It was the twentieth-century Islamic pioneer, and for some time there had been reports of its “experiments” with Islam. Pakistan, it was said, was experimenting with Islamic law, with a Koranic alms-levy that would eventually sustain an Islamic welfare state, and with a banking system that would do away with interest. I wanted to have a look at these experiments. But after a few days in Karachi it became clear that I needed help, that by myself I would see nothing. The Tehran Times had said that an Islamic bank existed in Pakistan, “established under the patronage of the great Pakistani Moslem scholar Maulana Maudoodi.” But in Karachi what I saw everywhere were the green signs of the Habib Bank. The main Habib building in central Karachi was a concrete tower of New York magnificence; and Habib had just opened a branch in Europe. The newspaper advertisements announcing this opening said it had come about “by the grace of Allah.” But Habib was not an “experimental” bank. I needed help, and I went to see Mr.
What do You think about Among The Believers (2011)?
