What is halal investing in Canada in 2024?
comparatorTitles.phoneText
Make a callcomparatorTitles.logo
| comparatorTitles.price
| comparatorTitles.featureList
| comparatorTitles.yesList
| comparatorTitles.link
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
item.logoSubtitle
|
| item.badge
|
item.clickCount people viewed this offer today
item.phoneText
item.clickOutButtonText
[[item.selectionText]]
item.clickOutSubtitle
|
comparatorTitles.name
In Canada, 1 in 20 people is Muslim, and Islamic principles determine that Muslims can invest but should avoid getting involved in deals with interest. Islamic finance should also avoid causing harm, which means products like alcohol, tobacco and gambling are also to be avoided.
Because of this, many Muslims avoid investing their savings altogether, but Canada’s Muslims collectively have more than $20 billion in assets that could be used for Shariah-compliant investing that positively impacts the world. But which investments are truly halal? And can you invest your money and avoid riba?
This guide will show you that halal investing in Canada may be easier than you think and explain how to get started with halal ways of investing money.
Halal Investing in Canada: 5 key takeaways
- Halal investing refers to investing in accordance with Islamic law, which prohibits certain activities and requires investment in Shariah-compliant assets.
- Some examples of Shariah-compliant assets include Islamic equity funds, sukuk, and Islamic REITs.
- Third-party committees of Shariah scholars screen investment products and portfolios for compliance.
- Halal investing allows Muslims and non-Muslims to invest in a socially responsible manner.
- Wealthsimple is Canada's best option for halal investing.
Top 3 best halal investing options in Canada
Weathsimple: the best for guided halal investing
For both novice and seasoned investors, Wealthsimple is an excellent online broker. With its passive strategy, users can choose to be as hands-on or hands-off as they desire. Additionally, financial planners are available to assist investors in learning as they invest. Investors can select their portfolio type based on their risk tolerance, the amount of personal trading they would like to conduct, and their personal morals and values. Wealthsimple also offers halal investing options to cater to Islamic users.
The Wealthsimple halal investing portfolio is a straightforward and cost-effective approach to growing funds for both Muslims and non-Muslims. The portfolio is optimized not only for performance but also for compliance with Islamic law, and all investments are screened by a third-party committee of Shariah scholars. Wealthsimple does not invest in companies that profit from gambling, arms, tobacco or other restricted industries nor does it include businesses that derive significant income from interest on loans.
The Wealthsimple Shariah World Equity Index ETF (WSHR) is Canada's first Shariah-compliant ETF, and its underlying index has been certified by a team of Islamic researchers at Ratings Intelligence Partners. Additionally, dividend purification information is made available quarterly. Wealthsimple is an excellent option for investors who wish to comply with Islamic law while maximizing their portfolio's diversification to achieve optimal performance.
We like:
- Halal investing options
- Selection of commission-free stocks and ETFs
- No account minimum
- Access to financial advisors
- Free portfolio analysis
- Regulated crypto trading
TD: Canada's largest online brokerage
The TD Bank Group, also known as The Bank, is a prominent Canadian financial institution that operates in North America. With a focus on retail banking, the group provides a wide range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and insurance services to customers across the Canadian and US markets.
One of its key offerings is TD Direct Investing, which was launched in 1984 as Canada’s first bank-owned self-directed brokerage. The platform enables self-directed (DIY) investors to trade and invest using various accounts.
For those interested in halal investing, TD Bank Group provides access to expert financial advisors who have knowledge and expertise in halal investing. These professionals can help investors explore halal investment options that align with their values and financial goals.
We like:
- Access to a versatile investing platform
- Several investment accounts and securities
- Canada’s largest online brokerage.
- Well-rated user-friendly mobile app.
We don't like:
- No readily-available halal portfolios
- High trading fees
- Quarterly fees on small accounts
- Need to bank with TD to access financial advisory
RBC: the big 5 Canadian bank with a sukuk
RBC or Royal Bank of Canada is a financial services company based in Canada. It provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, corporate banking, investment banking, and transaction processing services to both retail and commercial customers in Canada and the United States.
