Islam and business

Tuesday, 14th July 2026, 6:30pm
(In person)

The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life collaborated with The Lord Kamall to host a panel discussion in Parliament focused on the unique teachings of Islam in relation to finance and business, and discuss how Islamic teachings shape business practices in different sectors. The event was attended by parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, journalists, and representatives of NGOs.

About

We were joined by Taher Abidali (Director at Helios Ingredients), Dr Saeed Fadloun (Head of Sharia Compliance at AlRayan Bank), and Dr Benedikt Koehler (Fellow of Economics of Religion at the Institute of Economic Affairs). The discussion was moderated by Lord Kamall.

The panel

The Lord Kamall

Moderator

The Lord Kamall is a member of the House of Lords and Professor of Politics and International Relations at St Mary’s University, where he teaches courses on global governance and international governmental organisations. Lord Kamall is currently Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, and previously served as Minister for Technology, Life Sciences and Innovation and Minister for Civil Society, Heritage, Tourism and Growth.

Taher Abidali

Panellist

Taher Abidali is the Director of Helios Ingredients, where he has worked for almost 20 years. Helios Ingredients is a major ingredients supplier to brands, retailers and manufacturers in the UK and Europe, that integrates sustainable and ethical practices into its business model.

Dr Saeed Fadloun

Panellist

Dr Saeed Fadloun is the Head of Sharia Compliance at AlRayan Bank, the largest and oldest Islamic bank in the UK. Saeed has more than 15 years experience in the Islamic finance sector and holds a doctorate in Islamic finance. Saeed is passionate about strengthening the integrity, governance, and long-term growth of Islamic finance.

Dr Benedikt Koehler

Panellist

Dr Benedikt Koehler is a Fellow of Economics of Religion at the Institute of Economic Affairs. Benedikt is the editor of Faith in Markets? Abrahamic religions and economics (2023), which examined the importance of market exchange in the origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as well as the author of Early Islam and the Birth of Capitalism (2014).