Ant International's digital credit arm, Bettr, has teamed up with Muslim Pro, the Islamic lifestyle super-app, to launch a Shariah-compliant Umrah financing product in Malaysia. The move taps into a market where Muslims make up roughly 65% of the population, many of whom seek structured ways to fund the pilgrimage without compromising their household budgets.
The new service is embedded directly into the Muslim Pro app, allowing users to browse Umrah packages—including flights and accommodation—apply for financing, and manage repayments without leaving the platform. This integrated approach reflects a broader trend of financial services being woven into everyday travel and lifestyle apps, particularly for faith-based travel segments.
How the financing works
The product is built on a Tawarruq structure, a widely accepted Islamic finance mechanism that involves the purchase and sale of a commodity to generate liquidity in a Shariah-compliant manner. The commodity trading is facilitated by AS-SIDQ, SEDANIA's digital commodity trading platform, with Shariah endorsement from Masryef Advisory. This ensures the entire process adheres to Islamic principles, which is critical for the target audience.
Repayment terms are flexible, with options to spread costs over 12 to 24 months. This allows pilgrims to preserve cash flow and savings while planning their journey. The digital application process is designed to be quick and paperless, reducing the friction typically associated with Islamic financing.
Nafees Khundker, CEO of Muslim Pro, said the partnership addresses a real need among Malaysian Muslims. "We are committed to providing a trusted, Shariah-compliant way for Malaysians to plan their pilgrimage," he said. "By integrating financing into our platform, we remove barriers and make the process more accessible."
Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit, highlighted the role of technology in expanding financial inclusion. "Our goal is to support individuals and small businesses with innovative financial products that align with their values," he said. "This collaboration is a step toward building a more inclusive financial system."
The launch comes as the global Muslim population, estimated at two billion, increasingly seeks digital solutions for religious obligations. Malaysia, with its strong Islamic finance ecosystem and high smartphone penetration, is a natural testing ground for such products. The partnership also signals growing interest from fintech players in the halal travel and pilgrimage financing space.
For travel professionals, this development underscores the importance of offering flexible payment options for religious travel. Umrah and Hajj packages are often high-ticket items, and financing can be a key differentiator for tour operators and agents. The integration with Muslim Pro, which has millions of users worldwide, could also open new distribution channels for Umrah package providers.
Bettr, part of Ant International, has been expanding its digital credit offerings across Southeast Asia. Muslim Pro, developed by Singapore-based Bitsmedia, is one of the most popular Islamic apps globally, with features including prayer times, Quran recitations, and now financial services. This partnership is a clear example of how travel and fintech are converging to serve niche but significant markets.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, expect more collaborations that combine technology, finance, and cultural sensitivity. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar offerings in other Muslim-majority markets, from Indonesia to the Gulf states.
