Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Inspiring Minds Through Knowledge and Ethical Scholarship
Interview by Rayees Jamil | Inside Kashmir
Education shapes individuals, but true scholarship shapes society. Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla, has dedicated his career to teaching, research, and intellectual growth. With expertise in Islamic Banking, Islamic economics, philosophy, and contemporary Islamic thought, he believes that education should inspire wisdom, ethical values, and service to humanity. In this exclusive conversation with Inside Kashmir, he reflects on his academic journey, research, teaching philosophy, and shares an inspiring message for the youth.
Q1. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your early life and educational journey.
I am Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla. My academic journey has been guided by a deep interest in Islamic Studies and its relevance to modern society. Over time, my research expanded to Islamic economics, banking, philosophy, and Sufism. I believe education is not just about earning degrees but about gaining wisdom and using knowledge to serve society.
Q2. What inspired you to pursue higher education and a PhD in Islamic Banking?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: My desire to understand ideas deeply inspired me to pursue higher education. As my interest in Islamic thought grew, I became fascinated by its connection with modern economic and social issues. This eventually led me to research Islamic Banking, where I explored principles such as justice, ethics, and social responsibility. Research also taught me patience, critical thinking, and the value of asking meaningful questions.
Q3. What were the biggest challenges during your educational and research journey?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Balancing academic responsibilities with research was one of my greatest challenges. Islamic Banking required me to study Islamic jurisprudence alongside economics, finance, and modern banking systems. Research demanded discipline, patience, and an open mind. These challenges ultimately strengthened my thinking and taught me that every difficulty is an opportunity to grow.
Q4. Why did you choose Islamic Banking as your specialization?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: I chose Islamic Banking because it brings together ethical values and modern financial practices. It promotes justice, fairness, responsibility, and socially responsible investment. I see it not only as an alternative financial system but also as an important academic field that contributes to discussions on ethical and sustainable economic development.
Q5. How would you explain Islamic Banking in simple terms?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Islamic Banking is a financial system based on ethical and legal principles of Islam. It discourages interest and unethical practices while encouraging trade, investment, and shared responsibility. Simply put, it ensures that wealth is created through productive and fair economic activity rather than guaranteed returns without real contribution.
Q6. What are the key differences between Islamic Banking and conventional banking?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: The main difference lies in their principles. Conventional banking is interest-based, while Islamic Banking prohibits interest and promotes trade, partnership, leasing, and shared risk. It also emphasizes ethical investment, social responsibility, and wealth creation through real economic activity. Both systems should be studied objectively to understand their strengths and challenges.
Q7. As a teacher, what philosophy guides your classroom?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: I believe a teacher should inspire curiosity rather than simply deliver information. I encourage students to ask questions, think critically, and connect knowledge with real-life issues. My aim is to help them understand both the rich intellectual heritage of Islam and its relevance in today's world.
Q8. What qualities should students develop to succeed today?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Students need more than degrees. They should develop critical thinking, communication skills, discipline, honesty, creativity, digital literacy, and a habit of lifelong learning. In the age of artificial intelligence, the ability to analyse and verify information is more valuable than simply collecting it.
Q9. How can research in Islamic Studies help solve modern challenges?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Research in Islamic Studies can contribute to ethical finance, social justice, peace, environmental responsibility, and human dignity. It should connect with fields like economics, sociology, philosophy, and political science. Such interdisciplinary research can provide practical and meaningful solutions to contemporary challenges.
Q10. Which achievement gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Completing my PhD was a significant milestone, but my greatest satisfaction comes from teaching and mentoring students. Watching young people gain confidence, pursue higher education, and broaden their perspective is far more rewarding than personal achievements. For me, the true success of an academic lies in inspiring others.
Q11. What are your current research interests and future academic goals?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: My research focuses on Islamic Banking and Finance, Islamic economics, philosophy, Sufism, and contemporary Islamic thought. I hope to strengthen research culture in Jammu & Kashmir, promote quality academic writing, encourage interdisciplinary studies, and create greater opportunities for students to engage with national and international scholarship.
Q12. What advice would you give to young people aspiring for higher education and research?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Never fear long academic journeys. Seek knowledge not just for jobs or certificates but to better understand the world. Read regularly, ask questions, improve your writing and communication skills, and never let temporary failures define your future. Stay humble because learning is a lifelong process.
Q13. Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: I have been inspired by many teachers, scholars, colleagues, and my family. Their guidance taught me that true scholarship must be accompanied by humility, integrity, and service to society. Every good mentor leaves behind a lasting intellectual legacy that shapes future generations.
Q14. How do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: I maintain balance through discipline, proper planning, and time management. Along with teaching and research, I make time for my family, colleagues, and personal reflection. I believe success is not about doing more work but about doing meaningful work while staying connected to the people and values that matter most.
Q15. Finally, what message would you like to share with the youth of Jammu & Kashmir?
Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Malik: Believe in yourself and invest in education. Success is not limited to government jobs; society also needs researchers, entrepreneurs, teachers, writers, innovators, and ethical leaders. Read more, think critically, build strong character, and use your knowledge to solve problems and serve society. If our youth combine education with ethics and ambition with responsibility, they can shape a brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir and beyond.
