Blockchain Papers

Ammar Akhter Khan

No abstract is available for this record.

Shehzad Ahmed, Rafiqul Bhuyan

No abstract is available for this record.

Andrea Stazi, Riccardo Jovine

No abstract is available for this record.

Rahma Almheiri

No abstract is available for this record.

Zulkarnain Muhamad Sori, Damar Hulan Osman, Mohamad Nazzeer Hamzah

No abstract is available for this record.

N F N N A Rahman, Ruzian Markom, Hizri Hasshan

The rapid expansion of decentralised finance (DeFi) has elevated digital assets, particularly Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), to a prominent position within contemporary financial markets. NFTs are blockchain-based digital tokens enabled by smart contracts that facilitate verifiable ownership and authentication in decentralised environments. Despite growing international efforts to regulate NFT markets, clear legal frameworks—especially those addressing Shariah-compliant NFTs—remain underdeveloped. In Malaysia, the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (IFSA) and the Securities Commission Malaysia’s Digital Assets Guidelines provide only limited guidance on the classification, ownership, and enforceability of NFT-based financial products. This article examines the development of NFTs, analyses the existing Malaysian legal framework, and evaluates the readiness of Malaysia’s regulatory architecture to accommodate Shariah-compliant NFTs. Adopting a doctrinal methodology supported by case analysis, the study explores the applicability of current laws to NFT transactions and undertakes a comparative assessment of regulatory developments in the United Arab Emirates. The absence of explicit regulatory provisions raises significant Shariah compliance concerns, particularly in relation to gharar (uncertainty), riba (usury), and the recognition of māl (legitimate ownership), which may impede Malaysia’s aspiration to emerge as an Islamic DeFi hub. This study finds that Malaysia’s existing legal framework lacks specific Shariah compliance mechanisms for the legal recognition and governance of NFTs. Accordingly, targeted regulatory reforms are necessary to address the legal and Shariah complexities associated with NFTs and to facilitate responsible digital innovation within Malaysia’s Islamic DeFi ecosystem.

Muhammad Abduh Tuasikal, Jaih Mubarak, Ibdalsyah, Yulizar Djamaluddin Sanrego

The rapid growth of cryptocurrency investors in Indonesia has sparked debates about its legal status within Islamic jurisprudence. A key focus is the extreme price volatility of cryptocurrencies and whether this should be classified as gharar (excessive uncertainty) or simply as market risk. This study utilizes a normative-legal and doctrinal approach to differentiate between volatility, an inherent characteristic of modern financial instruments, and gharar, a prohibited element in Islamic contracts. The primary data for this research is sourced from classical fiqh texts and contemporary fatwas, while secondary data includes regulations and indexed academic studies on financial volatility. The findings indicate that although cryptocurrencies display higher volatility compared to stocks and gold, not all fluctuations can be classified as gharar fāḥish (excessive uncertainty). Instead, volatility should be viewed as market risk (al-ghurm), which is measurable, manageable, and tolerable under Islamic law, provided that transparency and risk-sharing mechanisms are in place. The study concludes that cryptocurrencies can be considered lawful property under Islamic law when they are free from ribā (usury), maysir (gambling), and excessive gharar, thereby providing a solid foundation for issuing fatwas and designing regulations.

A. Azis Muhammad, Zainal Arif, Fina Nurafni

The advancement of blockchain technology has introduced new digital economic instruments, notably Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which function not only as representations of digital asset ownership but also as investment vehicles with highly volatile values. This development has sparked debates within Islamic law, particularly regarding the presence of gharar (excessive uncertainty) and maisir (speculative gambling) in NFT investment practices. This study examines the legal status of NFT investment from the perspective of ḥadīth-based muʿāmalah and analyzes the extent to which gharar and maisir are inherent in its transactional mechanisms. Employing a qualitative library research approach, this study uses descriptive-analytical methods to examine Prophetic ḥadīths prohibiting gharar and maisir, and contextualizes them within the technical characteristics and transaction structures of NFTs. Data sources include classical ḥadīth collections, ḥadīth commentaries, fiqh al-muʿāmalah literature, and relevant contemporary scholarly works. The findings indicate that NFTs, as digital assets, possess definable objects, ownership clarity, and verifiable delivery through blockchain technology, and therefore do not inherently constitute gharar. However, the use of cryptocurrency, extreme price volatility, and short-term speculative behavior may introduce elements of gharar and maisir if not accompanied by clear valuation, utility, and investment objectives. Consequently, the permissibility of NFT investment cannot be generalized but must be assessed contextually to uphold justice and the protection of wealth (ḥifẓ al-māl).

