INCREASING UNDERSTANDING OF ISLAMIC FINANCE AMONG STUDENTS OF STAI PUTRA GALUH CIAMIS

Abstract

Understanding shari’a finance is increasingly important because the need for knowledge about shari’a financial management continues to increase, especially among students. However, in reality students still have limited understanding of the basic concepts of shari’a finance, shari’a financial products, as well as the basic differences between shari’a and conventional finance. This research aims to analyze how understanding of shari’a finance develops among STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis students, by highlighting existing challenges and opportunities that can be exploited in developing understanding of shari’a finance. This research method uses qualitative with a descriptive design, where information is obtained through question and answer sessions and direct observation of students at STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis. The research results show that even though there is a basic understanding of shari’a finance, there are still many challenges faced by students, such as lack of access to relevant information, low interest in exploring this topic, and limited open materials related to understanding shari’a finance. However, this research also identifies a number of opportunities, such as increasing the potential for understanding through more structured education and training programs, as well as collaboration between educational institutions and Islamic financial institutions to provide more adequate resources. It is hoped that the results of this research can make a significant contribution in developing shari’a financial understanding programs in universities, especially at STAI Putra Galuh Ciamis, as well as becoming a reference in efforts to increase students' understanding of financial management that follows shari’a rules.