Challenges in teaching islamic finance

As the global Islamic finance industry experiences rapid expansion, universities have increasingly introduced specialized academic programs to meet the rising demand for qualified professionals. However, higher education institutions face persistent pedagogical difficulties, often reflected in unsatisfactory student performance and comprehension. This study identifies and examines the multifaceted challenges encountered by educators in delivering Islamic finance education. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field—which intersects modern financial systems, economics, Islamic jurisprudence (Shariah), and ethics—educators must navigate significant instructional hurdles. The paper analyzes key obstacles, including the theological and legal complexity of foundational Shariah principles (such as the prohibition of Riba and the implementation of profit-and-loss sharing mechanisms), diverse student academic backgrounds, prevalent misconceptions, the gap between theory and industry practice, language barriers, and the lack of a standardized curriculum. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for robust pedagogical strategies to bridge these gaps and enhance the training of future Islamic finance practitioners.