Halal Investment In India: Shariah-Compliant Options For 2025



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Financial instruments that comply with Shariah law are becoming increasingly popular among Indian Muslim investors seeking ethical ways to grow their wealth. These products steer clear of interest (riba), gambling elements, and industries that are considered impermissible. Among the most trusted and widely used halal investment options in India are Islamic mutual funds, Shariah-compliant stocks, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), real estate, gold, and specialized Islamic ETFs. Each of these avenues is designed to follow Islamic ethical standards and promote responsible investing.
The rise of ethical investing has led to a noticeable shift in how Muslim investors approach wealth-building in the country. As awareness grows, more individuals are exploring halal investment in India not just to avoid interest but also to ensure their financial choices align with their personal and religious values. This article explores the most promising halal investment choices for 2025 and how they cater to the evolving needs of faith-conscious investors.
Risk warning: All investments carry risk, including potential capital loss. Economic fluctuations and market changes affect returns, and 40-50% of investors underperform benchmarks. Diversification helps but does not eliminate risks. Invest wisely and consult professional financial advisors.
What is halal investment in India?
Halal investing isnβt just about avoiding obvious haram sectors. Itβs a way of investing that sticks to Islamic rules of fairness, shared risk, and ethical intent. When we talk about Shariah investment in India, weβre referring to financial products that donβt involve interest, gambling, or harmful industries. What makes it tricky in India is that thereβs no clear system or authority to certify whatβs truly halal, so Muslim investors often rely on private advisors or specialized platforms to help them stay within Islamic boundaries.
For an investment to be considered halal, it has to follow certain rules:
It canβt make money from haram activities like alcohol, pork, or traditional banking.
It shouldnβt involve interest-based earnings.
The companyβs debt levels should stay below Shariah-approved limits (usually under 33%).
The investment should not involve speculation or high risk.
It must be clear how the money is being used and where itβs going.
What many people donβt realize is that Indian halal investors often overlook some of the best halal investment options beyond stocks. Sukuk (Islamic bonds), gold ETFs backed by real gold, and even halal property funds are now showing up on Indian platforms, but theyβre not widely talked about. Tech-savvy Muslim investors are starting to use global halal platforms that accept clients from India and offer easy access to international assets that follow Shariah rules. As this space grows, more people want clear and honest halal options that make Islamic investment in India easier and more accessible.
Top halal investment options in India
Shariah-compliant stocks
Muslim investors looking for ethical stock market opportunities can choose from companies that meet Islamic guidelines. These Shariah-screened Indian stocks exclude businesses involved in prohibited sectors like banking, alcohol, gambling, and tobacco. For those exploring Sharia based investments in India, this option provides a faith-aligned entry into equity markets without compromising religious principles. For those looking to invest in halal stocks in India, we suggest referring to our guide on best halal stocks in India.
Company Name | Ticker | Sector | Shariah Board/Screening Provider | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hindustan Unilever Ltd | NSE: HINDUNILVR | Consumer Goods | TASIS, Islamicly | Low debt, consistent ethical screening |
Infosys Ltd | NSE: INFY | IT Services | TASIS, Islamicly | Popular halal tech stock; strong balance sheet |
Tata Elxsi Ltd | NSE: TATAELXSI | Tech/Design Services | Islami Investments, TASIS | No exposure to prohibited industries |
Wipro Ltd | NSE: WIPRO | IT/BPO | Islamicly | Frequently reviewed for halal compliance |
Diviβs Laboratories | NSE: DIVISLAB | Pharmaceuticals | Islamicly | Minimal interest income, no haram-sector activity |
Larsen & Toubro Infotech | NSE: LTI | IT & Engineering | TASIS | Debt-to-asset ratio within limits |
Avenue Supermarts (DMart) | NSE: DMART | Retail | Islamicly, Islami Investments | Passes sector & financial screening |
Tata Consultancy Services | NSE: TCS | IT Services | TASIS | Common inclusion in halal equity portfolios |
Key facts:
Screening is done on both sector activity and financial ratios (e.g., interest income <5%, debt <33%).
