Pontianak, 15 September 2025 — The Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business (FEBI) of IAIN Pontianak officially began the 2025/2026 academic semester with an Inaugural Lecture and International Study Forum at the university’s main hall. The event gathered the faculty leadership, lecturers, academic staff, and students, featuring a distinguished guest from Cairo University, Mr. Muhammad Fathullah bin Muhammad ‘Askar (Department of Business Administration).
Delivering his lecture, “Responding to Global Crisis through Islamic Economics: Lessons from Cairo University for Pontianak,” Mr. Askar underscored that Islamic economics is not merely an alternative model but a comprehensive solution to humanity’s pressing challenges. He explained that conventional systems often privilege individual profit at the expense of public welfare, while Islamic economics rejects exploitative practices such as usury (riba) and instead upholds justice, balance, and the common good.
He reminded the audience that Islamic institutions such as Baitul Mal, zakat, and waqf historically created effective systems of social security, citing the era of Caliph ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz when poverty was virtually eradicated. Furthermore, the proven stability of Islamic banks during the 2008 global financial crisis demonstrated that these principles remain relevant and resilient in today’s global economy.
Opening the event, Dean of FEBI IAIN Pontianak, Dr. Samsul Hidayat, M.A., expressed his gratitude to the guest speaker for sharing insights from Cairo University and highlighted the significance of the lecture for both faculty members and students. He emphasized that the session should inspire a spirit of dedication, broaden academic horizons, and strengthen the motivation of new students as they begin their studies. He also reminded students that the pursuit of knowledge is a noble path requiring sincerity, discipline, and perseverance, promising benefits for both worldly progress and spiritual fulfillment.
This inaugural lecture not only marked the beginning of a new semester but also reinforced FEBI IAIN Pontianak’s academic commitment to global dialogue and intellectual enrichment. More importantly, it positioned Islamic economics as a framework capable of offering justice, balance, and sustainability in addressing the challenges of a world still grappling with inequality and financial instability.