The business financial inclusion benefits from an Islamic point of view : a qualitative inquiry

Purpose - This study explores the benefits of business financial inclusion from the Islamic perspective in Nigeria by selecting Kano state as a case study. Design/methodology/approach - Primary data were generated through semi-structured interviews with experts who comprised professional accountants/consultants and experienced traders. Thematic analysis was applied to examine the data collected. In addition, observations were made in some selected stores and shops to complement the interview results. Findings - The study finds that the benefits of business financial inclusion include recordkeeping improvement, reduction of the risks of bad debts, reduction of the risks associated with cash, enhancing business zakāh for poverty alleviation, sales improvement and business growth, getting supports from government and other development organizations and the provision of employment opportunities. Research limitations/implications - This study is purely qualitative, and, as such, it has some limitations in terms of generalization. Practical implications - The practical implication of this study is that the use of electronic payment methods, especially point of sales, enhances the business financial inclusion, which consequently maximizes their wealth and contributes to the reduction of poverty to the barest minimum in the society. Social implications - The social implication of the findings is that businesses that are financially included are in a better position to discharge religious, philanthropic and other benevolent activities, such as zakāh, qard hasan, waqf and sadaqah, for the welfare of the ummah. Originality/value - The study points out the benefits of financial inclusion not only to businesses but also to other members of the society at large.