Reviewed by third-party Shariah boards like TASIS and tools like Islamicly & Biniyog.
Stocks are suitable for both direct investing and for inclusion in halal mutual funds or ETF strategies.
Retail investors can track compliance using platforms like Islamicly and Biniyog.
Halal ETFs and Index Funds
ETFs and index funds that follow Islamic principles offer Indian investors a simple, transparent way to build a Shariah-compliant portfolio. These funds track indices composed of companies that pass both financial and sectoral Shariah screens β avoiding interest-based finance, alcohol, gambling, pork, and speculation-heavy industries.
One of the few explicitly Shariah-labeled ETFs in India is Nippon India ETF Shariah BeES. It tracks the Nifty 50 Shariah Index, which excludes non-permissible sectors and applies additional financial ratio filters to ensure compliance with Islamic principles. The fund primarily invests in technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, with major holdings like Infosys, TCS, Sun Pharma, and Hindustan Unilever. Listed on the NSE and BSE, it offers intraday liquidity like any other stock. As of mid-2025, it manages assets of around βΉ35 crore, with an expense ratio of 0.96%, slightly higher than average due to the cost of ethical screening.
While domestic options remain limited, Indian investors can also gain access to a variety of international Islamic ETFs:
Fund Name / ETF | Provider | Index Tracked | Compliance Standard | Access Platform | Notes | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S&P BSE 500 Shariah Index Fund | Not direct yet (index only) | S&P BSE 500 Shariah | Dow Jones / AAOIFI style | Reference for stock selection | Index can be used for manual screening | domestic / international |
Nifty 50 Shariah Index (not an ETF) | NSE Indices | Nifty 50 Shariah | Internal NSE filters | Reference only | Benchmark for faith-compliant investing | domestic / international |
Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) | Wahed Invest | FTSE USA Shariah | AAOIFI | Wahed app for Indian users | Global exposure to U.S. halal equities | domestic / international |
SP Funds S&P 500 Sharia ETF (SPUS) | SP Funds | S&P 500 Shariah | Dow Jones Islamic | International brokers | USD-based, excludes haram sectors | domestic / international |
iShares MSCI World Islamic ETF (ISWD) | BlackRock | MSCI World Islamic | MSCI Shariah screening | Global brokers like Interactive Brokers | Global equity portfolio with screening | domestic / international |
Key facts:
Domestic Shariah-compliant ETFs are limited; Tata Ethical ETF is the main example.
Global halal ETFs (Wahed, SPUS, ISWD) can be accessed through platforms like Wahed or international brokerage accounts.
Shariah indices like S&PΒ BSE 500 Shariah and Nifty 50 Shariah serve as excellent references even if not investable directly.
Passive investing with these ETFs ensures low costs, diversification, and faith alignment.
Ideal for long-term wealth-building with minimal active management.
Halal mutual funds
There are mutual fund schemes in India designed specifically for Shariah-following investors. These funds avoid interest-generating assets and stay away from sectors deemed non-permissible under Islamic law. If you're seeking Islamic investment options in India with active management, halal mutual funds can serve as a suitable choice. Our guide on best halal mutual funds in India covers the most popular options in this space.
Fund Name | Type | Strategy | NAV/Unit (INR) | Annual Return | Management Company |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tata Ethical Fund | Open-end | Equity (Shariah-screened) | 175.65 | 16.25% | Tata Asset Management |
Taurus Ethical Fund | Open-end | Equity (Midcap Focus) | 85.22 | 14.80% | Taurus Mutual Fund |
ICICI Prudential Shariah Fund | Open-end | Equity (Screened Index) | 31.47 | 11.95% | ICICI Prudential AMC |
Mahindra Manulife Ethical Fund | Open-end | Equity (Balanced Approach) | 28.50 | 13.40% | Mahindra Manulife AMC |
Key facts:
All funds follow sectoral and financial Shariah screening guidelines.
Certified by bodies like TASIS, Islamicly, or internal Shariah boards.
