The inauguration ceremony took place at G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium. The inaugural speech titled “Enhancing the Role of Islamic Law as Living Law in the Development of a People-Based Economy.” He emphasized that Islamic law plays a crucial role in fostering an economy based on public welfare. This is especially important in contrast to the dominance of liberal and capitalist economic systems.

Academic and Professional Journey

Originally from Boyolali, Prof. Burhanudin earned his undergraduate degree in Law from FH UNS. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Islamic Law at Universitas Indonesia (UI). Additionally, he earned another Master’s degree in Islamic Finance at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. He obtained his Ph.D. in Law from Universiti Utara Malaysia.

In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Burhanudin has held several key managerial positions, including:

• Head of the Master’s Program in Notarial Law (2013–2019)
• Head of the UNS Central Library (2019–2024)
• Deputy Chairman II of the Indonesian Association of Islamic Law Lecturers (ADHII) (2015–2020)
• Head of Research at the Indonesian Association of Islamic Economics Lecturers (APPHEISI) (2014–2019)

His contributions have significantly shaped the development of Islamic legal studies and Islamic finance in Indonesia.

Islamic Law as a Living Law in a People-Based Economy

Prof. Burhanudin explained that Islamic law is a “living law”, meaning it is deeply embedded in societal practices. Eugen Ehrlich introduced this concept. Eugen Ehrlich suggests that Islamic law operates independently of state regulations and has guided societies long before modern states emerged.

Even in non-Muslim-majority countries, Islamic law holds legal recognition. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines incorporate it into their legal systems.

“In a people-based economy, Islamic law offers solutions to the injustices of liberal and capitalist economic systems. These systems have significantly widened social inequalities. Islamic law plays a key role in both public (social) economics and business,” Prof. Burhanudin stated.

The Role of Islamic Law in Public Economics

Islamic law contributes significantly to public economics through waqf (endowment), zakat (almsgiving), infak (charitable donations), and sedekah (voluntary giving). These mechanisms effectively redistribute wealth and help reduce economic disparities.

Several prominent organizations, including Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, have used waqf land to establish:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Shopping centers
• Office buildings

The revenue generated from these assets supports underprivileged communities. Additionally, cash waqf and ZIS funds (zakat, infak, and sedekah) provide free education and scholarships for those in need.

The Role of Islamic Law in Business and Finance

Islamic law has led to the establishment of Sharia-compliant financial institutions, including:

• Baitul Maal wa Tamwil (BMT)
• Islamic banks
• Islamic bonds (sukuk)
• Islamic stock markets
• Islamic mutual funds
• Islamic insurance
• Islamic pawnshops

These institutions serve as alternative financial solutions for communities lacking access to conventional banking systems.

As of 2019, Indonesia had approximately 4.500 BMTs, catering primarily to lower- and middle-income communities.

Islamic Law as the Foundation for a Sustainable Economy

Islamic law is highly adaptable, allowing it to evolve alongside societal changes. The flexibility of Islamic business law fosters economic innovation while maintaining principles of justice and social welfare.

Prof. Burhanudin emphasized the need to integrate Islamic legal principles into business practices. He encouraged wider applications of Islamic law in economic transactions, ensuring its relevance in a people-based economy.

With his appointment as Professor of Islamic Law, scholars and policymakers expect Prof. Burhanudin to continue contributing to academia and policy-making. His expertise is essential for implementing socially just economic policies in Indonesia.

Humas UNS

Reporter:R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Prof. Burhanudin Harahap Inaugurated as a Professor of Islamic Law at FH UNS appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

He delivered the message in the Guest Lecture “The Role and Challenges for MK in Achieving Democratic Law and Politics” held online and offline from FH UNS Hall and through the Zoom Cloud Meeting, Friday (3/12/2021).

“I reminded the Law students, never make law your commodity when you work as an advocate, notary, and other careers in the future. Do not put law practice on sale!” Prof. Arief stated.

Prof. Arief shared the reminder because, he explained, the legal system in Indonesia has its source on the God Almighty that is in line with the theocracy theory applied by Indonesia. The theory promoted by Thomas Aquino and Agustinus bases its legal system on God’s sovereignty. Meaning that fundamentally, a theocracy state belief that a country was established because of God, and therefore, their government must be run, and the law is developed by upholding God.

According to Prof. Arief, proof that Indonesia is a theocracy state can be observed in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution that written: “By the grace of God Almighty…..”

Recognition of God is also written in the Preamble of every Law and MK ruling read in the proceeding. Prof. Arief believed that the recognition of God in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution makes Indonesia be a liberated country and survive with its diversity to this day.

“Thus, the source of law in Indonesia is not secular. The desire of the Indonesian people to be free and establish a country was achieved with the Grace of God Almighty. This is a religious nation so that I stated, the source of power in Indonesia is from the theocracy theory,” he added.

He gave an example of his time serving as the Chairman of MK in 2015-2017. Prof. Arief admitted that every time they read MK rulings in proceeding with the other eight MK judges, they also asked for forgiveness from God if their rulings had any shortcomings.

“My personal experience and Chairman of MK, when reading the ruling, in my heart, because I am a Muslim, always asked for forgiveness and apologized if the nine judges in MK in deciding, make a mistake,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post MK Judge in FH UNS Guest Lecture: Never Put Law for Sale appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.