Commodities funds generate profits by buying and reselling halal commodities. Because of the restrictions on the use of derivatives, commodities funds make use of two types of Shariah-approved contracts: Istina’a, a contract where the buyer of an item funds the production of the item upfront. A detailed specification of the item is agreed before production starts and the cost of production has to be paid in full when the contract is agreed.

Bay Al-Salam is similar to a forward contract where a buyer pays in advance for the delivery of raw materials or goods at a given date. The delivery price of the contract is calculated at spot price minus a discount to compensate the buyer of the credit risk for the upfront payment.

Equity funds invest in common shares of companies engaged in Shariah-compliant activities. Companies are also screened in order to check for Shariah-compliant accounting principles.

Murabaha is similar to development funds, also referred to as “Cost-Plus” financing, where a fund will buy goods and resell them to a third party at a given price. The price is made of the cost of goods plus a profit margin. Cost and margin are agreed in advance.

Ijara funds acquire and keep ownership of an asset (real estate, machinery, vehicles, or equipment) and then make profits by leasing it out in return for a rental payment. The fund is responsible for the management of the asset and will normally receive a management fee.