Islamic Finance and Sustainable Economic Development: Exploring the Role of Shariah-Compliant Financial Systems in Promoting Inclusive Growth

Authors

  • Muhammad Ali MA Development Studies (IPED), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
  • Sarah Abro MBA, SZABIST, Hyderabad
  • Awais Ahmed Awan Assistant Manager, Habib Bank Limited
  • Saeed Ahmed Ph.D. Scholar & Visiting Faculty Lecturer, Institute of Commerce & Management, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v5i3.285

Keywords:

Economic Development, Ethical Finance, Financial Inclusion, Inclusive Growth, Islamic Finance, Sustainable Development

Abstract

Islamic finance emerged as a rapidly growing ethical financial system that supported sustainable economic development and inclusive growth through Shariah-compliant principles. This study examined the role of Islamic finance in promoting financial inclusion, economic stability, and sustainable development outcomes. A quantitative descriptive design was applied, and primary data was collected from a sample of 300 respondents working in Islamic banking and financial institutions. The findings showed high mean values for Islamic finance practices (4.18 ± 0.62), sustainable economic development (4.12 ± 0.65), inclusive economic growth (4.05 ± 0.68), financial inclusion (4.20 ± 0.60), and ethical investment practices (4.10 ± 0.66). The results indicated that Islamic finance significantly contributed to SME development (4.22 ± 0.61), poverty reduction (4.14 ± 0.63), infrastructure financing (4.16 ± 0.64), and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (4.23 ± 0.58). The study also found strong perceptions regarding economic stability (4.19 ± 0.60) and social welfare enhancement (4.21 ± 0.59), highlighting the broader developmental impact of Islamic financial systems. Islamic finance demonstrated a strong role in promoting equitable income distribution, financial access, and sustainable investment practices. The study concluded that Shariah-compliant financial systems functioned as a viable framework for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development, particularly in emerging economies where financial exclusion remained a key challenge.

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Author Biographies

Muhammad Ali, MA Development Studies (IPED), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

MA Development Studies (IPED),

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

Email: muhaqiq.ali@gmail.com

Sarah Abro, MBA, SZABIST, Hyderabad

MBA, SZABIST, Hyderabad

Email: sarah.abro5@gmail.com

Awais Ahmed Awan, Assistant Manager, Habib Bank Limited

Assistant Manager,

Habib Bank Limited

Email: awais.awan20@gmail.com

Saeed Ahmed, Ph.D. Scholar & Visiting Faculty Lecturer, Institute of Commerce & Management, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

Ph.D. Scholar & Visiting Faculty Lecturer,

Institute of Commerce & Management,

University of Sindh, Jamshoro

Email: saeedchandio027@gmail.com

Downloads

Published

01-05-2026

How to Cite

Ali, M., Abro, S., Awan, A. A., & Ahmed, S. (2026). Islamic Finance and Sustainable Economic Development: Exploring the Role of Shariah-Compliant Financial Systems in Promoting Inclusive Growth. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 5(3), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v5i3.285

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