AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium (46) Commences in Madinah

Madinah:
The activities of the 46th edition of AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium will commence on tomorrow, under the theme: “The Righteousness and Benevolence in Islamic Economy: The Future Forward”.
The symposium is organized by the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, and will be held from 9–11 February 2026, corresponding to 21–23 Sha’ban 1447 A.H., at University of Prince Mugrin – (Female Campus) – Madinah, with the participation of a select group of their excellencies, financial thought leaders, scholars, decision-makers, and representatives of financial and development institutions from 18 countries around the world, in an intellectual and economic gathering considered one of the largest in the region.
The symposium is hosted by University of Prince Mugrin as the official host partner, with AlBaraka Group serving as a global partner, alongside a media partnership with the Iqraa Media, reflecting the integration of intellectual, academic, and media institutions in supporting Islamic economic issues and strengthening its global presence.
AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium is considered one of the world’s most prominent platforms specializing in Islamic economics, and among the oldest intellectual forums that have contributed for more than four decades to developing its theoretical and practical framework, and promoting constructive dialogue among scholars, experts, and policymakers on contemporary economic issues from an Islamic perspective that balances ethical values with economic efficiency.
In its 46th edition, the symposium will include six main sessions with more than 20 scientific and applied themes, focusing on the pivotal role of the righteousness and benevolence sector in Islamic economy as an active economic contributor that supports development, enhances social stability, and promotes economic justice through its authentic tools foremost among them, Zakat, Waqf (endowment), charity, Qard Hasan (benevolent loans), and volunteerism.
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, emphasized that AlBaraka Symposium represents an extension of a firmly established intellectual vision founded by Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel (may Allah bestow his mercy on him), a pioneer of Islamic economics and founder of AlBaraka Forum, who believed that Islamic economics is a comprehensive civilizational project based on values, measured by impact, and aimed at serving humanity and achieving sustainable development.
His excellency explained that the 46th edition marks a pivotal stage in the symposium’s journey by focusing on righteousness and benevolence sector as an authentic economic and developmental pillar within the Islamic economic system, capable of addressing contemporary economic and social challenges, stressing the importance of investing in innovation and youth as key foundations for the future of this economy.
For his part, Professor H.E. Mr. Yousef Hasan Khalawi, Secretary General, AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, stated that the Forum is a global intellectual institution specializing in Islamic economics, which has contributed over decades to developing its tools and linking academic foundations with practical application through international intellectual platforms and scientific initiatives.
His excellency added that this year’s theme reflects a strategic direction to re-examine this sector as an essential economic component of the Islamic economic framework, rather than merely a supplementary activity. The symposium aims to highlight its role in achieving sustainable development, maximizing social impact, and enabling the non-profit sector to actively contribute to national economies.
The symposium will discuss ways to develop righteousness and benevolence tools and connect them with financial innovation, as well as strengthen the role of Islamic banks and financial institutions in employing them within Sharia-compliant economic models that support economic sustainability and enhance integration between the financial and non-profit sectors.
It also places special emphasis on supporting innovation, empowering youth, and promoting social entrepreneurship within Islamic economic framework, by highlighting the role of modern technologies and innovative financing in expanding the impact of charitable and developmental work and transforming social initiatives into sustainable economic projects.
The symposium program includes two specialized scientific lectures and four applied workshops, aimed at building institutional capacities, linking theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, and developing the competencies of professionals in Islamic economics and finance.
As part of supporting scientific research and building young talent, the symposium will feature an interactive academic session titled “From Research to Impact” held under the auspices of the Saleh Kamel Islamic Economics Award, with the aim of connecting academic research with real-world application. Young researchers will have the opportunity to present their work before leading academics and experts and receive valuable feedback that enhances the practical impact of their research.
The Forum also sponsors the Young Researchers Hosting Grant – Third Edition 2026, one of the accompanying programs of the symposium, aimed at enabling young researchers to attend, participate in scholarly dialogue, and build knowledge-based and professional relationships that contribute to preparing a new generation to further develop Islamic economics and spread its culture.
AlBaraka Islamic Economics Symposium (46), held in Madinah, reaffirms its pioneering role in reshaping the future of Islamic economics, consolidating the righteousness and benevolence sector as one of its core pillars, investing in human capital, empowering youth, and supporting innovation to achieve sustainable economic and social impact.