Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) describes an investment methodology that integrates an ethical value system into the investment process. SRI is becoming increasingly popular not only because it satisfies the ethical values of investors but because it has been shown to give better returns. Investors opt for SRI out of concern for the environment, good business practices, investment in the community, or avoidance of "sin-stocks" such as pornography, tobacco or alcohol. In other words, SRI investors endorse those companies that exhibit a sense of social responsibility.
Islamic Investment Guidelines (Shari'ah guidelines) share a great deal of commonality with SRI and adds to it such concepts as the avoidance of usury. Usury in Islam is seen as a vice since it abuses the weaker of the two parties and does not encourage partnerships and sharing of risk which is desirable in Islamic Shari'ah.
