The International Shari’ah Research Academy for Islamic Finance, commonly known as ISRA, was established in May 2008 by the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) as an Islamic finance research institution focusing on Shari’ah-related issues. ISRA acts as a repository of knowledge for Shari’ah views (fatwas) and undertakes studies on contemporary issues, especially those relating to Shari’ah in the Islamic financial industry. ISRA contributes towards the strengthening of human capital development in Islamic finance by providing relevant Shari’ah expertise. It also provides platforms for greater engagement amongst practitioners, scholars, regulators, and academicians via research and dialogue in both domestic and international arenas. Through its pioneering research and rigorous intellectual dialogue, ISRA aims to promote innovation and dynamism, thus extending the boundaries of Islamic finance. It is envisioned that with greater research and dialogue, mutual respect and recognition will emerge within the global community of the Islamic financial industry. Since its inception, ISRA has been led by Prof. Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin, a well-known and highly respected Shari’ah scholar. ISRA is also guided by prominent Shari’ah scholars, namely Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Salih Al-Atram, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Mohamad Ali Elgari, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Sattar Abdul Kareem Abu Ghuddah, Sheikh Nizam Yaquby, Dr. Yusof Talal DeLorenzo, Prof. Dr. Joni Tamkin bin Borhan, Dr. Bashir Aliyu, and Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, who are all members of ISRA’s Council of Scholars.
ISRA has provided various platforms for greater engagement amongst practitioners, scholars, regulators, and academicians through research and dialogues at both domestic and international levels. Through pioneering research and rigorous intellectual dialogue, ISRA aims to promote innovation and dynamism, expanding new boundaries of Islamic finance. It is envisioned that with greater research and dialogue, mutual recognition will emerge within the global community of the Islamic financial industry.
