Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a scholarly investigation of the epistemic approach, moving from the abstraction of the wellbeing function in Islam to its quantitative analysis through statistical data, hence giving solid theoretical foundations to the discussion. It investigates social capital and collaborative governance in relation to a decision-making approach where 'sharing' has the potential to foster the social impact of entrepreneurship. The book outlines of the global market of sukuk as certificates for fund mobilization grounded on asset-backed debt financing, highlighting their related advantages in terms of financial stability, limitation of debt overhang and infrastructural development. It looks at the challenge of fundraising to promote an effective model of social finance able to foster Islamic entrepreneurship. The book also investigates Islamic green finance as a significant market innovation both in the light of environmental sustainability and Shari’ah standards.