s About Control† and â€Å"43 to 1†, by Mark Howerter.

The Good and Evil in Literature and Poetry :: Othello

The Good and Evil in Literature and Poetry Sir Philip Sidney, in his quote about poetry (literature) as it pertains to real life vice and virtue, is indeed correct that it can have a lasting effect on the way one acts, however, he is making a gross generalization when he states that a portrayal of pure virtue can divinely inspire, where as a portrayal of evil can herd the masses away from evil deeds. The true social value of poetry and literature is not in the portrayal of vice against virtue, but rather when the two meet inside a protagonist. It is the illumination of the paradox of right and wrong that gives us truly poignant literature. We can truly understand things about ourselves when we read about characters being pulled in two directions: as Queen Elizabeth in her struggles between romantic and patriotic love, or Othello as he is torn between jealousy and love, or as Abraham struggles with the murder of his son as a testament of faith. Queen Elizabeth is an obvious example of how such a paradox can be helpful and inspirational. She writes, in On Monsieur’s Departure, about how she has a duty to the state, but at the same time, wishes to love romantically in spite of it. The reader can truly relate to the character, because she is not without fault, nor is she without virtue–literature which sheds equal value to the good and the bad in humans is the most illuminating and useful. The irony in this situation is the fact that the modern reader cannot even be sure which of the desires expressed by the queen is virtue and which is vice. Love of country is good, but fulfilling one’s own needs is good too. Ultimately, we learn from Elizabeth’s poem that one must make choices–that what is virtuous can also be harmful, and likewise. Othello gives us a similar glimpse into the train-wreck that is the human mind when determining right from wrong. As the plot unfolds, the reader finds it hard to fault Othello’s actions, as he is only trying to do what is right and honorable. Even after he is duped into believing his wife is an adulterer, he still has a deep love for her (which is why Iago’s lies eat at him as they do). Eventually, Othello commits a murder which he views as the only "right" thing to do.

Bioterrorism with Anthrax :: Anthrax Biology Biological Terrorism

Anthrax is one of the most preferred biological warfare agents for many highly identified reasons. First, anthrax is extremely lethal. Anthrax can contain up to 100 million lethal doses in just one gram of anthrax spores, which is 100,000 times more lethal than any other biological warfare agent. It is also known that inhalation anthrax is almost always fatal if the symptoms are allowed to progress without any treatment. Anthrax is also the silent and invisible killer. On top of the fatality rate of anthrax, there are also very low barriers to produce the biological weapon. Anthrax spores are very easy to produce in large quantities, and the process of production is very inexpensive. Also, there is plenty of available information on how to weaponize anthrax and not a whole lot of technology is needed to be able to produce anthrax. Anthrax is also easy to weaponize because it is extremely stable as a dry powder in the form of spores. These spores can live for decades and still be very lethal to the human body. Anthrax can be put into an aerosol form disseminated into a spray can, and it can also be freeze-dried into a bomb. Presently anthrax is the most preferred biological agent is because we have no accurate detection capability. If an outbreak of anthrax were to occur it would probably happen in a form of an aerosol device of anthrax spores. The intentional bioterrorism outbreak would result in multiple cases of inhalation anthrax. If the outbreak was done by an aerosol can, there would be no indication of an attack because the United States, or anywhere else for that matter, does not have any appropriate method of detection for odorless, colorless, and tasteless spores of anthrax. This outbreak would cause the certain death of the first infected, since physicians in the U.S. would probably not detect anthrax as a cause of the patient’s flu-like symptoms. Most U.S. doctors and radiologists and lab personnel have not seen a form of inhalation anthrax and would not be able to identify it or notice Bacillus anthracis in a blood culture. Since an outdoor release of these spores can travel multiple miles and it only takes one gram to kill 10 million people, it could quite possible create extremely high fat ality rates. In one city alone it is estimated that the release of aerosol anthrax could cause the death of up to 3 million people within the first couple of weeks.

Of Mice and Me Essay

Of mice and men is a Film about life in a ranch, well done, with a low budget but with a lot of creativity. The directors are Gary Since and Horton Foot, Since plays an important part in the film as George. The other main actors are John Malcovich as Lenny and Sherlin Flynn as Curley’s wife. Very good actors and know how to interpret each characters. Curley’s wife has a very low profile in comparison with the book. Well the film starts when they escape from weed because they think Lenny raped a girl. They go to a ranch to work. There is a guy named Curly who hates big guys like Lenny, he has a wife who likes to flirt with men at the ranch. Curly has a fight with Lenny and Lenny breaks Curley’s hand. They say he caught it in a machine. Gorge and Lenny tell Candy about their dream and they decide to do it together. Lenny is playing with a pup and he realizes its dead, suddenly Curley’s wife gets in they start talking and she says to him to touch her hare. He dose it so hard she starts to scream and Lenny gets nervous and he ends up killing her. He runs away. Candy tells the guys and they go and look for Lenny. Gorge arrives first and while he is telling him their dream he kills him. The part of Lenny its grate. The actor was perfectly chosen in the physical part and its interpretation as Lenny it’s just like I imagined in the book. The part of George was good but not perfect. In the book talks a lot and has a very tight relationship with slim and he treats Lenny very badly in the film he is more quiet and more gentile with Lenny. I personally did not like Curley’s wife. In the book they describe her like a tart. She likes to where fancy dresses and feathers. In the film she is more reserved and less flirty. The music and lights play a major part in the film. For example the sins in the bunk house are always dark, with very little light in the middle of the bunk house. A very good example of music it’s when George is running to the pool at the ending they put nervous music because George its nervous, that makes a big effect in the audience. The novel is a protest novel with deep content but in the feel this is not so clear. The film could represent these themes in a better way if Curley’s wife was more of a tart or if crooks part was the same as in the book, longer and expressing more resentment feelings. I would recommend this film only for people who read the book because it helps to understand many aspects but for people who did not red it could be very slow and boring. This film it’s good only as a complement of the book. It’s good to rescue the actuation of John Malcovich who did a brilliant part and the good music and light effects.

