This study deals with one of the most remarkable phenomena in the Middle East financial world - the absolute prohibition of interest charges or payments, a system which distinguishes it from their Western counterparts. Islamic economics and finance which has been apparent during the last four decades. What has been missing up to now is a comprehensive empirical investigation that analyzes the performance of Islamic banks and evaluates their successes and failure in the light of their conformity to Islamic ideologies and principles. on Islamic banking in order to narrow the gap between Muslim economists and scholars, and Western economists alike. The book should also be of interest to anyone wishing to build their background knowledge of Islamic and Western banking services, financial services generally and the historical development of money and banking.