- You hold a Master’s in Islamic Studies from Wifaq ul Madaris alongside an AAOIFI certification from Al-Sadiq Institute. How do you bridge the gap between your classical Dars-e-Nizami training and the technical requirements of modern Islamic banking standards?
Answer: With Respect Even though My Master’s in Islamic Studies from Wifaq ul Madaris al Arabia enabling me to understand the principles and objectives of Shariah. To complement this classical education, I earned an AAOIFI Certification from Al-Sadiq Institute, which equipped me with practical knowledge of modern Islamic banking, Shariah governance, AAOIFI Shariah Standards. Dear Sir, I really bridge the gap by viewing classical scholarship and modern standards as complementary rather than separate. The principles of Islamic jurisprudence guide my understanding of what is Shariah-compliant, while AAOIFI Standards provide a structured framework for applying those principles in today’s banking environment.
So, I believe that the combination of strong traditional Islamic studies and modern technical expertise is essential for ensuring authentic and practical Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
- As an Ambassador for Al-Sadiq Institute, you promote AAOIFI Shariah Standards in Pakistan. What is the biggest resistance you face from traditionally trained scholars when introducing them to AAOIFI frameworks?
Answer: Dear Sir In my experience, the biggest challenge is not opposition to AAOIFI Shariah Standards themselves, but a lack of familiarity with them. Many traditionally trained scholars initially assume that modern Islamic banking standards differ from classical Islamic jurisprudence. However, AAOIFI standards are developed on the basis of the Qur’an, Sunnah, scholarly consensus, and recognized juristic opinions.
And when engaging with scholars, I do not present AAOIFI as a replacement for classical Fiqh. Instead, I explain that it is a practical framework that applies established Islamic legal principles to contemporary financial transactions in a structured and consistent manner. Once scholars understand the juristic reasoning behind the standards and their practical relevance, many of their concerns are addressed. I believe that continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration between traditional scholars and Islamic finance professionals are the most effective ways to bridge this gap and strengthen the Islamic finance industry.
- You are the Founder and CEO of the Global Research Institute. What is the core mission of your institute, and what gap in Pakistan’s Islamic finance landscape are you trying to fill through it?
Answer: The core mission of my institution is religious diplomacy and promote research, education, but at the same time practical collaboration in Islamic finance, Shariah governance, and sustainable development. In Pakistan, my goal is to bridge the gap between classical Islamic scholarship and modern Islamic banking, increase awareness of AAOIFI Shariah Standards, and strengthen collaboration between Shariah scholars and financial institutions.
- You describe yourself as a “Shariah Scholar” and “Islamic Banking & Finance Advisor.” In your advisory capacity, what is the most common Shariah compliance issue you see in Pakistan’s Islamic banking sector today?
Answer: As much as I have noted, the most common Shariah compliance issue is the consistent implementation of Shariah principles across operations. This can be improved through better staff training, stronger Shariah governance, and effective implementation of AAOIFI Shariah Standards.
- Your educational journey spans both formal schooling (G.H.S Musa Zai) and religious seminaries (Wifaq ul Madaris). How has this dual educational background shaped your approach to Islamic finance differently from someone who took only one path?
Answer: My dual educational background enables me to combine strong Shariah knowledge with a practical understanding of modern education. It helps me approach Islamic finance with both authentic Islamic principles and contemporary professional perspectives.
- Pakistan has both SBP’s Shariah Governance Framework and a strong tradition of independent scholarship. How do you navigate situations where regulatory requirements and scholarly opinions differ?
Answer: Since my favorite field is Shariah audit so my approach is to respect both perspectives. I first evaluate the issue in light of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and established Fiqh principles, then consider the SBP Shariah Governance Framework and AAOIFI Standards to reach a solution that is Shariah-compliant, regulatorily acceptable, and practically workable.
- You are also a Teacher and Researcher. What is the single most important topic you believe is under-researched in Islamic finance in Pakistan, and why?
Answer: In my opinion, the practical implementation of Shariah governance and AAOIFI Shariah Standards needs more research in Pakistan. It is essential for improving consistency, transparency, and public trust in Islamic banking.
- You maintain an active blog (unitedresearchforreligiousaffairs.blog). What motivated you to start blogging, and how do you use it to engage with the public on Islamic finance issues?
Answer: Respected Sir I originally started the blog to promote religious diplomacy, education, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding. As my expertise in Islamic finance has grown, I now intend to use it as a platform to share research on Islamic banking, insights from leading scholars and practitioners, AAOIFI Shariah Standards, and my own research. My goal is to bridge academic research with industry practice and make authentic Islamic finance knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
- The AAOIFI standards are global, but Pakistan has its own regulatory context. In your training sessions, how do you contextualize AAOIFI standards for the Pakistani banking environment?
Answer: Many AAOIFI Shariah Standards and their key principles have already been adopted in Pakistan through the SBP Shariah Governance Framework and regulatory guidelines. In my training sessions, I explain AAOIFI Standards in the context of Pakistan’s banking laws and regulations. My goal is to show how Shariah principles, AAOIFI Standards, and local banking requirements work together, so participants can understand both the concepts and their practical application in the Pakistani banking industry.
- Looking at Pakistan’s Islamic finance industry, what is the one strategic change you would advocate for to strengthen the role of Shariah scholars in ensuring genuine compliance rather than just formality?
Answer: Dear Sir I believe Shariah scholars should be actively involved from product development to implementation, Shariah audit, and ongoing monitoring. This will ensure that Shariah compliance becomes a genuine practice rather than just a formal requirement.