The Universiti Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE), in collaboration with the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS), hosted a Distinguished Guest Lecture titled “The Paradox of Islamic Finance: How Shariah Scholars Reconcile Religion and Capitalism” on 14th May 2026 at Ruang Bicara Minda, UBD Library.
The event welcomed Professor Dr Haji Noor Azam Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBD as Guest of Honour and brought together academics, researchers, students, industry practitioners, and invited guests for an engaging intellectual discourse on Islamic finance and contemporary capitalism. Among the distinguished attendees was His Excellency, Professor Dr Hamit Ersoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Republic of Türkiye.
The lecture was delivered by Professor Ryan M. Calder, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Program in Islamic Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Professor Calder is internationally recognised for his research on the intersection of religion, markets, and modern capitalism, with particular expertise in Islamic finance and Shariah governance.
Drawing from his acclaimed book, The Paradox of Islamic Finance: How Shariah Scholars Reconcile Religion and Capitalism, published by Princeton University Press, Professor Calder examined how Islamic finance has evolved as both a religious and economic institution. The lecture explored the pivotal role of Shariah scholars in navigating the complexities, tensions, and synergies between faith-based principles and contemporary capitalist systems.
The session also highlighted findings from Professor Calder’s extensive global fieldwork, which included more than 280 interviews with Shariah scholars, regulators, industry practitioners, Islamic economists, and members of the public. These insights provided participants with a deeper understanding of the governance, ethical considerations, and future trajectory of Islamic finance within a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Distinguished Guest Lecture reflects UBDSBE and SOASCIS’ continued commitment to fostering interdisciplinary academic dialogue and strengthening international scholarly engagement on contemporary issues related to Islamic finance, governance, religion, and society.
The Distinguished Guest Lecture reflects the continued commitment of UBDSBE and SOASCIS to fostering interdisciplinary academic dialogue and strengthening international scholarly engagement on contemporary issues related to Islamic finance, governance, religion, and society.