The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) has launched ‘Essentials of Islamic Finance’, a new book offering an in-depth analysis of the foundational principles of Islamic finance and their relevance to addressing contemporary global economic challenges.
- •The book, authored by Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, was originally developed as a teaching note in 2011, the book has evolved into a substantially revised and expanded volume.
- • It builds a systematic framework for understanding Islamic finance by integrating Sharīʿah principles, economic reasoning, and real‑world applications.
- •The English edition, available online, includes extensive updates to content, references, and examples, responding to contemporary developments such as global financial crises, post‑pandemic inflation, and rising concerns over debt sustainability.
This work is both a rigorous scholarly contribution and a practical guide that bridges Islamic legal principles with contemporary economic thought.
-Prof. Bambang Susantono, a Member of IsDBI Board of Trustees.
The book focuses primarily on the principles of Islamic finance, exploring key concepts such as the prohibition of ribā (usury), the role of zakāh and non‑profit activities, the treatment of gharar (excessive risk), and the linkage between finance and real economic activity.
‘Essentials of Islamic Finance’ is primarily aimed at economists, finance professionals, policymakers, regulators, and researchers, as well as readers with an interest in Sharīʿah‑based economic systems.
