Islamic Finance refers to the provision of financial services in accordance with Sharia (Islamic Laws), principles and rules. Sharia does not permit receipt and payment of "riba" (interest), "gharar" (excessive uncertainty), "maysir" (gambling), short sales or financing activities that it considers harmful to society. Instead, structures are built upon trade based transactions or have a sharing of risks and rewards of a business transaction. All transaction should have a real economic purpose without undue speculation, and not involve any exploitation of either party.