College
of Islamic Studies ( CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), will
present a two-hour lecture titled Digital Currency from a Shari’ah,
Economic, and Practical Perspective on March 19.
Guest speakers
include CEO of Qatar Development Bank, Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa;
former professor of jurisprudence at Qatar University, Dr Ali
al-Quradaghi; and professor at HBKU’s CIS, Dr Tariqullah S Khan. The
exploratory symposium is expected to see a wide turnout by students,
staff, faculty, guests as well as members of the public.
Digital
currency – also known as digital money or cybercash – is a
transformative technology that is tipped to play a game-changing role
around the world. Being delivered by several notable subject matter
specialists, the symposium aims to generate awareness on the
opportunities and challenges presented by virtual currency. Dr Emad
El-Din Shahin, dean of CIS, noted, “HBKU’s CIS is committed to dialogue
that helps promote the social and economic growth of Qatar. We look
forward to the participation of some of Qatar’s preeminent thought
leaders in industry and academia, who will offer insight on the role of
digital currency and unique perspectives which will bring added value to
our discussions.”
In its in electronic form, the monetary system
enables seamless and immediate transactions without the need for
traditional institutions. The CIS lecture aims to bring attention to the
virtual currency’s impact on the Middle East, exploring e-currency from
an Islamic financial perspective. The main discussion will include
three sub-themes: economic and financial aspects, Shariah articulation,
and practical implications.
Established as a dedicated space for
contemporary Islamic studies, CIS enables students to discuss their
thoughts and ideas concerning Islam, engage in discourse, and guide
informed action on pressing matters. CIS offers two postgraduate degree
programs - Master of Arts in Islamic studies and the Master of Science
in Islamic finance, bringing together global academics through its
renowned research centres.