Muhammad Asif

The global expansion of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies brings unanswered questions of the Islamic finance that are legal in nature. The existing research is divided into two camps, namely, total prohibition, or conditional acceptance. It is a thematic analysis of 32 public fatwas (2014-2024) of 12 Islamic jurisdictions in the first systematic analysis. The application of cryptocurrencies and their Shariah acceptability are analyzed. This paper applies the six-stage model offered by Braun and Clarke and it establishes five key jurist themes. The former theme is the ambiguity of the issue of whether cryptocurrencies are to be treated as mal (property) or thamaniyyah (money). The second theme talks about gharar, i.e., excessive uncertainty that is caused by volatility, lack of transparency and regulatory instability. The third theme concerns speculation by trading which is similar to maysir (gambling). The fourth theme is about mafsadah, which is harm to society and includes illicit use, environmental costs and inequality. Lastly, the fifth theme is on interpretations and deviations which form conditional permissibility in the presence of regulation and transparency, which minimises the risks of jurisprudence. The findings indicate that juristic disagreement is not an issue of inconsistency but the use of the various kinds of reasoning on novel financial technologies. The study paves the way in the study of Islamic-finance, by transforming the disjointed textual load of fatwa into a juristic map, which articulates the reasons behind the variance of rulings, as opposed to how they vary. This paper can be used by Shariah boards, regulators, and developers of digital assets to take action on implementing maqasid al-Shari, in the regulation of digital assets.

Muthi'atur Rofi'ah, Moch Syahrul Muzammil

The development of blockchain technology has brought significant innovation to the financial sector, including the management of Shariah-compliant finance, by enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency of financial transactions in accordance with Shariah principles. This technology utilizes distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts to ensure authenticity and fairness in transactions, thereby strengthening trust and accountability within the Shariah financial system. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of blockchain implementation in Shariah finance and identify various challenges faced in the digital era, such as immature regulations, limited digital infrastructure, and low levels of technological literacy among industry players. The research method includes a literature review of relevant journals and reports, as well as case studies of blockchain implementation in Shariah financial institutions. The findings indicate that blockchain plays a crucial role in increasing trust and transparency, but its success heavily depends on the synergy among regulators, Shariah financial institutions, and other stakeholders to overcome these obstacles. These results emphasize the importance of collaborative and innovative strategies to support the sustainable growth of the Shariah financial system in the digital age.

Mila Dwi Rahmatya, Mohd Syahiran Abdul Latif, Mohd Hapiz Mahaiyadin, Mohd Sirajuddin Siswadi Putera Mohamed Shith

