Towards a New Synthesis in Islamic Finance: Law, Economics, and Shari'ah (A free interdisciplinary online workshop)

Conference scope

This online workshop aims to critically examine the role of Islamic finance in revitalizing the financial development and stability of emerging economies. It will explore cultural, economic, legal, and Shari'ah perspectives on key issues, including financial innovation, regulatory oversight, governance mechanisms, and economic development. The discussions will be framed within the higher objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shari'ah) and a purpose-driven approach to Islamic finance. We particularly encourage original research that transcends a purely problem-solving orientation to embrace a purpose-oriented framework, investigating how Islamic law and finance can be strategically leveraged to advance sustainability, social equity, and inclusive economic development.

In line with this scope, the following interconnected themes represent the most critical areas of focus, moving from foundational principles to systemic applications and governance.

1. Foundational Principles: The Purpose-Driven Paradigm
   
   • Purpose-Based Economic Paradigm (Maqasid al-Shari'ah) – Advocating for a fundamental shift in economic planning and policymaking.
   • Ijtihad and the Spirit of the Law - Realising this purpose-driven vision requires a dynamic process of Ijtihad (independant legal reasoning) to interpret and apply Islamic principles to the novel contexts of emerging economies.
2. Systemic Integration: Policy and Global Challenges
   • Maqasid-Based Monetary and Fiscal Policy - This involves a comprehensive re-imagining of macroeconomic policy tailored to the context of developing markets.
   • Islamic Finance for Global Challenges (ESG & SDGs) – The principles of Islamic finance offer a powerful framework for developing sustainable solutions to pressing global issues, particularly in emerging economies.
   • Cultural Dimensions in Islamic Finance - The successful application of these global principles requires sensitivity to local contexts.
3. Governance, Regulation, and Technological Advancement –
   • Holistic Governance and Accountability - Robust systems are required to ensure both financial integrity and religious authenticity.
   • Strategic Technology Adoption (FinTech and AI) - The industry must strategically leverage technological innovation to overcome developmental challenges.

Keynote Speaker: Professor Peter G. Szilagyi, EDHEC Business School, France.

Workshop organising committee

Kumushoy Abduraimova (Durham University, UK), Albara Abdullah Abulaban (Islamic Economics Institute, King Abdul Aziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)), Nafis Alam (Monash University, Malaysia), Maha Alandejani (King Abdul Aziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)), Basel Awartani (King Fahad University of Petroleum and Mineralsx, KSA), Ahmet Faruk Aysan (Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar), Sabri Boubaker (EM Normandie Business School, France), Damian Damianov (Durham University, UK), Muhammed Shahid Ebrahim (Durham University, UK), Moazzam Farooq (Central Bank of Oman, Oman), Chaudhry Ghafran (Durham University, UK), Lilly Huang (Durham University, UK), Syed Mujahid Hussain (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman), Abdullah Iqbal (University of Kent, UK), Arze Karam (Durham University, UK), Anthony Kyiu (Durham University), Amir Michael (Durham University), Moftah Mohammed (Durham University, UK), Tasawar Nawaz (King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, KSA), Vasileious Pappas (University of Surrey, UK), M Suhail Riswan (Durham University, UK), Baback Roodbar (Durham University, UK), Eskandar Shah (INCEIF University, Malaysia), Bilal Sharif (Durham University, UK), Yusuf Sidani (American University of Beirut, Lebanon), Abdulkader Thomas (Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, UK), Emili Tortosa-Ausina (Universitat Jaume I, Spain), Nadar Virk (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK), Alireza Zarei (Durham University, UK).

Co-Chairs:

• Dr Mohamed Aslam Akbar (International Islamic University, Malaysia)
• Prof Muhammed Shahid Ebrahim (Durham University, UK) and SAIF
• Abdullah Iqbal (University of Kent, UK)
• Dr Mohamed Eskandar Shah (INCEIF University, Malaysia)
• Dr Abdulkader Thomas (Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, UK)
• Dr Nader Virk (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

Publication Opportunities:

• The Annual Review of Islamic Finance
• The Arab Law Quarterly
• The Encyclopedia of Islamic Banking and Finance
• The International Journal of Finance & Economics
• The ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance
• The Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money

Timelines and Submission Process

Complete papers (in MS Word version) should be submitted by June 12, 2026 to the email addresses (business.dept.finance@durham.ac.uk; and m.s.ebrahim@durham.ac.uk) with the subject “Islamic Law and Finance 2026 Workshop Submissions - [Corresponding Authors Name].”  Early submissions are highly encouraged.

Decisions will be made by July 10, 2026

Important Dates:

Submission deadline: 12 June 2026

Intimation of review results: 10 July 2026

Registration deadline: 7 August 2026

Conference event: 28 August 2026

Contact us

For any inquiries regarding the workshop or submission process, please contact Professor M. Shahid Ebrahim at (m.s.ebrahim@durham.ac.uk).

We look forward to your online contribution.