Discussing the role of virtual currency in Qatar and the wider region, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies (CIS) 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. To be held at Education City, 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, Shari’ah 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 centers.

CIS organizes public lectures throughout the year on trending topics that are of significance to the Qatar community. In March alone, these contributions included a lecture titled The People of the Cave and the Canine Companion, and a symposium on Religious Moderation and Building a Balanced Personality. Wide selections of other activities are currently open for registration to the public and will all be hosted at Education City.

Cover image courtesy of HBKU

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