Islamic banking strictly prohibits several financial practices, most notably riba, which refers to the charging, payment, or collection of interest on any loan or monetary exchange. Additionally, the system forbids gharar, defined as excessive ambiguity, uncertainty, or speculative deception in contracts, as well as maysir, which encompasses gambling and games of chance. Investments in industries deemed socially harmful—such as alcohol, pork production, conventional financial services involving interest, weapons, and pornography—are also completely barred.