Q1. From Darul Uloom to the Banking Sector
You have a unique background, having topped the province in Dars-e-Nizami and specialized in Islamic Jurisprudence at Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi under Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani. What inspired you to transition from traditional Islamic scholarship into the modern banking sector? How do you bridge the classical and contemporary worlds?
Answer:
My interest in Islamic banking and finance began during my student life. While studying Dars-e-Nizami, I had the opportunity to read some books by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani on Islamic banking and finance. This developed my interest in the subject and encouraged me to learn more about his scholarly and practical work.
After completing Dars-e-Nizami, I joined Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi for specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence. The academic environment there and the guidance of my teachers further strengthened my interest in Islamic banking and finance. I realised that traditional Islamic knowledge and the challenges of the modern world should not be seen as separate from each other.
I believe Islam is a living and complete way of life. Its teachings are not limited to the past; they can guide human society in every era. Therefore, scholars should understand the needs and challenges of their time and try to provide practical solutions within the guidance of Shariah.
For me, bridging the classical and contemporary worlds means remaining connected to the traditional sources and principles of Islamic knowledge while also understanding modern financial systems and practices. This is not an easy task, but with continuous learning and practical exposure, it is certainly possible. I still consider myself a student in this journey.
Q2. The Scholar–Practitioner Divide
One of the ongoing debates in Islamic finance is the gap between Shariah scholars and banking practitioners. Having experience on both sides—as a faculty member and Dar-ul-Ifta member, and now as a Shariah compliance professional—how do you view this divide? What can each side learn from the other?
Answer:
I believe there is a gap between Shariah scholars and people working practically in banking and finance. In my view, one major reason is a lack of proper communication and understanding of each other’s language and perspective.
Scholars usually have a strong understanding of Shariah and Fiqh, but they may need greater exposure to modern banking practices and financial terminology. Similarly, banking professionals understand transactions and market practices, but they may not fully understand the Shariah principles behind certain requirements.
I believe both sides can learn from each other. Scholars should try to understand the practical realities of the industries on which they provide guidance, while industry professionals should understand that Shariah requirements are not merely additional procedures but are based on important principles.
There is a need for more platforms where scholars and practitioners can discuss issues openly and understand each other’s perspectives. The Qur’an teaches us that every Messenger was sent with the language of his people, and I believe this also gives us an important lesson about effective communication.
Q3. Practical Application of Fiqh in Banking
You have expertise in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and have given rulings on financial matters. What is the most challenging aspect of applying classical Fiqh principles to modern, complex banking products and transactions? How do you approach this in your daily work?
Answer:
In my view, one of the biggest challenges is first understanding the true nature of a modern financial transaction. We cannot simply look at the name of a product; we need to understand how it actually works, the relationship between the parties, and its practical implementation.
Islam provides guidance not only on worship but also on business, financial matters and social dealings. Therefore, when new financial practices arise, scholars need to understand them properly and examine them in the light of Shariah principles.
In my work, I try to first understand the actual structure and practical reality of an issue. Then I examine it in the light of the relevant Shariah principles and try, wherever possible, to suggest a practical solution that remains within the limits of Shariah.
I believe one of the major needs of Islamic finance today is to develop more people who understand both classical Islamic knowledge and modern financial systems. This combination is essential for dealing with contemporary financial challenges.
Q4. Shariah Review vs. Shariah Advisory
Your profile highlights experience in both Shariah Review and Shariah Advisory. How do these two functions differ in practice? Do they require different skills or mindsets? How do you ensure effectiveness in both areas?
Answer:
Shariah Advisory and Shariah Review are closely connected, but they have different roles.
Shariah Advisory is generally proactive. It provides guidance when a product, transaction or process is being developed. It helps answer the question: “How should this be structured or conducted according to Shariah?”
Shariah Review focuses more on actual implementation. It examines transactions, documents and processes to determine whether the approved Shariah requirements are being followed in practice. In simple words, it asks: “Was it actually carried out in the approved manner?”
Both require a strong understanding of Shariah, but Advisory requires more research and analytical skills, while Review requires attention to detail and a good understanding of processes and controls. In my experience, both functions support each other, and the practical lessons learned through Review can also improve future Shariah guidance.
Q5. The AAOIFI Certification Journey
You are a Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) by AAOIFI, Bahrain. How did this certification complement your traditional Islamic education? What value does AAOIFI certification bring that a purely traditional background might lack?
Answer:
My traditional Islamic education gave me a strong foundation in Islamic jurisprudence and its principles. However, after entering the Islamic finance industry, I realised that specialised knowledge of modern standards, governance and institutional practices was also necessary.
The AAOIFI CSAA certification helped me understand Islamic finance through a more structured and professional framework. It gave me further exposure to Shariah standards, governance, auditing and the practical implementation of Shariah requirements within financial institutions.
I do not see professional qualifications as a replacement for traditional Islamic education. Rather, they complement it. Traditional education provides a strong understanding of the sources and principles of Shariah, while specialised qualifications help a person understand how those principles are applied in modern institutions.
For me, this journey also reinforced the importance of continuous learning. Islamic finance is an evolving field, and a Shariah professional should continue learning throughout his career.