Avoids exposure to banking, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and conventional finance.
Retail-friendly options with SIPs starting as low as βΉ500.
Audited periodically for faith compliance.
Sukuk bonds (Islamic bonds)
Sukuk offer a faith-compliant alternative to conventional bonds. Instead of earning interest, investors receive returns derived from profits tied to tangible assets. Those searching for the best Islamic way to invest money in India often turn to Sukuk, as they provide predictable returns without involving riba (interest). Learn more through our guide on Sukuk bonds in India.
Sukuk Name | Issuer / Fund | Tenure | Profit Rate (Indicative) | Structure | Sector / Purpose | Access Method |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin Global Sukuk Fund | Franklin Templeton | Open-end | ~3.5%β5% (USD-denominated) | Ijarah / Wakala | Diversified global sukuk portfolio | Global mutual fund distributors |
Wahed Sukuk Portfolio | Wahed Invest | Flexible | 3%β4% expected | Mix (Ijarah, Wakala) | Global infrastructure & corporates | Wahed platform |
HSBC Global Sukuk Fund | HSBC Global Asset Management | Open-end | ~4% (past 12-month yield) | Ijarah | Government & sovereign sukuk holdings | HSBC India / international brokers |
IDB Trust Services Sukuk | Islamic Development Bank | 5β7 years | ~2.5%β3.5% (USD-based) | Ijarah / Wakalah | Social infrastructure projects | Through qualified global brokers |
BondbloX Islamic Bonds | BondbloX Exchange (Singapore) | Varies | Varies | Ijarah / Musharakah | Tokenized sukuk investing | BondbloX app for Indian users |
Key facts:
Not currently issued domestically in India (no sovereign sukuk yet).
Available via global platforms (minimums from βΉ5,000ββΉ25,000).
Most are USD-denominated, offering diversification and dollar exposure.
Profits are halal and tied to real asset productivity, not riba.
Ideal for conservative investors seeking faith-aligned fixed-income assets.
Gold and real estate
Physical gold and property have long been considered permissible under Islamic principles. Both are asset-backed, stable investment options that do not rely on interest. As part of a balanced halal portfolio, gold and real estate provide protection against inflation and support long-term capital growth.
Gold and property remain two of the most time-tested halal investment options for Indian Muslims. They are tangible, riba-free assets that align with Shariah principles when acquired and managed correctly. With the rise of digital platforms and Islamic financing models, investing in these assets has become more accessible and structured.
Halal ways to invest in gold
Not all forms of gold investment are equally compliant. Here's a comparison of common gold options in India:
Gold Option | Halal Status | Notes |
---|---|---|
Physical Gold (coins, bars) | Fully halal | Must ensure ownership and possession; best for long-term holding |
Digital Gold (e.g., MMTC-PAMP, SafeGold) | Conditionally halal | Must be 100% backed by physical gold and deliverable |
Gold ETFs (e.g., SBI, HDFC) | Controversial | Requires Shariah screening; some may include interest-bearing elements |
Key tip: Prefer physical or digital gold with clear backing over speculative paper-based contracts.
Real estate in a halal portfolio
Islamic real estate investment in India is typically done through contracts like Musharakah (joint partnership) and Ijara (leasing). These structures avoid interest and ensure transparency in ownership and income.
Real Estate Option | Shariah Compliance | Access Methods |
---|---|---|
Direct residential property | Halal if no riba | Use cash or Shariah-compliant finance (e.g., Musharakah model) |
Rental income property (Ijara) | Halal | Structured lease models; no mortgage involvement |
REITs (domestic) | Under review | Most are not yet Shariah-certified in India |
Global Islamic REITs | With screening | Available via platforms like Wahed, ShariaPortfolio |
Examples of halal-friendly real estate tools and platforms:
iFarmland India β crowdfunded agro-property investments based on Musharakah.
A Shariah-compliant farmland investment platform connecting Indian investors with agricultural projects through joint ownership models.Grip Invest β peer-to-peer leasing (structured via ijara-like models).
