i-BanCross 2.0 (Islamic Banking Crossword 2.0)

The origins of Islamic banking trace back to the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In recent years, the industry has expanded significantly in terms of both services and global reach. Today, over 560 Islamic banks and more than 1,900 mutual funds operate according to Shariah principles. A 2022 report by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Refinitiv indicated that Islamic financial assets grew from $2.17 trillion in 2015 to nearly $4 trillion by 2021 and are projected to reach approximately $5.9 trillion by 2026 (Evan Tarver, 2023). This upward trend not only reflects the industry's strength but also its potential to offer diverse academic and career opportunities. Despite this growth, many individuals especially students face challenges in understanding Islamic financial terms and concepts. In response, i-BanCross 2.0 was developed as an educational innovation aimed at increasing awareness and comprehension of Islamic banking terms and concepts. Utilizing Crossword Labs platform, a digital tool for creating interactive crossword puzzles, i-BanCross 2.0 transforms complex Islamic finance terms and concepts into engaging word-based games. This gamified learning method encourages users to learn through play, making it easier to identify and recall key terms commonly found in Islamic contracts. The platform is particularly helpful for students, practitioners and public, offering an interactive way to bridge knowledge gaps and promote greater literacy in Islamic banking. Furthermore, the application is a user-friendly and free without any charges.