Q6. Islamic vs. Conventional Banking from a Shariah Perspective
Having worked at both Faysal Bank and UBL Ameen, what do you consider the most significant operational difference between Islamic and conventional banking that customers and even some staff struggle to understand? How do you communicate these differences effectively?
Answer:
In my view, one of the biggest misunderstandings is that Islamic banking is simply conventional banking with different Islamic names. The real difference, however, lies in the nature and structure of the transaction.
Conventional banking is generally based on lending and borrowing with interest. Islamic banking uses Shariah-approved contracts such as sale, lease, partnership and agency, while avoiding interest and other prohibited elements. Matters such as ownership, risk and responsibility can therefore become important.
People often ask: “If the customer is paying instalments in both cases, what is the real difference?” I believe this is a genuine question. Two transactions may have similar payment schedules, but their underlying contracts may be different. One may arise from an interest-based loan, while the other may arise from a genuine sale or lease.
When explaining this, I try to use simple examples rather than difficult technical terms. I also believe the Islamic banking industry should take such questions seriously and continue improving public awareness, transparency and actual Shariah implementation.
Q7. Conversion from Conventional to Islamic Banking
Your top skills include “Conversion from conventional to Islamic.” The process of converting conventional branches or windows to Islamic banking is a major undertaking in Pakistan. What are the biggest challenges in this transformation process? What are the critical success factors?
Answer:
Converting a conventional banking operation into an Islamic one is much more than changing product names or signboards. It requires changes in products, systems, processes, documents, governance and staff understanding.
One of the biggest challenges is the complexity of existing operations. Products, contracts, systems and processes may need to be reviewed and transformed. Another major challenge is human capacity. Employees need to understand not only the names of Islamic products but also the basic Shariah principles and operational requirements behind them.
In my view, the key factors for successful transformation include strong commitment from senior management, proper Shariah guidance, effective coordination between different departments, system readiness and continuous staff training.
Communication is also very important. Employees should understand not only what is changing but also why it is changing. When people understand the purpose of the transformation, they are more likely to take ownership and implement it properly.
Q8. Training and Public Awareness
You are deeply engaged in public speaking and training, aiming to simplify and spread awareness about Islamic finance principles. What is the most common misconception you encounter among the public? How do you make complex Shariah concepts accessible to ordinary people?
Answer:
One of the most common misconceptions is that Islamic banking is simply conventional banking with Islamic names. People often see similar payment amounts or instalments and naturally ask what the actual difference is.
I believe such questions should be answered respectfully. One important lesson I have learned through training is that complexity is not always a sign of knowledge. A person may understand a subject deeply, but if he cannot explain it in a language his audience understands, the communication remains incomplete.
Therefore, I try to begin with basic concepts and use examples from daily life instead of immediately using technical terminology. I first explain the main principle and then connect it with the technical concept.
For me, training is not simply about sharing information. It is about building understanding. When people understand why a Shariah requirement exists, they are more likely to appreciate and implement it properly.
Q9. Shariah Compliance at UBL Ameen
As AM Shari’ah Compliance at UBL Ameen, what does a typical day look like for you? What are the most frequently occurring compliance issues you encounter, and how do you address them?
Answer:
One interesting thing about working in Shariah Compliance is that there is rarely a completely routine day. The work may involve reviewing transactions and processes, responding to Shariah queries, conducting reviews, following up on observations and interacting with different departments.
The issues encountered in practice are often related to implementation. These may include gaps in documentation, delays in completing a required Shariah step, misunderstanding of an approved process or differences between the approved procedure and actual practice.
I believe Shariah compliance should not only be about identifying mistakes. An equally important question is why a gap occurred and how it can be prevented in the future.
Therefore, I prefer a constructive approach: understanding the practical issue, explaining the Shariah concern clearly and working with the relevant stakeholders to find a practical and Shariah-compliant solution. For me, one of the most meaningful parts of this work is seeing how the principles we study in classical books are applied in a modern financial institution.
Q10. Advice for Aspiring Shariah Scholars in Islamic Banking
For someone who has completed traditional Islamic studies and wants to build a career in Islamic banking and finance, what advice would you give? What additional skills or knowledge should they pursue beyond their classical education to succeed in this field?
Answer:
My first advice would be to build a strong foundation in traditional Islamic sciences, especially Fiqh and its principles. However, I would strongly encourage aspiring scholars not to stop there.
They should also learn the basics of economics, finance, accounting, banking, law and business practices. It is not necessary to become an expert in every field, but a Shariah professional should have enough understanding to properly appreciate the issues presented to him.
Practical exposure is also very important. Reading books and standards is essential, but understanding actual operations, documents and market practices provides another valuable kind of learning. Communication skills are equally important because a Shariah professional often needs to explain complex matters to people from very different backgrounds.
Finally, my main advice would be: remain deeply rooted in your tradition, but do not be afraid to understand the world in which you live. The stronger your foundation in Islamic knowledge and the better your understanding of contemporary realities, the more effectively you can serve the Ummah and contribute to practical solutions for modern challenges.