Serving as the keynote speaker at the event, held from October 2 to 10, 1998, Alikhan addressed the topic “Islamic Finance in the 21st Century.” His instrumental role in introducing Islamic Finance in the United States significantly contributed to shaping the forum’s agenda. During his address, he provided an in-depth discussion on the Islamic Equity Benchmark Index, alongside esteemed professionals and scholars in the field. Additional details of the forum are available in the archives.
The Islamic Finance Project (IFP) was established in 1995 under the Harvard University Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES). Later, in 2003, it became a part of the Islamic Legal Studies Program (ILSP) at Harvard Law School. As the only initiative of its kind within the Ivy League, IFP is dedicated to exploring Islamic finance from a legal standpoint. The project focuses on analyzing contemporary research, fostering collaboration among scholars globally, and strengthening the link between theoretical studies and real-world applications in the Islamic finance sector.
Held every two years, the Harvard University Forum on Islamic Finance serves as a platform for global discussions. It features workshops, seminars, symposiums, and lectures, covering crucial topics in the field. The primary goal of the forum is to unite experts and participants worldwide to engage in meaningful discussions about the current status and future developments of Islamic banking and finance.
Mir Mohammad Alikhan introduced and co-sponsored Harvard University Islamic Finance Information Program, and helped in Harvard University Islamic Studies Program. He not only helped in structuring the program features, but also brought internationally renowned personalities on board to support the initiative. Below are some of the letters and details acknowledging Mr. Alikhan’s efforts in this regard.