For Muslims seeking halal investment opportunities, RBC offers a product called the RBC Shariah-Compliant Equity-Linked Note. This sukuk is the result of extensive research and is supported by a fatwah issued by three respected Muslim scholars. It offers a competitive investment opportunity that follows Islamic law principles. The minimum investment amount is CAD 5,000, and investors with CAD 50,000 or more have access to free personal investment advisory services from the experienced team at RBC Dominion Securities.
Investors interested in the RBC Shariah-Compliant Equity-Linked Note can benefit from RBC's status as the largest bank in Canada. The bank's diverse range of financial products and services may also be of interest to those seeking other halal investment options.
We like:
- Reliable, trusted Canadian company
- Free educational and research tools
- All-in-one mobile app
- Demo account included
What is halal investing?
Halal investing is a form of investing that adheres to Islamic principles and beliefs. The term "halal" refers to what is permissible or lawful according to Islamic law or Shariah. In the context of investing, halal investing means investing in a manner that is consistent with Islamic principles and values.
In Islamic finance, earning interest or usury (riba) is considered haram or forbidden, and certain unethical practices and industries are to be avoided. Here are a few examples of haram investment options:
- Bonds and certain types of mutual funds
- Prohibited goods or services, such as alcohol, tobacco or gambling
- Excessive risk, speculation or debt
- Companies that engage in exploitative labour practices
- Businesses that contribute to environmental degradation
Halal investing commonly involves investing in companies that operate in industries such as healthcare, technology, or real estate, as long as they do not generate income from haram activities.
To ensure compliance with Islamic principles, halal investing in Canada is typically overseen by a committee of Shariah scholars who provide guidance and certification on investment products and strategies. Overall, halal investing seeks to provide investors with opportunities for growth and financial returns while adhering to Islamic principles and values.
Looking for a broker to start investing? Compare the best brokers to get the best halal investment ideas.
Compare the Best Online Brokers in Canada
Is investing haram?
In Islam, investing itself is not haram (forbidden). For example, investments that involve earning interest (riba) or investing in companies that deal with prohibited goods or services such as alcohol, tobacco or gambling are generally considered haram. Islamic finance and investing principles emphasize socially responsible investing that is consistent with Islamic values and ethics.
To help Muslims navigate the world of investing, a range of Shariah-compliant investment products and strategies are available. These products and strategies are designed to provide investment opportunities that align with Islamic principles and values. Some examples of Shariah-compliant investments are:
| Investment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sukuk | Shariah-compliant bonds avoid interest payments and instead provide investors with a share of the profits generated by the underlying assets. |
| Islamic Equity Funds | Mutual funds that invest in Shariah-compliant equities, avoiding companies that generate income from haram activities. |
| Islamic Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | REITs that invest in real estate assets that are permissible under Islamic law. |
| Halal Investing Portfolios | Investment portfolios that are optimized for performance while adhering to Islamic principles, and which may be screened by a third-party committee of Shariah scholars. |
It is important for Muslims to educate themselves on Islamic finance and investing principles to ensure that their investment decisions are consistent with their religious beliefs and values. Ultimately, the permissibility of investing depends on the specific investment in question and whether it conforms to Islamic principles and values.
Expert advice
To know your halal investing options well, it’s always best to speak with a Shariah-compliant investing expert.
What makes an investment halal?
Shariah investing or halal ways to invest money must adhere to Islamic law, avoiding prohibited activities and investing in Shariah-compliant assets such as sukuk, halal index funds as well as Islamic REITs and ETFs. Third-party committees of Shariah scholars screen investment products and portfolios to ensure Shariah compliance. Investing in this manner allows Muslims to invest in a socially responsible manner that aligns with their values.
Good to know
Education on Islamic finance is essential for informed investment decisions.
