Islamic finance is no longer a niche concept. It has become a globally recognized alternative to conventional financial systems, emphasizing ethics, risk-sharing, and real economic value. But as the industry grows, so does the need for rigorous, peer-reviewed research that can guide its development. That’s where academic journals come in—and one of the most important among them is the International Journal of Islamic Finance.
Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, practitioner, or curious student, understanding what this journal offers—and how to engage with it—can significantly enrich your contribution to the field. Let’s dive deep into what makes the IJIF essential reading, how it compares to other Islamic finance journals, and what you need to know to publish in it.
Understanding the Role of Academic Journals in Islamic Finance
Academic journals are more than repositories of research. They are engines of thought leadership, intellectual rigor, and peer-reviewed credibility. In Islamic finance, where interpretation of religious principles meets complex financial systems, this rigor is even more critical. The journals help define best practices, identify gaps in Shariah compliance, and propose innovations that align with both faith and modern economic reality.
Over the years, several academic journals have emerged to meet this need. They include:
- ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance – known for Shariah-depth and high editorial standards
- International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management – focused on institutional and economic frameworks
- International Journal of Islamic Banking and Finance Research – more empirical, often case-study driven
- International Journal of Islamic Economics and Finance Studies – theory-driven, often interdisciplinary
But the International Journal of Islamic Finance (IJIF) has earned a unique place due to its comprehensive scope and balanced perspective between theory, application, and ethics.
What Makes the International Journal of Islamic Finance Stand Out?
IJIF is widely regarded for its commitment to scholarly integrity, inclusion of diverse viewpoints, and relevance to both academic and professional communities. It doesn’t limit itself to dry econometrics or narrow jurisprudential debates—it welcomes interdisciplinary work that bridges economics, law, ethics, sociology, and policy studies.
Popular themes in the journal include:
- Islamic capital markets and the evolution of sukuk structures
- Fintech innovations from a Shariah-compliance perspective
- Macroeconomic implications of Islamic financial instruments
- Regulatory harmonization challenges across Muslim-majority countries
- Financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and Maqasid al-Shariah
Authors contributing to the IJIF often represent diverse regions—from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, from African nations to Western academic institutions—making it a truly global platform.
Why This Journal Matters to Practitioners and Policymakers
Unlike many academic publications that remain theoretical, IJIF ensures practical impact. Policy analysts use its findings to craft regulatory reforms. Financial institutions cite its articles to justify new product launches. Shariah advisory boards reference its conclusions to settle compliance issues.
As one Central Bank researcher told me during a roundtable: “IJIF is one of the few journals that makes theory digestible and relevant for policy implementation. That’s not common in academia.”
For practitioners in Islamic finance—be they bankers, product developers, or advisors—reading the journal regularly provides a competitive edge. It reveals trends before they hit the mainstream and raises critical questions that can shape boardroom strategies.
Getting Published: What Editors Are Really Looking For
Let’s be honest: publishing in a high-quality journal isn’t easy. But it’s not mysterious either. Editors of the IJIF look for originality, relevance, methodological soundness, and proper alignment with the journal’s scope.
Based on interviews with three contributors and one former editorial assistant, here are the non-negotiables:
- Relevance: Articles must clearly connect to Islamic finance, not just in topic but in framework.
- Analytical depth: Descriptive writing is not enough. Your arguments must be backed by data, logic, and literature.
- Clarity and structure: A well-organized paper with a strong abstract, introduction, and conclusion performs better—even before content is judged.
- Shariah grounding: If discussing compliance, you must cite classical or contemporary Islamic jurisprudence. Vague references won’t pass review.
- Literature review: You need to position your work within the current academic conversation—not beside it.
And here’s a tip I learned the hard way: always follow the author guidelines to the letter. Formatting and referencing mistakes are among the top reasons for desk rejections, even if the idea is promising.
IJIF vs. Other Journals: What’s the Difference?
In a world filled with overlapping journals, why choose IJIF? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Journal | Focus | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| IJIF | Balanced: law, finance, ethics | Interdisciplinary, globally recognized |
| ISRA Journal | Shariah law & jurisprudence | Deep theological insights |
| IJIMEFM | Finance & regional economics | Policy-heavy, practical |
| IJIBFR | Islamic banking systems | Empirical, young researchers |
| IJIEFS | Islamic economic theory | Academic, foundational models |
Ultimately, it depends on your goals. For policy influence or industry crossover, IJIF is a strategic choice.
Where and How to Access Islamic Finance Journals
Most journals, including IJIF, are indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Universities often have access via platforms like JSTOR, ProQuest, or EBSCOhost. Some institutions offer free access to researchers from developing countries through partnerships or scholarship networks.
If you’re not affiliated with a university, don’t worry. Many authors share preprint versions on ResearchGate or institutional repositories. You can also check portals like:
- ISRA’s IFIKR portal
- INCEIF Research Repository
- RePEc Islamic Studies
Sometimes, simply emailing the author directly leads to a free PDF—most are happy to share their work if asked respectfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have Resource in Islamic Finance
The future of Islamic finance depends not only on market demand or Shariah rulings, but on robust, evolving scholarship. The International Journal of Islamic Finance is more than just a publication—it’s a living dialogue between regions, disciplines, ideologies, and generations.
In a world where finance often feels disconnected from ethics, the International Journal of Islamic Finance reminds us that financial systems can be just, equitable, and spiritually grounded—if we build them that way.
If you’ve never read an issue, now’s the time. If you’re already a reader, maybe it’s time to become a contributor. The future of Islamic finance isn’t just being debated—it’s being written. And International Journal of Islamic Finance is where much of that writing happens.
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