Be Sharia and Ba Sharia

In Indonesia, Islamic finance and banking education has grown significantly in recent decades. Two of the most common academic programs in this field are Be Sharia and Ba Sharia. These two terms often appear in the context of higher education, particularly at Islamic universities or faculties focused on Islamic economics and business. Although they sound similar, Be Sharia and Ba Sharia represent distinct academic pathways, each with a unique curriculum, focus, and professional direction. Understanding the differences between Be Sharia and Ba Sharia is important for students who wish to pursue careers in Sharia-based financial institutions, Islamic legal research, or Islamic business management.

Understanding the Terminology

What Does ‘Be Sharia’ Stand For?

‘Be Sharia’ is short for ‘Bachelor of Economics in Sharia,’ or in Indonesian, ‘Sarjana Ekonomi Syariah.’ This program is designed for students who want to specialize in the application of Islamic principles in the field of economics. It combines Islamic teachings with modern economic theory, emphasizing halal financial practices, Islamic banking, and economic justice.

What Does ‘Ba Sharia’ Refer To?

‘Ba Sharia’ stands for ‘Bachelor of Arts in Sharia,’ or ‘Sarjana Hukum Islam’ in Indonesian academic terms. This degree focuses more on the legal aspects of Sharia (Islamic law). Students in this program study fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), usul fiqh (principles of jurisprudence), Islamic constitutional law, and court procedures in the context of Islamic teachings.

Key Differences Between Be Sharia and Ba Sharia

1. Academic Focus

• Be Sharia: Centers around Islamic economics, finance, banking, and business practices. It includes modules on Islamic financial markets, zakat and waqf management, and Sharia auditing.
• Ba Sharia: Concentrates on Islamic law, jurisprudence, legal reasoning, and court systems. It explores topics like family law, criminal law under Sharia, and comparative legal systems.

2. Core Subjects

Each program has its own core areas of study that shape the student’s knowledge and future expertise.

• Be Sharia subjects: Islamic Microeconomics, Islamic Macroeconomics, Islamic Banking and Finance, Risk Management in Islamic Institutions, Islamic Capital Markets, Business Ethics in Islam.
• Ba Sharia subjects: Fiqh al-Ibadah (Jurisprudence of Worship), Fiqh al-Mu’amalat (Transactions in Islamic Law), Islamic Family Law, Islamic Criminal Law, Legal Methodology, Maqasid al-Sharia (Objectives of Sharia).

3. Career Opportunities

The graduates of these two programs typically pursue different career paths, although both are in the realm of Islamic-based professions.

• Be Sharia careers: Islamic bank staff, Sharia financial planner, Zakat manager, Islamic business analyst, Sharia auditor, Halal business consultant.
• Ba Sharia careers: Islamic legal officer, judge at religious courts, Sharia law consultant, marriage registrar, Islamic legal researcher, academician in Islamic law.

4. Skill Development

Students of Be Sharia are trained to think economically and strategically within the framework of Islamic law, while Ba Sharia students focus more on interpretation, legal reasoning, and application of Islamic legal principles.

• Be Sharia skills: Economic analysis, financial decision-making, ethical business judgment, Sharia financial compliance.
• Ba Sharia skills: Legal drafting, interpreting classical Islamic texts, understanding fatwas, legal arbitration, judicial decision-making.

Academic Pathway and Curriculum Structure

Be Sharia Program Structure

The Be Sharia program usually takes four years to complete and includes both theoretical and practical coursework. The structure includes:

• General education (Islamic studies, languages)
• Core economic courses (both conventional and Islamic)
• Internships in Islamic financial institutions
• Final thesis focusing on economic issues under Islamic frameworks

Ba Sharia Program Structure

Like Be Sharia, the Ba Sharia program typically spans four years. It involves more intensive studies in Arabic language and Islamic legal sources. The structure includes:

• General religious studies (Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic theology)
• Core Sharia law modules
• Legal drafting and court procedure training
• Field research or court internships
• A thesis on a legal issue within Islamic law

Similarities Between Be Sharia and Ba Sharia

Although the focus areas differ, there are several areas where Be Sharia and Ba Sharia overlap:

• Both are grounded in Islamic teachings and principles.
• They promote ethical and moral standards based on Islamic law.
• Both require understanding of classical Islamic texts and Arabic terminology.
• Both programs aim to produce graduates who can serve in Islamic institutions or contribute to the development of Sharia-compliant systems.

Choosing the Right Program

Who Should Choose Be Sharia?

Students who are interested in business, finance, and the workings of economic systems from an Islamic perspective are encouraged to choose the Be Sharia path. This is ideal for those who want to work in modern financial sectors while adhering to Islamic principles.

Who Should Choose Ba Sharia?

Students who have a strong interest in law, justice, and jurisprudence within the Islamic tradition should consider Ba Sharia. This track is suited for those who want to pursue careers in legal interpretation, religious court systems, or Islamic legislative development.

The Importance of Both Fields

Islamic finance and law are two vital pillars of the modern Sharia-based system. Without experts in Be Sharia, Islamic financial institutions would struggle to create ethically sound and lawful financial products. Without Ba Sharia professionals, there would be gaps in legal reasoning, fatwa issuance, and conflict resolution based on Islamic law.

In today’s global context, both Be Sharia and Ba Sharia graduates are essential. They ensure that Islamic principles are preserved and applied in ways that are practical, just, and relevant to current social and economic issues. These programs also contribute to the growth of a halal economy, promoting transparency, accountability, and justice in all sectors.

Be Sharia and Ba Sharia represent two distinct yet complementary educational tracks within the field of Islamic studies. While Be Sharia focuses on the economics, finance, and business applications of Islamic teachings, Ba Sharia emphasizes legal thought, jurisprudence, and judicial practice. Each program plays a crucial role in supporting the structure of Sharia-compliant societies. For students interested in building a career grounded in Islamic values, choosing between Be Sharia and Ba Sharia depends on whether they are more inclined toward economics or law. Regardless of the path chosen, both offer meaningful opportunities to contribute to the ethical and spiritual development of society through Islamic knowledge and practice.