Ant International’s Bettr and Muslim Pro Launch Shariah-Compliant Umrah Financing in Malaysia

What Happened

In a strategic move to blend fintech innovation with religious lifestyle services, Ant International’s embedded finance unit, Bettr, has announced a partnership with the globally recognized app Muslim Pro. The collaboration introduces a new Umrah financing solution specifically tailored for the Malaysian market. This service allows eligible users to manage the costs associated with the pilgrimage—a significant financial commitment for many families—through structured, Shariah-compliant installment plans.

The financing model utilizes a Tawarruq structure, a common mechanism in Islamic finance that ensures compliance with Shariah principles. By leveraging the AS-SIDQ platform, which is operated by SEDANIA As Salam Capital, the transaction process is digitized and streamlined. To ensure complete adherence to religious guidelines, the entire framework has been vetted and endorsed by Masryef Advisory Sdn. Bhd., an Islamic finance consultancy. This launch represents a tangible effort to integrate financial services directly into the platforms where users already manage their daily religious and lifestyle needs.

Key Details

The financing program is designed to be accessible yet responsible, targeting individuals who have the financial capacity to undertake the pilgrimage but prefer to spread the cost over a longer duration. Key features of this offering include:

• Installment Flexibility: Users can select repayment tenures ranging from 12 to 24 months.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Financing packages can cover a wide array of costs, including flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation, catering to both individual travelers and families.
• Digital Integration: The entire application process is conducted digitally through the Muslim Pro app, removing the need for traditional, paper-heavy banking applications.
• Inclusivity: By using credit risk models that incorporate alternative data, Bettr aims to extend services to a broader demographic, including gig workers and small business owners who might otherwise struggle to access traditional credit.

This partnership addresses a specific pain point for many in the Muslim community: the need to balance the high costs of religious travel with everyday financial obligations. By providing a structured way to pay, the service aims to help families maintain their cash flow and preserve liquidity for emergencies.

Context

The demand for Shariah-compliant digital financial services is surging in tandem with the broader digitalization of the Muslim community. Malaysia, with a Muslim population of approximately 22 million—representing nearly 65% of the country’s total population—serves as a primary market for this initiative. The demographic profile of Umrah travelers in the country typically falls between the ages of 30 and 50, often supporting households of two to five members.

For these households, the cost of Umrah is a planned expense, often saved for well in advance. However, economic fluctuations can sometimes disrupt these plans. The Bettr and Muslim Pro solution is positioned not as a debt-driven product, but as a cash-flow management tool. It aligns with Islamic guidance that emphasizes avoiding financial hardship; therefore, the financing is intended for those who have already assessed their repayment capability.

Muslim Pro, which boasts over 190 million downloads across more than 190 markets, has evolved significantly since its inception in 2010. Originally launched as a simple prayer-time tracker, it has expanded into a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem featuring Quranic audio, Qibla direction, Zakat calculators, and now, financial services. This expansion reflects a broader trend where specialized apps are becoming "super-apps" for their specific communities, centralizing essential services in one digital location.

Why It Matters

The intersection of fintech and religious lifestyle apps signals a shift in how financial products are distributed. By embedding financing directly into a platform users already trust, companies like Ant International can reduce the friction associated with applying for credit. This "embedded finance" approach is increasingly vital for reaching underserved populations who may find traditional banking institutions intimidating or inaccessible.

Furthermore, the use of the Tawarruq structure demonstrates how modern technology can support traditional values. By digitizing a complex commodity trading process, the partners have made a sophisticated financial instrument accessible to the average consumer. This helps bridge the gap between faith-based financial requirements and modern digital convenience.

• “Millions of Muslims turn to Muslim Pro every day for guidance in their everyday lives and increasingly, that includes planning meaningful moments like Umrah,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro. “We're proud to work with Bettr to offer a responsible, Shariah-compliant way for individuals and families in Malaysia to plan their pilgrimage.”

• “We believe in what individuals and small businesses can achieve when they are properly supported, and our engagement in Islamic finance is driven by a deep faith in the power of technology to do good,” noted Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit and Senior Vice President of Ant International.

Bottom Line

The partnership between Ant International’s Bettr and Muslim Pro is a clear indicator of the growing sophistication of the Islamic fintech sector. By focusing on the specific needs of Umrah pilgrims in Malaysia, the companies are not only providing a practical service but are also reinforcing the importance of trust and compliance in digital finance. As digital adoption continues to accelerate, we can expect to see more specialized financial products integrated into lifestyle platforms, effectively democratizing access to capital while respecting the cultural and religious values of the users they serve. For the Malaysian pilgrim, this means a more predictable and manageable path to fulfilling their religious aspirations.

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