The USAID supported Investment and Finance Cooperatives in Faryab, Jawzjan, Balkh, and Baghlan received letters from the religious authorities of the related provinces confirming the financial services, designed by the World Council of Credit Unions, as legitimate and Sharia compliant. To date, all of the nine USAID supported Cooperatives have received similar letters from their respective communities. Financial services include: small business and cooperative group loans (Murabaha); individual and business development savings accounts; agriculture equipment leasing (Ijara); debt consolidation loans (Qard Hasana); and deposits (Alwadiah and Mudaraba). Letters from the religious local authorities strengthen the trust built between the Cooperatives and their members and adds value to the effectiveness of the USAID economic growth activities in the field.