Welathsimple’s halal portfolio provides a good example of a Shariah-compliant investment. Here are a few of their halal portfolios, classified by risk profile.
| Portfolio Type | ETFs | Gold | Non-Interest Bearing Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 40% | 15% | 45% |
| Balanced | 70% | 20% | 10% |
| High Growth | 90% | 10% | 0% |
Note that halal investments are not just for Muslims. These portfolios are a form of socially responsible and ethical investing. If you have concerns about human rights and the environment, and if you want your investment to make a positive impact on the world all while growing your wealth, then halal investment options fit your needs, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Wondering what type of account is best for your portfolio? You have several options such as TFSAs, RRSPs and more.
Need help with your RRSP?
What are my halal investment options?
For those who wish to explore ethical, halal investment options, there are a variety of opportunities available to suit different investment goals and risk tolerance levels.
Stocks
Is investing in stocks halal? As one of the most popular forms of investing, you may have considered whether stocks are halal or haram. Stocks can be halal. Many companies adhere to Islamic principles which makes their stocks Shariah-compliant and thus halal.
These stocks are usually screened by third-party committees of Shariah scholars to ensure compliance with Islamic law.
The Hong Kong-based electricity company CLP Holdings Ltd is an example of a halal stock.
ETFs and other funds
Equity mutual funds, ETFs and index funds must follow the same rules as individual stocks to be considered halal. However, when investing in funds, it's important to be extra cautious as they typically consist of many stocks, which means that there are more companies to research and analyze for compliance with Shariah law.
Most halal ETFs will have Shariah certification. For example, Wealthsimple’s WSHR is halal certified as it complies with Shariah law and excludes companies deriving more than 5% of their income from alcohol, tobacco, pork-related products, weapons, conventional banking or insurance companies, and adult entertainment. The ETF also excludes companies with excessive leverage. Wealthsimple also offers dividend purification information quarterly.
Bonds and Sukuks
Is investing in bonds halal? Conventional bonds that pay interest are considered haram in Islam because they involve riba, or interest, which is prohibited. However, there are halal alternatives to traditional bonds.
Sukuks are different from bonds as they are not debt-based. Unlike bonds which are essentially loans and generate interest income, sukuks provide investors with investment income and so, are halal.
For instance, let's say a government needs funds to build a highway. Traditionally, the government would issue bonds and borrow money with the promise of giving it back with interest. With sukuks, the government seeks an investment partner, and if the project is successful, investors receive a portion of the profits within a specific time frame. However, if the project is not profitable, investors do not receive anything back. Sukuks usually focus on projects with high potential profitability, such as a newly constructed toll road.
Gold and other precious metals
Gold is a popular investment option to diversify a portfolio, but Is investing in gold halal? Investing in gold is generally considered halal as long as you invest in physical gold, not paper or synthetic gold.
However, it is important to note that the intention behind investing in gold should not be speculative in nature or to make a quick profit. Also, any profit made from selling gold must not involve riba (interest), gharar (uncertainty), or haram (prohibited) activities.
Real Estate
Investing in real estate is generally deemed permissible in Islam. However, it is important to ensure that any mortgages associated with the property are halal, to avoid interest-bearing loans. Similarly, investors considering real estate investment trusts (REITs) should be cautious and verify that their investments are Shariah-compliant. REITs that generate profits through property rental are typically considered halal, while those relying on mortgage-based financing may not be permissible.
As a halal company, Manzil might be an option to consider if you need a mortgage to invest in real estate.
Cryptocurrency
What about crypto, is investing in cryptocurrency halal? Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining in popularity as investment tools, but their permissibility under Islamic law is a subject of debate among scholars.
Some argue that cryptocurrencies are not backed by any tangible assets and may be used for illicit purposes, making them haram. Others argue that they can be halal if certain conditions are met, such as ensuring that the investment is not used for unethical activities and that the currency is acquired and sold at fair market value.
It is important for Muslims interested in investing in cryptocurrencies to seek guidance from scholars well-versed in Islamic finance.
Expert advice
Muslims who wish to invest their money should always conduct research and seek guidance from Islamic finance experts to make informed investment decisions.