While not explicitly Islamic, Grip offers asset leasing opportunities that can be evaluated for halal structure. Review each lease deal to ensure no riba involvement.Wahed Real Estate Portfolios β access to global halal-screened REITs.
Wahed Invest provides exposure to U.S.-based income-generating properties through REIT-like portfolios screened for Shariah compliance.MMTC-PAMP Digital Gold β digital gold with real-time physical backing.
Offers 24K pure digital gold fully backed by vault-stored physical gold. Includes home delivery and halal-compliant terms of ownership.
Islamic fintech & crowdfunding
A growing number of digital platforms in India now offer Islamic finance services, ranging from halal peer-to-peer lending to crowdfunding. These fintech innovations align with religious guidelines and expand access to modern Sharia based investments in India, making participation easier for younger, tech-savvy Muslim investors.
Islamic fintech is revolutionizing halal investing in India by offering accessible, tech-enabled solutions that align with Shariah principles. These platforms provide modern alternatives to conventional finance, allowing investors to participate in profit-sharing, halal lending, real estate crowdfunding, and digital Shariah screening β all while avoiding interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and unethical sectors.
Fintech Area | Description | Shariah Model | Popular Platforms |
---|---|---|---|
Halal P2P Lending | Facilitates profit-sharing or non-interest-based lending between users | Mudarabah, Qard Hasan | Biniyog India, Finladder (pilot) |
Digital Shariah Screening | Real-time filtering of stocks/funds based on Islamic financial ratios | Screening Standards | Islamicly, Zoya (India access) |
Halal Robo-Advisors | Automated Shariah-compliant portfolio management | Wakalah | Wahed, ShariaPortfolio |
Property Crowdfunding | Investors pool funds into halal real estate or agri-projects | Musharakah | iFarmland, Ethis |
Micro-Sukuk & Tokenized Assets | Low-barrier access to sukuk or physical assets via blockchain platforms | Ijara, Murabaha | GoldPesa, XDC-based sukuk apps |
Benefits for Indian investors
Low minimums: start with βΉ1,000ββΉ5,000.
Transparent contracts: based on profit-sharing and asset-backing.
Accessibility: apps and portals available in English and Hindi.
Smart tools: filter by sector, compliance level, or ethical score.
If you're looking to expand beyond halal investment options in India and explore a wider range of Shariah-compliant investment opportunities globally, there are several ethical options available. From international stocks and commodities to Forex and even crypto, many platforms now offer dedicated Islamic trading accounts designed to meet the principles of halal finance. These accounts are structured to avoid interest-based fees and speculative elements, helping you invest in line with your faith. If that resonates with your financial goals, explore the list of halal-friendly global platforms below to find one that matches your preferences.
Swap Free | Crypto | Stocks | Currency pairs | Min. deposit, $ | Regulation | TU overall score | Open an account | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Yes | Yes | 68 | No | FSC (BVI), ASIC, IIROC, FCA, CFTC, NFA | 6.79 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
Yes | No | Yes | 50 | 200 | No | 1.96 | Study review | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | 90 | No | ASIC, FCA, DFSA, BaFin, CMA, SCB, CySec | 7.17 | Open an account Your capital is at risk.
|
|
Yes | Yes | Yes | 80 | 100 | CIMA, FCA, FSA (Japan), NFA, IIROC, ASIC, CFTC | 6.95 | Study review | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | 60 | 100 | FCA, CySEC, MAS, ASIC, FMA, FSA (Seychelles) | 6.83 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
How to choose the best halal investment in India
Choosing the right option among the many halal ways to invest money in India starts with understanding the contract structure behind the product. Always look beyond labels like "Islamic" or "ethical." Ask whether the investment avoids riba (interest), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and maysir (speculation). A good first step is checking if the platform or fund is reviewed by a certified Shariah board. If you're looking at equity, study the debt ratios and revenue sources of the company. If it earns even a small portion from interest-based income, you may need to purify that portion, or skip the stock altogether.