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) powered by immutable and automated smart contracts have revolutionized cryptocurrency trading by eliminating intermediaries. However, the alignment of their mechanisms with Islamic principles of sale and purchase remains unclear. This study conducted a qualitative analysis to assess the sharia compliance of DEXs. This research examines the conformity of DEX trading mechanisms with sharia principles by utilizing content and normative analysis of classical and contemporary Islamic finance literature alongside DEX-related articles, white papers, and industry reports. The findings reveal critical areas of non-compliance, particularly concerning contracting parties ('aqīd) and subject matter (mabī'). DEXs lack mechanisms to verify the legal capacity of transacting parties, potentially enabling involvement from individuals deemed incompetent under sharia. Cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange also raise concerns because of their ambiguous nature as commodities or currencies, potentially leading to gharar (uncertainty) and ḍarar (harm). While certain aspects, such as the clarity of offer and acceptance (ijāb wa qabūl) through smart contracts and specific traded assets, such as certain tokens and NFTs, might align with sharia, the overall risks associated with speculation and inherent uncertainties necessitate caution. This study recommends that Muslims approach DEXs with caution until clear guidelines and sharia-compliant platforms are established. Furthermore, increased scrutiny from Islamic scholars and regulatory bodies is crucial for ensuring this rapidly evolving technology's ethical and compliant development. Abstrak Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) yang didukung oleh smart contracts telah mengubah perdagangan mata uang kripto dengan menghilangkan peran perantara. Namun, kesesuaian mekanisme DEX dengan prinsip jual beli dalam Islam masih menjadi perdebatan. Studi ini melakukan analisis kualitatif untuk menilai kepatuhan DEX terhadap syariah. Metode analisis konten dan normatif digunakan berdasarkan literatur keuangan Islam klasik dan kontemporer, serta artikel, white papers, dan laporan industri terkait DEX. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan beberapa aspek kritis yang tidak sesuai dengan syariah, terutama terkait pihak yang berkontrak ('aqīd) dan objek akad (mabī'). DEX tidak memiliki mekanisme untuk memverifikasi kapasitas hukum pihak yang bertransaksi, sehingga berpotensi melibatkan individu yang tidak kompeten menurut syariah. Selain itu, status mata uang kripto sebagai alat tukar menimbulkan ketidakpastian terkait posisinya sebagai komoditas atau mata uang, yang dapat mengakibatkan gharar (ketidakpastian) dan ḍarar (kerugian). Meski beberapa aspek seperti penawaran dan penerimaan (ijāb wa qabūl) melalui smart contracts sesuai syariah, risiko spekulasi tetap tinggi. Oleh karena itu, studi ini merekomendasikan kehati-hatian bagi umat Muslim dalam menggunakan DEX hingga panduan syariah yang lebih jelas tersedia, serta pengawasan ulama dan regulator yang lebih ketat diperlukan.

Mahad Abdiwali Mohamed, Ahmed Nur Dirie, Abdiaziz Bashir Mohamud, Mohamed Abdisamad Farah · 5 authors

This paper conducts a bibliometric review of the scholarly sources of the intersection of cryptocurrencies, crowdfunding, and Islamic finance, in order to see the trends, contributions, and new directions to make Shariah-compliant FinTech and sustainability. The past decade witnessed the revolution of digital technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and AI in the banking and industries. Cryptocurrencies make the peer-to-peer transactions possible and crowdfunding helps businesses to raise funds. The concept of blockchain and central bank digital currency (CBDCs) will support sustainable finance by improving green bonds and reducing emissions. Crowdfunding in Islamic finance complies with the Shariah, as offered under risk-sharing schemes like the Mudarabah and Qard Hasan; however, the integration of the cryptocurrency as an additional risk management tool faces regulatory and compliance difficulties. Despite recent growing academic attention since 2017, most prominently dropped by Malaysia and Indonesia, there exist gaps in understanding their synergistic role towards financial inclusion and strong sustainability (SS). Blockchain relieves gharar and automates contracts that are Shariah compliant; however, there are still regulatory disagreements. Planned performing and ethics theories, the Theory of Planned Behaviors and Maqasid al-Shariah educate about the open and fair influences in adoption and assessment procedures. Through the VOSviewer and Scopus data (20142025), 158 articles reveal a maximum of publications of 2024, a high of 2020 citations, and the two countries, Malaysia (60 documents) and Indonesia as the most significant ones, with such publications as the Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research. Recommendations on transparent, sustainable financial ecosystems involve better blockchain-based crowdfunding, Shariah-ajority digital currencies, and better cryptocurrency determinations.