Economic Community Assessment on West Hollywood California Essay

West Hollywood is a city incorporated in the County of Los Angeles in California, U. S. The city was founded in 1984 and currently, it has a population of 37,000 but the figure swell at night and over the weekends or during major events such as Gay and Lesbian parades. The city is one of those notably populated with gays in the U. S with well over 41% of the total population being gay This paper will discuss the economic details of the West Hollywood City in terms of housing; costs, types, ages, ownership etc, household incomes, resources available for families, major businesses, employment statistics and other economic assessments of the city. Business The current number of businesses (small and large) in West Hollywood City is 1,654. Owing to the fact that the society is changing, more immigrants are coming in and the technology is advancing, then, the business will grow to a higher level in the near future and that the number of business units will expand geographically and size wise Business profiles Category Number State(California) Retail/wholesale and manufacturers 860 53% Corporate Headquarters 35 2% Service providers 487 29% Production; T. V, radio, publishing etc. 70 4% Professionals 202 12% The main occupations of the people in the area are; design, cultural activities, small business and small scale farming in the western part of the city. Employment The top ten employers are; Los Angeles County MTA, Pacific Design Centre, The Lot, House of Blues, The Vons Companies, Wyndham Bel Age Hotel, City of West Hollywood, Hyatt West Hollywood, The Mondrian Hotel and Le Parc. These companies employ a huge majority of the population especially the young adults between the ages of 24-44 years. The rate of unemployment in the City is currently at 2. 9%. According to a survey conducted in 2000 on the employment statistics of the region, the number of persons working full time were 66% of the total population, 8% working part time, 3% were unemployed, 15% retired and 8% not falling in any category. Compared to the Los Angeles unemployment rate which is 3.5% and that of the United states which is now at 3. 7% according to the latest figures by the U. S Bureau of statistics(U. S Bureau of statistics 2006, (2006): Employment statistics, U. S Bureau of statistics) Housing Most of the houses were built during the 1950s and constitute about 30% of all the buildings in the city today. The rest were built later or earlier than that i. e. ; < 1940s-16%, 1940s-8%, 1960s- 23%, 1970s-18%, 1980s-6%. And 1990s- 1% There has also been a number of hosing structures which were built in the last five years but they are still under construction or have just been completed. There are in general 22,000 households in West Hollywood occupied by the over 37,000 persons. According to information contained in the City of West Hollywood Housing element, 2000, the number of households that contain single persons has increased i. e. from 42% in 1994 to 55% in 1998. The number of households with children in the year 2000 was about 2% and the figure is expected to increase given that the number of lesbian and gay marriages is on the increase. The housing situation in West Hollywood City is considered favorable and even in surplus going by the number of houses which are currently vacant. Compared to other areas where there is shortage of housing units, the city boasts of an organized housing structure planned, designed and constructed in a sophisticated manner. Those houses occupied by the councils and the government authorities; institutions such as schools etc comprise about 10% of the buildings while the rest are residential, manufacturing and business premises. All the business houses pay taxes to the local authority. The type of housing as described by the figure below shows that more families are staying single per housing unit. Depending on the size and the ownership of house, the rent of the housing units range from $ 10,000 to as $60,000 annually. Most of the housing units are apartments

Single Sex Are Better For All Students Essay

Single sex schools will help students improve in a majority of things. Single sex schools are better for all students because they improve the students’ behavior, grades and health. Single sex schools are better for students because they are not surrounded by students who pick on the opposite sex constantly. The students would not have to worry about being shy because the opposite sex does not attend to the school. At certain ages, opposite sex in the same class can be a distraction. The students seem to relieve more pressure with the other gender not being there and that helps them more than people actually think. Few educators are formally trained to use gender-specific teaching technique. However, it is no secret that experienced teachers usually understand gender differences and accommodating a variety of learning styles in the mixed-gender classrooms. This is that the students actually behave with the other gender not being in the same room Educating single-sex schools limit their opportunity to work cooperatively and co-exist successfully with members of the opposite sex. Students are able to cooperate more without the opposite sex being in the same classroom. Secondly, the grades of the students are very important. The grades are important because in some cases, it could help the student get an acceptance letter to a good college. This is why students should keep grades above average and also get involved sports. Test scores would be higher and the school’s academic success would be increased by being in a single sex school. Students would stay in school rather than drop out because they feel like someone cares about their education. Single sex schools would have better connection with their students. Students would also have high class grades because they can focus more without the other gender.