Bettr and Muslim Pro Launch Shariah-Compliant Umrah Financing in Malaysia
Singapore-based fintech Bettr has partnered with Muslim Pro to introduce a digital financing solution for Umrah travel in Malaysia, bringing Shariah-compliant installment financing directly into an Islamic lifestyle platform. The initiative, backed by Ant International, gives eligible users a new way to spread the cost of pilgrimage packages over 12 to 24 months.
The launch reflects the growing convergence between Islamic finance, embedded financial services, and digital consumer platforms. More importantly, it integrates financing into the planning journey for an Umrah trip, allowing users to discover packages, apply for financing, and manage repayments through a digital experience.
Digital Islamic Finance Moves Into Umrah Travel
Under the partnership, eligible Muslim Pro users in Malaysia can browse Umrah packages and apply for financing digitally. Packages range from standard to premium options and can include flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation for individuals and families.
Bettr structures the financing through Tawarruq, a Shariah-compliant financing mechanism. The structure is facilitated through AS-SIDQ, SEDANIA, As Salam Capital’s digital commodity trading platform for Tawarruq and Commodity Murabahah transactions.
Applicants can choose repayment periods ranging from 12 to 24 months, providing greater flexibility in managing the cost of the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Bettr uses credit risk models to assess repayment capability, allowing the service to consider applicants, including gig workers and small business owners.
The approach reflects a broader development in fintech, where financial products increasingly appear on the digital platforms where consumers already make decisions and purchases. In this case, financing is integrated into the Umrah planning experience rather than being presented as a separate financial product.
Malaysia Offers a Significant Market for Islamic Fintech
Malaysia provides a substantial addressable market for Shariah-compliant digital financial services. The country has approximately 22 million Muslims, representing around 65% of its population, while many Malaysian Umrah travelers are between 30 and 50 and support households of 2 to 5 people.
That demographic profile makes affordability and payment flexibility important considerations when planning international pilgrimage travel. Consequently, embedded financing could offer another option for eligible consumers who prefer to manage travel costs in structured installments.
Muslim Pro also gives the partnership access to an established global digital audience. The Islamic lifestyle application has recorded more than 190 million downloads across more than 190 markets, creating a substantial platform for financial and travel-related services aimed at Muslim consumers.
Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro, said the partnership provides individuals and families in Malaysia with a responsible, Shariah-compliant way to plan their pilgrimage with greater financial confidence.
Ant International Expands Its Islamic Finance Footprint
For Bettr and Ant International, the launch represents another application of technology within the Islamic finance ecosystem. Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit and Senior Vice President of Ant International, said the company’s involvement in Islamic finance is based on the potential of technology to support individuals and small businesses.
He added that the partnership with Muslim Pro is intended to expand the range of innovative, Shariah-compliant digital financial products that reflect the values of Muslim communities.
The development also illustrates how embedded finance is moving beyond conventional retail and payments into specialized consumer journeys. By combining digital credit assessment, Shariah-compliant financing structures, and an established Islamic lifestyle platform, the model connects financial services with a specific cultural and religious use case.
For Malaysia’s fintech sector, the launch highlights the potential for Islamic finance to evolve alongside digital consumer behavior. As more financial products become integrated into everyday platforms, Shariah-compliant fintech could increasingly serve specialized needs while maintaining the structural requirements of Islamic finance.