Aysha Alsalih

The application of blockchain-based smart contracts within Islamic finance presents both opportunities and significant governance challenges. While these technologies promise enhanced efficiency, automation, and immutability, their integration into Shariah-compliant financial instruments, such as Murabaha, Ijarah, and Sukuk, raises critical concerns regarding auditability, interpretive flexibility, and adherence to foundational Islamic legal and ethical principles. This study examines the tensions between automation and religious oversight by investigating how smart contracts intersect with Shariah governance and IT audit frameworks in Islamic financial institutions.Utilizing a qualitative multiple-case study approach, the research draws on semi-structured interviews with Shariah scholars, auditors, compliance officers, and blockchain developers across Islamic fintech ecosystems in Malaysia, Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Thematic analysis, supported by document review, reveals systemic challenges in embedding ethical discretion and human oversight into immutable contractual code. Analytical framing is guided by established IT assurance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ISO 27001) and Shariah governance standards issued by AAOIFI and IFSB.Findings highlight the emergence of "risk zones" where algorithmic rigidity, audit traceability limitations, and ethical ambiguity converge, potentially undermining religious compliance. In response, the study proposes a conceptual governance model that integrates technological assurance mechanisms with structured Shariah supervisory engagement. The findings contribute to the discourse on responsible FinTech governance in Islamic finance and offer practical implications for policymakers, auditors, and technology developers navigating the intersection of blockchain innovation and faith-based financial regulation.

Retno Endah Kusuma Wardani

This study examines the implementation of blockchain-based smart contracts in Islamic finance, focusing on the opportunities and challenges arising from their integration into contemporary financial systems. The scope of the research includes the technological characteristics of smart contracts, their compatibility with Sharia principles, and their potential applications across Islamic financial products such as sukuk, mudarabah, and murabahah. The main objective of this study is to analyze how smart contracts can enhance transparency, trust, and efficiency while identifying the legal, technical, and regulatory barriers that may hinder their adoption. Using a qualitative descriptive method supported by literature analysis from recent academic studies, regulatory reports, and case examples, this research evaluates both the transformative potential and practical constraints of blockchain technology in Islamic finance. The findings reveal that smart contracts offer significant benefits such as reduced transaction costs, improved compliance monitoring, and enhanced security. However, issues related to Sharia oversight, technological readiness, and regulatory frameworks remain substantial challenges. The study concludes that while blockchain-based smart contracts align with several objectives of Sharia, particularly transparency and justice, their widespread implementation requires collaborative efforts between technologists, Sharia scholars, and regulators to ensure both technological reliability and Sharia compliance.

Abubakar Ibrahim Adamu, Hamidu Ardo, Najaatu Mohammed Bomai

The aim of this research is to analyze the cryptocurrency from Islamic Perspective. Cryptocurrency is a new phenomenon to Islamic Law. It is a digital currency that is neither issued by a central bank nor a public authority, but accepted as a medium of exchange by some individuals and entities and can be transferred, stored or traded electronically. Its legal nature remains unclear some are considering it as only medium of exchange while others as commodity, couple with some of its peculiar features such as anonymity of transacting parties, lack of control and supervision by a central authority, intangibility and speculation. The paper begins with brief introduction on the Islamic law principles governing commercial transactions. The paper continues with the explanation of the concept, nature and scope of cryptocurrency from Islamic Perspective. Analytical research methodology is used to analyze the work. At the end it is observed that contemporary Muslims scholars differ as to the position of cryptocurrency in Sharia. Some look at it as halal (permissible) in principle, while others look at it as haram (prohibited). However, the research recommends that a further research need to be conducted as to the actual legal status of cryptocurrency and its impact in both social and economic life of Muslims, this will assist in making a final decision on it.

Lola Abellia, Moetia Septi, M. Indra, Muhammad Gilang Aidil Saputra · 5 authors

This study aims to analyze Islamic scholars' fatwas regarding the sale and purchase of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) from a sharia economic perspective. On the one hand, NFTs offer economic opportunities through ownership of non-duplicable digital assets. On the other hand, concerns have arisen regarding the validity of transactions, the potential for speculation, and their compliance with sharia principles such as clarity of contracts, benefits (manfa'ah), and freedom from gharar (uncertainty) and maysir (speculation/gambling). This study uses a qualitative analysis method with a library research approach, specifically content analysis of fatwas, opinions of contemporary scholars, and classical and modern fiqh literature. The results show differences of opinion among Islamic scholars. Some permit NFT transactions under certain conditions, such as clear benefits and a lawful object, while others consider NFTs to carry high speculative risks and uncertainty. These differences are influenced by understandings of the substance of NFTs as contract objects and the context in which they are used. This article concludes that caution is essential in NFT transactions. Furthermore, clear regulations and guidance from sharia authorities are needed to ensure that NFT trading practices are conducted in accordance with Islamic economic principles, thus providing fair, transparent benefits, and free from prohibited practices.

