Law, Economics, and Shari'ah Free Online Workshop

Durham University's Department of Finance in partnership with the Society for the Advancement of Islamic Finance (SAIF), INCEIF University, the International Islamic University Malaysia, and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, is pleased to invite submissions for the 2026 Online Workshop on Islamic Law and Finance. The workshop will be hosted online by Durham University in the United Kingdom.

The online workshop 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.

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.
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.
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.