Understanding Islam: Development, Economics and Finance

In this paper, the foundational rules governing human, economic and financial development in Islam, as understood from the Quran and from the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), are summarized. These rules pave the path to development as the basis of institutional structure, which in turn, underpin the path of economic and social progress. The essential elements in the life of a Muslim—the unity of creation, freedom and freedom of choice, economic and human development, economic system and financial practice—are developed

Chemical profiles of five minor olive oil varieties grown in central Tunisia

The aim of the present investigation is to discriminate five minor Tunisian olive cultivars (Hor Kesra, Sredki, Chladmi, Betsijina and Aloui) by studying their sterol and phenol compositions. This is the first study of the chemical composition of virgin olive oils (VOO) from these cultivars. The majority of analytical parameters presented statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). The examined varieties produce excellent oils with a chemical composition within the regulatory limits and an appreciable amount of natural antioxidants. Our results showed that Betsijina oil was characterized by high mean values of total phenols (1400 mg kg1) and oxidative stability (113 h). VOOs studied demonstrate that the differences in phenols (min: 253–max: 1400 mg kg1), tocopherol (139–402 mg kg1), sterols (1039–1567 mg kg1), triterpene dialcohols (19.1–32.4 mg kg1) and triacylglycerols profiles may be explained by genetic factors. Results of PCA and HCA analyses show a good discrimination between varieties according to phenol, triacylglycerol and sterol data. These components seem to be an effective tool to discriminate between the varietie