Imam Mabrur, Ahadiah Agustina

The rapid growth of financial technology (fintech) has transformed the global economic landscape, including the Islamic finance sector, which seeks to align innovation with Shariah principles. This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of applying blockchain technology and smart contracts in the Islamic fintech ecosystem, particularly in the context of strengthening Islamic financial principles in the digital era. It employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach combined with qualitative descriptive analysis of fifteen scientific articles indexed in Scopus, ScienceDirect, Garuda, and Sinta, covering the period from 2020 to 2025. The data was analyzed thematically to identify patterns of findings, research gaps, and academic and practical implications. The results indicate that blockchain technology and smart contracts have the potential to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Islamic financial transactions. Their implementation also opens opportunities for product innovation, such as smart sukuk and Islamic crowdfunding, which foster Shariah-based financial inclusion. However, challenges remain, including unclear Shariah digital regulations, technological complexity, low digital literacy, and issues of ethics and data security. The synthesis of findings highlights the need for collaboration among regulators, technology experts, and scholars to develop adaptive and Shariah-compliant fintech standards.

Syed Redzuan Syed Yusuf, Nadhirah Nordin

The evolution of the global digital financial system is generating two main forms of digital currencies: a centralized currency system, such as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and a decentralized cryptocurrency system, like Bitcoin and Ether. This study aims to analyze the conceptual differences between the centralized (CBDC) and decentralized (Bitcoin and Ether) models and each operating mechanism. The study also examines how both models impact the stability of the economy and adherence to Shariah principles. Using the qualitative approach and exploratory design, the study examines materials on CBDC, Bitcoin, and Ether. The study collects data from central bank reports, monetary policy documents, academic articles, and technical papers published by relevant institutions. The content analysis method should identify similarities and differences between the currencies in terms of system architecture, infrastructure, technological efficiency, energy, governance and compatibility with Shariah principles. According to the study, CBDC, Bitcoin and Ether represent three distinct paradigms: Bitcoin's decentralized system, through proof-of-work, produces rather limited functionality to emphasise individual freedom and privacy, while Ether innovates the system via a switch to proof-of-stake and smart contracts, which leads to greater functionality. CBDC, on the other hand, maintains a centralized system to ensure monetary stability, but with a compromise on users' privacy. Hence, while maintaining the value of blockchain transparency and traceability without sacrificing economic stability, the study proposes a hybrid approach in order to improve transaction efficiency. The study suggests implementing a regulatory sandbox involving authorities, economists and Shariah experts as an initial test measure of this innovation to ensure security for users and compliance with the principles of Shariah in the development of a healthier digital financial ecosystem.

عبدالله بن عبدالرحمن التريكي

تناولت هذه الدراسة الفقهية مسألة المتاجرة بالرموز غير القابلة للاستبدال (NFTs)، وهي رموز رقمية فريدة تُسجَّل على تقنية البلوك تشين وتُستخدم لإثبات ملكية الأصول الرقمية. وهدفت الدراسة إلى بيان الحكم الفقهي لهذه المعاملات في ضوء القواعد العامة للمعاملات المالية في الشريعة الإسلامية، من خلال تحليل خصائص هذه الرموز ومجالات استخدامها، وبيان مدى انطباق الضوابط الشرعية على تلك المعاملات. وقد خلصت الدراسة إلى أن الحكم يتوقف على طبيعة كل حالة، حيث إن بعض صور المتاجرة بهذه الرموز قد تندرج تحت البيوع الجائزة، إذا توفرت فيها شروط الصحة وانتفت عنها المحاذير الشرعية؛ بينما بعض الصور الأخرى قد تُعد من المعاملات المحرمة، بسبب الغرر أو الجهالة أو المقامرة. وأوصت الدراسة بضرورة وضع أطر شرعية واضحة لتنظيم هذه المعاملات في ظل التطورات الرقمية المتسارعة. This jurisprudential study explores the issue of trading in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which are unique digital assets registered on blockchain technology and used to prove ownership of digital content. The study aims to determine the Islamic legal ruling on such transactions in light of the general principles of financial dealings in Islamic law, by analyzing the features of NFTs, their uses, and the extent to which they comply with Shariah standards. The study concludes that the ruling depends on the nature of each case. Some forms of NFT trading may be considered permissible sales if the necessary conditions are met and no Shariah violations are involved. However, other forms may be deemed prohibited due to uncertainty, ambiguity, or elements of gambling.

