Introduction

Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak is a distinguished academic and expert in Islamic finance and Shariah law, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Business and Management at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) in Malaysia. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to Islamic studies and their application in modern financial systems.

Dr. Shahrul Ifwat's educational background is impressive and diverse. He completed his Bachelor of Shariah at Mu'tah University in Jordan in 2009, followed by a Master's degree in Fiqh and Usul Fiqh from Ali Al-Bayt University of Jordan in 2013. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Aberdeen in the UK, where he earned his PhD in Religious Studies in 2018, focusing on the principle of Ma'ālāt (Consequences of Acts) in Islamic banking.

At UniSZA, Dr. Shahrul Ifwat has taken on various leadership roles, showcasing his administrative capabilities alongside his academic expertise. He has served as the Coordinator for Quality Assurance and e-Learning, and previously coordinated the Master in Islamic Finance and Diploma in Finance programs. His current position as a Research Fellow at the Research Institute for Islamic Products and Malay Civilization (INSPIRE) underscores his commitment to advancing research in Islamic finance and civilization.

Beyond academia, Dr. Shahrul Ifwat's expertise is widely recognized in the Islamic finance industry. He serves as a member of the Shariah Board for Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia and as the Director of Research at Maqasid Institute Malaysia. His involvement with the International Council of Islamic Finance Educators as an Executive Committee member further demonstrates his influence in shaping Islamic finance education globally.

Dr. Shahrul Ifwat's research contributions are substantial and impactful. He has been awarded numerous research grants, leading projects on Islamic crowdfunding, Maqasid al-Shariah in finance, and the development of Waqf-based financial models. His work often bridges theoretical Islamic principles with practical applications in modern finance, as evidenced by his projects on developing crowdfunding models for various sectors including heritage conservation, book publishing, and support for single mothers and micro-entrepreneurs.

The quality and significance of Dr. Shahrul Ifwat's work have been recognized through multiple awards. In 2023 alone, he received the National Zakat Award in the Academic category from JAWHAR and the University Academic Award for his book from UniSZA. His innovative research has also earned him several medals at research and innovation exhibitions, highlighting the practical relevance of his academic work.

As an author, Dr. Shahrul Ifwat has made significant contributions to the literature on Islamic finance and Shariah law. He has authored academic books on topics such as Islamic financial systems, Usul Fiqh, and Maqasid al-Shari'ah in Islamic finance. His publications in international journals cover a wide range of topics, from Islamic crowdfunding and Shariah governance to the application of Islamic principles in modern financial practices.

Dr. Shahrul Ifwat's expertise extends to public engagement and knowledge dissemination. He has been invited as a guest lecturer at various institutions, including the International University of Malaya-Wales and the University of Aberdeen, where he has spoken on topics such as Maqasid al-Shari'ah and modern Islamic banking. He also actively participates in community lectures, making complex Islamic finance concepts accessible to wider audiences.

Throughout his career, Dr. Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat bin Ishak has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary financial practices. His work continues to influence both academic discourse and practical applications in Islamic finance, contributing significantly to the field's development in Malaysia and beyond.

Speaker session