The 46th Al-Baraka Symposium on Islamic Economics kicks off in Madinah
The 46th Al -Barakah Symposium on Islamic Economics , one of the most prominent annual economic events in the Islamic world, will commence tomorrow, Monday, in Madinah. This year's symposium, themed "The Charitable Sector in the Islamic Economy: Towards a New Future," will be held at Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University, with a wide international attendance including leading scholars, financial experts, and decision-makers from 18 countries.
A historical legacy and a leading global platform
The Al-Baraka Symposium derives its significance from its historical depth, spanning over four decades. It was established by the pioneer of Islamic economics, Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel (may God have mercy on him), as an intellectual beacon aimed at grounding contemporary financial transactions in Islamic law. Throughout its long history, the symposium has successfully bridged the gap between jurisprudential theory and economic application, contributing to the resolution of many challenges faced by the Islamic finance industry in its early stages. This has made its decisions and rulings a fundamental reference for financial institutions and Islamic jurisprudence councils worldwide.
The Charity and Benevolence Sector: From Charitable Work to Sustainable Development
The choice of this year's theme aligns with global economic shifts toward strengthening the "third economy" or non-profit sector. Through its six sessions and twenty themes, the symposium aims to redefine the charitable sector, not merely as a supplementary or traditional philanthropic activity, but as a genuine and dynamic economic sector possessing powerful tools such as zakat (alms), waqf (endowments), and interest-free loans. The discussions aim to integrate these tools into the economic cycle to enhance social stability and achieve sustainable development, thereby transforming those receiving aid into productive members of society.
Strategic partnerships and youth empowerment
This event is distinguished by the integrated roles of the academic sector, represented by Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University, the private sector, represented by Al Baraka Group, and the media partner, the Iqraa platform. Professor Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, affirmed that the symposium represents an extension of an institutional vision that believes Islamic economics is a civilizational project serving humanity.
In the context of focusing on the future, the symposium pays special attention to empowering young people and researchers through the “Bridges of Research and Application” initiative and the Young Researchers Hosting Grant, with the aim of creating a new generation of economists capable of innovating modern financial solutions that combine authenticity and modernity, and employing financial technology (FinTech) in the service of the charity sector.
Intensive activities and expected outcomes
Over three days (February 9-11, 2026), the forum will feature practical workshops and academic lectures aimed at building the institutional capacity of those working in this field. The symposium is expected to produce practical recommendations that will contribute to developing legislation and regulatory mechanisms enabling third-sector institutions to perform their developmental role with high efficiency, thus enhancing Madinah's position as a capital of Islamic economic thought.