Risfiana Mayangsari, Hidayat Darussalam, Edi Mulyono

This article analyzes the communication patterns that emerge and develop from the integration of Smart Contracts in Islamic financial transactions. The adoption of Smart Contracts marks a fundamental shift from traditional sighat (ijab qabul) to automated and immutable programmed communication on the blockchain. This study finds that the communication patterns involved are divided into three main dimensions: first, formal human-to-contract communication, which is the process of coding and initial agreement of the contract (such as mudharabah or murabahah) where the sighat is represented by explicit digital input; second, fully automated system-to-system communication, where Smart Contracts communicate with external data (oracles) to verify conditions and trigger self-executing transactions; and third, contract-to-ledger communication, which results in transparent and immutable transaction recording on the blockchain. Although promising efficiency and improved Sharia Compliance through the elimination of operational gharar, this programmed communication pattern poses challenges related to contract flexibility and code error risks. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate clear Sharia code standards and digital governance mechanisms recognized by the Sharia Supervisory Board to ensure that this new communication pattern validly and ethically supports maqasid syariah (Sharia objectives).

Mufti Ubaid ul Rahman, Saba Aorangzaib, Shehbaz Shabbir

The growing trends of the digital economy have profoundly influenced all aspects of human life, particularly in the financial sector, where emerging concepts such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have challenged the traditional notions of ownership, exchange, and investment. In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), ownership (milk) holds a fundamental position encompassing not only tangible assets but also intangible and abstract rights. This provides the essential framework for understanding and analyzing digital assets from a Shariah perspective.Blockchain, as a transparent, decentralized, and immutable digital system, has established new standards of trust and integrity in financial transactions. Cryptocurrency, being a product of this system, enables peer-to-peer exchanges without the intervention of central banks or financial institutions. From a fiqhi viewpoint, the permissibility or impermissibility of this system depends on whether it fulfills the Shariah principles of ownership, lawful exchange, and trust (amanah).Similarly, NFTs represent unique and non-replicable forms of digital property, extending the concept of ownership beyond the material realm. The crucial question arises: can assets that exist solely in digital form be recognized as legitimate “property” (mal) under Islamic law? Islamic jurisprudence identifies essential conditions for ownership including the presence of benefit (manfa‘ah), the right of disposal (tasarruf), and the owner’s responsibility (daman). When evaluated through this lens, digital assets that possess real value, are free from fraud, gambling, or usury, and have clearly defined rights, may align with the foundational fiqhi principles of ownership.From this perspective, the digital economy opens new avenues for ijtihad (juridical reasoning). It is increasingly important for Islamic jurists, economists, and technology experts to collaborate in formulating a framework that regulates modern digital assets in accordance with Islamic ethical and legal standards. Such a framework would not only promote transparency and morality in financial dealings but also ensure that technology operates within the moral and spiritual objectives of Islam.Hence, the concept of digital ownership in light of Islamic jurisprudential principles is not only plausible but also consistent with contemporary economic needs provided that its implementation prioritizes the Shariah’s core objectives of justice, trust, transparency, and responsibility.

