The Postgraduate Program of the State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) Parepare hosted an international guest lecture titled Introduction to the Philosophy of Islamic Economics at the Rectorate Hall of IAIN Parepare. The event, organized by the Master's Program in Islamic Economics, featured Associate Prof. Nurizal Ismail, M.Sc., Ph.D., from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as the keynote speaker. Dozens of participants attended the event, including postgraduate students, lecturers, and Islamic economics practitioners from various institutions in South Sulawesi. The event was held in both offline and online formats.
The guest lecture was officially opened by Dr. Andi Bahri S., M.E., M.Fil.I., Vice Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) at IAIN Parepare and also a lecturer in the Islamic Economics Master’s Program. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of understanding the philosophical foundations of Islamic economics in addressing increasingly complex global economic challenges. “Islamic economics is not merely about financial transactions, but also about values of justice, balance, and well-being rooted in Islamic teachings. This lecture serves as a bridge to deepen our understanding,” he said.
Associate Prof. Nurizal Ismail, a recognized expert in Islamic economics, presented the essence of Islamic economic philosophy, focusing on the concepts of tauhid (monotheism), social justice, and the balance between material and spiritual needs. In his presentation, he explained how Islamic economics promotes equitable wealth distribution, avoids exploitation, and prioritizes societal welfare. “The philosophy of Islamic economics offers solutions to modern economic crises through an approach grounded in ethical and moral values,” he stated. He also discussed the relevance of Islamic economics in the global context, including the role of Islamic financial technology in promoting financial inclusion.
The three-hour event included an interactive Q&A session, during which participants enthusiastically explored the practical application of Islamic economic principles in daily life and the business world. One participant, Muhammad Arif, a student of the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics, said he was inspired by the holistic approach presented. “This lecture opened my eyes to how Islamic economics can provide real solutions to economic inequality,” he shared.
Dr. Hj. Syahriah Semaun, S.E., M.M., Head of the Master’s Program in Islamic Economics at IAIN Parepare, stated that the event was part of the postgraduate program’s efforts to strengthen international collaboration and enhance the academic quality of the Islamic Economics program. “We hope this guest lecture not only provides new insights but also encourages research and collaboration with international institutions such as IIUM,” she remarked.
The event concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation to Associate Prof. Nurizal Ismail in recognition of his contribution. This guest lecture represents one of IAIN Parepare’s strategic efforts to broaden academic perspectives and strengthen its position as a center for the development of Islamic economics studies in Eastern Indonesia.