Islamic Debit Card To Be Offered Across Russia

Yesterday's Moscow News reports that Express Bank will offer a new Islamic debit card across Russia, despite opposition from some Central Bank officials. The card, which has already been introduced in the predominantly Muslim region of Dages­tan, are Shariah-compliant. Any interest earned on accounts is donated by the bank to charitable causes. The bank created the card in cooperation with the Spiritual Council of Muslims in Dagestan. The card's design avoids depicting living beings, something also banned by Islamic law. The card, which has also become popular with Christians and Jews in Dagestan who like its design, will be offered nationally through the Internet.