Alfi Fuadah

The rapid development of financial technology has introduced cryptocurrency as a transformative innovation within the global financial system, raising fundamental questions regarding its compatibility with value-based financial models, particularly Islamic banking. Grounded in Sharīʿah principles that emphasize ethical finance, risk-sharing, asset-backed transactions, and the prohibition of ribā, gharar, and maysir, Islamic banking faces both opportunities and challenges in responding to the emergence of decentralized digital assets. This study aims to explore how Islamic banking can engage with cryptocurrency while maintaining its normative and ethical foundations, as well as to identify the key constraints that limit institutional adoption within global finance. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study conducts a systematic and interpretive review of scholarly literature, regulatory frameworks, and classical as well as contemporary Sharīʿah sources related to Islamic finance, blockchain technology, and cryptocurrency governance. The analysis reveals that blockchain technology demonstrates substantial alignment with Islamic banking principles through its transparency, traceability, and decentralized verification mechanisms, offering institutional potential in areas such as payments, trade finance, and smart contracts. However, the findings also indicate that cryptocurrency markets are characterized by high volatility, speculative behavior, weak real-sector linkage, and fragmented regulatory oversight, which raise significant ethical, financial, and governance concerns for Islamic banking institutions. Regulatory divergence and inconsistent Sharīʿah interpretations further complicate cross-border implementation and scalability. The study concludes that Islamic banking should adopt a selective and principle-oriented approach to cryptocurrency, distinguishing between permissible technological infrastructure and ethically problematic market practices.

Muchammad Idham Cholid

Berikut ringkasan akademik dari tulisan “Bitcoin dalam Ekonomi Syariah: Tinjauan di Pasar Muslim”: Artikel ini mengkaji keamanan dan kepatuhan Bitcoin terhadap prinsip ekonomi syariah dalam konteks pasar Muslim, ditengah tren global kripto yang berkembang pesat. Kajian berangkat dari kebutuhan akan penilaian mendalam terkait kesesuaian Bitcoin dengan nilai maqasid al-shariah, khususnya keadilan, transparansi, dan kemaslahatan. Tujuan utama penelitian adalah mengevaluasi apakah Bitcoin dapat diadopsi dalam sistem keuangan Islam, dengan menyoroti aspek keamanan transaksi dan kepatuhan terhadap larangan riba, gharar, serta maysir. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan mixed methods, menggabungkan survei kuantitatif dari pengguna Bitcoin di pasar Muslim serta kajian kualitatif atas literatur, fatwa, dan pendapat ulama. Hasil survei menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar responden mengakui keunggulan teknologi blockchain dalam aspek keamanan dan transparansi, namun mengkhawatirkan volatilitas harga dan potensi spekulasi yang belum sesuai prinsip syariah. Analisis empiris dan wawancara ahli menemukan bahwa penerimaan Bitcoin secara syariah masih tergantung pada penguatan regulasi, pengawasan lembaga keuangan Islam, dan inovasi digital yang dapat mengeliminasi unsur spekulatif. Secara teoretis, penelitian berkontribusi dengan integrasi antara perspektif maqasid al-shariah dan analisis keamanan digital—memperluas pemahaman tentang potensi dan tantangan kripto dalam ekonomi Islam modern. Rekomendasi diberikan kepada regulator dan pelaku industri untuk mengembangkan instrumen kripto halal melalui smart contract, audit syariah, serta peningkatan literasi digital di kalangan masyarakat Muslim. Dengan landasan evidence-based dan pendekatan interdisipliner, artikel ini memperkuat wacana integrasi teknologi blockchain ke dalam prinsip keuangan syariah sebagai strategi inklusi dan inovasi di pasar global Muslim.

Lana AL-Khalaileh, Tareq Al-Billeh, Abdul Salam Al-Findi, Odai Al-Hailat

This study deals with a new technology in contracting, resulting from the information technology (IT) revolution in the field of electronic transactions, which is called “smart contracts”. The latter has constituted a breakthrough in the field of contracting since it provides automation, which underlies many advantages for contractors, so that the software works of smart contracts provide immediate and automatic execution of the contract, which provides speed of implementation and security from manipulation after concluding the contract. So, it provides elements of technical security and trust for this type of contract. This new contractual pattern is considered one of the first in the provisions of Islamic Sharia, which urges us to know the extent of its compatibility with its contracting system. The study concluded with several recommendations, the most significant being that international accords lack comprehensive legislation governing transactions executed through smart contracts. While they contain certain restrictions about contracts formed through contemporary electronic methods, they inadequately elucidate the characteristics of such contracts and examine their specifics. The legal issues associated with smart contracts stem from their connection to digital currency, which is banned by Sharia law.