To make a truly Shariah compliant investment in India, take time to assess how profits are generated. Does the model involve leasing, trading real assets, or genuine risk-sharing? Or is it just a repackaged conventional product? For example, in real estate, avoid projects with bank-funded development. Instead, choose REITs or direct investments that clearly state their funding sources and leasing partners. Platforms that offer mudarabah or wakala-based models with transparent reporting make it easier to stay compliant. Always cross-check with a Shariah advisor if in doubt, itβs not just about what you invest in, but how the entire structure works.
Option | Risk Level | Shariah Certification | Minimum Investment | Liquidity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Shariah-compliant stocks | Medium | Yes | βΉ1,000 | High |
Halal mutual funds | Medium | Yes | βΉ500 | Medium |
Sukuk bonds (Islamic) | Low | Yes | βΉ10,000 | Medium-Low |
Gold | Low | Not required | βΉ1,000 | High |
Real estate | Medium | Not required | βΉ100,000 | Low |
Islamic crowdfunding | High | Yes | βΉ1,000ββΉ5,000 | Low |
Key factors to consider
Shariah compliance (check for fatwas or certifications).
Risk level and volatility.
Historical performance.
Liquidity and time horizon.
Use peer-screened funds and micro-sukuk pools to build halal wealth in India
If youβre just beginning to explore halal investments in India, itβs better to ignore the flashy Shariah-approved labels and instead follow where experienced Muslim investors are actually putting their money. Some of the most truly faith-aligned funds are run by small groups who go beyond technical filters and apply personal, lived Islamic principles. These investments often include modest but steady businesses in areas like farming tech, clean industries, and home financing, sectors that stay naturally clear of interest and speculation. They donβt show up on big-name apps, but they thrive quietly in networks that focus on real values, not trends.
One more smart approach is joining micro-sukuk groups run by local trusts or online community pools. These arenβt big institutional bonds. Theyβre small, real-world projects like local farming, water supply upgrades, or equipment for honest small shops. The returns might not be flashy, but your money goes into something you can stand behind, both financially and spiritually. And if youβre also exploring passive halal income, you can combine these options with the best cloud mining service or a best crypto cloud mining setup thatβs built on transparent, non-interest-based models.
Conclusion
Halal investing in India is no longer a niche concept, it is becoming a dynamic part of the countryβs financial ecosystem. As more Muslim investors seek ethical ways to grow their wealth, the availability and variety of Shariah-compliant options continue to expand.
Today, Indian investors have access to a broad range of halal investment instruments, from Shariah-compliant stocks and mutual funds to Islamic ETFs, Sukuk bonds, real estate, gold, and emerging Islamic fintech platforms. Each option offers a different balance of risk, liquidity, and return potential, giving Muslim investors the flexibility to tailor their portfolios to their personal financial goals and risk appetite.
Importantly, halal investing is not just about avoiding prohibited sectors, it is about supporting businesses and industries that align with Islamic ethical principles and contribute positively to society.
As Indiaβs halal finance market matures, we expect to see even more innovative solutions tailored to Muslim investors. With proper education, due diligence, and a clear investment strategy, anyone can build a successful halal portfolio that aligns both with their faith and financial ambitions.
FAQs
Can I open a halal investment account with a regular Indian brokerage?
Most Indian brokerages donβt specialize in halal products, but some offer access to Shariah-compliant stocks and ETFs. To stay compliant, youβll need to manually screen stocks or use third-party Shariah screening tools.
Are halal investments in India eligible for tax benefits?
Yes, many halal options like equity mutual funds or Sukuk may qualify for tax deductions under sections like 80C. However, it depends on the productβs structure and classification, so always check with a tax advisor.
Is it halal to invest in companies with mixed revenue sources?
It depends on the percentage of non-compliant income. If interest or haram revenue is minimal (typically under 5%), some scholars allow investment after purifying that portion via charity. Always consult a qualified Shariah advisor for clarity.
Can NRIs invest in halal options in India?
Yes, Non-Resident Indians can invest in halal options like Shariah-compliant stocks or mutual funds, but they should ensure the platform allows NRI participation and the product is properly certified.
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