Doh! Not yet, but it's on my list. I'll be on vacation early next month, so maybe I'll take the book with me to read on planes and while lounging in the sun... (H)

Thanks for the thought provoking questions, Steph!

As with other religions, some countries are more religious than others (ex. Italians seem to be much more Catholic than maybe the French). That could certainly account for a more "westernized" approach to these matters in those countries.

I don't think that there is any argument with the fact that riba is haram, but some argue that charging it is where the problem comes in. There are also those who believe that interest is not haram, but instead use the term 'usury' which leans more towards profiteering or overcharging in a fashion that existed at the time of Islam's revelation. As with other issues such as dating, food, and dress, it becomes very difficult to function in some societies when trying to be devoutly Muslim. This fact does not change the religion, but often people, myself included, feel overwhelmed by the requirements or are not informed about these things until they have already participated. Hopefully, this village will offer us some alternatives to the normal banking instruments available in various countries and encourage a dialogue around riba.

I can't answer your final question definitively until I read the book I bought on Muslim banking, but there are ways around using riba. I will certainly make an attempt to read it over the holidays, but I can't promise when I may have an answer.

I'm no scholar, but I would say that you're correct: credit cards are only OK when no interest is involved. Here is a link to consider:-
www.soundvision.com

I would also recommend am identity theft product to monitor inquiries and watch for credit cards being opened in your name. I use the Citibank service:
www.creditmonitoring.citi.com