Sakib Mahmud, Tahmid Wahid, A.N.M. M. H. Chowdhury, Mahaboba Jesmine Ekra
Decentralized finance (DeFi) has emerged as a credible challenger in the financial industry's current norms. It employs cutting-edge solutions to decentralize banking and industry concepts and provide financial services to anybody, everywhere. It also intends to improve financial inclusion by transforming lending and borrowing. However, no study has thoroughly demonstrated how DeFi is upsetting the whole financial system, or how the system as a whole may adjust to this unavoidable evolutionary condition. We attempted to summarize the situation by evaluating some critical documents, including quality working papers, opinion articles, reports, and research papers. Our findings suggest that DeFi could effectively replace banks which function as a middleman for all transactions, if the traditional system of banking is not changed, If people do not deposit their money at banks, banks may be wiped out. To deal with the system, central banks are using CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency), which is supposed to make monetary policy more effective. The CBDC, which is account-based and bears interest, can serve as a store of value, medium of exchange, and stable unit of account. Although, CBDC can reduce the deposits, and market share of small banks. Overall, this manuscript hopes to give insight to researchers, policy-makers, bankers, and finance practitioners to understand the disruption effectively and take necessary adapting policies.
This study aims to conduct a review of Islamic Fintech research development from 2020 to 2022 related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the role of Islamic fintech. This research is a qualitative-descriptive study utilizing a literature review approach. The literature review was conducted by collecting journal articles relevant to the research objectives using the Publish or Perish (PoP) application, followed by content analysis using the Scopus database. The content analysis identifies two related streams concerning Covid-19 challenges and the role of Islamic Fintech. In detail, Islamic fintech and distributed ledger technology (Blockchain, 1 article) and financial inclusion (6 articles). By conducting a content analysis on each stream, we reveal that the cointegration of Fintech in Islamic finance has enormous potential in elevating socio-economic development, particularly for the underdeveloped community, unbanked people, and micro-small enterprises (MSEs) In addition, the adoption of fintech in Islamic finance will support the government in improving financial inclusion, conquering financial crises, such as COVID-19's crisis
The research deals with the topic of cryptocurrencies, specifically Ripple. The research problem lies in the fact that this currency exists and has a daily trading volume of billions of dollars, so it was necessary to investigate its nature and characteristics to determine its jurisprudential classification. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researchers relied on the descriptive, inductive, and analytical approaches by scrutinising research and opinions describing the reality of cryptocurrencies, especially Ripple, and analysing matters related to them to determine their jurisprudential classification. The research began by talking about cryptocurrencies in general, then moved to discuss Ripple specifically, explaining matters related to it and the extent to which the functions of money apply to it. The research concluded that Ripple does not qualify as money because it does not achieve the functions of money. The research also found that a distinction must be made between the Ripple network (RippleNet), which is used to facilitate financial transactions, and the Ripple currency (XRP) that is traded on it. RippleNet is an electronic program that is used as a tool or means to conduct transactions, and it is one of the permissible things that facilitate people’s transactions. As for the Ripple XRP, it is an electronic commodity, and there is nothing in the Sharīʿah to prove that it is forbidden in terms of its origin and essence. As for its circulation and trading, they must be studied independently.
Nur Syaedah Kamis, Mardziyah Mohd Isa, Nur Syamilah Md Noor
Day by day the numbers of Bitcoins owners are increasing and as the time lapses, they also will face the death. In Perlis, Bitcoins is recognised as a wealth (mal) and subject to zakat by State Fatwa Committee of Perlis. Hence, this paper aims to discover the inheritability of bitcoin according to Shariah in Perlis. As a result, this study employed a qualitative research approach by interview in order to discover the inheritability of bitcoin as a mal according to Shariah. Purposive sampling was used in the study. The finding of this study indicated that the existing fatwa on bitcoin is silent on the inheritance ruling of bitcoin. The researcher urged that this inheritance ruling must be tabled and gazetted by the state fatwa committee of Perlis in order to ensure the continuity of bitcoin to the next generation. Therefore, this study has contributed in comprehensive Shariah views behind the permissibility of Bitcoin in Perlis and provides some important policy implication for the regulator and state fatwa committee of Perlis to fulfil the lacuna in the fatwa related to bitcoin.
Klemens Katterbauer, Hassan Syed, Laurent Cleenewerck, Sema Yılmaz Genç
In recent years, a significant percentage of the population has engaged in the trade and use of cryptocurrencies, demonstrating the widespread interest in the field. The usefulness of cryptocurrencies as an option to fiat currency is one of the most pressing issues that arise. The fiat money system is primarily reliant on commercial banks, which require bank accounts to process individual payments. The legality of cryptocurrencies has been susceptible to subjective interpretation, and this research presents a new objective AI methodology for determining whether currencies comply with Sharia. The framework consists of an unsupervised BIRCH clustering method that allows for the grouping of volatilities and logarithmic returns based on a variety of periodic data. The approach gave a solid rationale for deciding automatically which cryptocurrency may not comply with Sharia law. The results indicate that, over longer time intervals, the volatility of various cryptocurrencies vary substantially. This permits the proper distinction between cryptocurrencies that comply with Sharia and those that do not. The methodology proposes an automated and data-driven method to objectively establish the Compliance with sharia of cryptocurrencies, enabling users to readily determine whether it is permitted to use such cryptocurrencies.
This paper takes into view the conditions that render an investment or transaction forbidden in Islam and relates them to cryptocurrencies through a literature research methodology. Furthermore, elements that exist in the cryptocurrency ecosystem such as tokens, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and cryptocurrency derivatives are assessed to check as to whether they are compatible with Islam. The difference between Bitcoin and its alternatives is also recognized by analyzing their underlying technology and how they could be a major tool in defining whether or not a cryptocurrency falls in the Islamic permissibility criteria. It concludes that although the technology of cryptocurrencies in itself is permissible; different aspects contribute in deciding whether the specific digital currency in question is permissible or forbidden. Future research is needed on a couple of key issues related to Proof of Stake protocol which has been discussed.
This study aims to provide a scientific contribution to the feasibility of metal backed cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange to pay zakat. To understand the dynamics and mechanisms of metal backed cryptocurrencies, the autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity and generalized conditional heteroscedasticity (Arch Garch) methods were used. The metal backed cryptocurrencies used for this research are Bitcoin Gold, GoldFinch, Gold Coin, Digix Gold Token, E-Dinar Coin, Gold-Money, and E-Gold. Our analysis finds that even though these are metal backed cryptocurrencies, the volatility is high. Gold-Money has a long-term volatility 67 times higher than the volatility of gold, while E-Gold has eight times the volatility of gold. As a result, due to high levels of volatility, metal backed cryptocurrencies are not suitable as a medium for zakat payment.
Norlaila Mazura Hj. Mohaiyadin, Aini Aman, Mohd Rizal Palil, Suzana Muhamad Said
This study identifies how blockchain technology can address accountability and transparency challenges in waqf management system by using institutional theory and Islamic institutional logic. An interpretative qualitative research approach is employed, with case studies of Malaysian public university waqf administrators, and data analysis is performed using open, axial, and selective coding. The findings suggest that in terms of coercive isomorphism there are two transparency challenges related to blockchain solutions in the waqf management system: 1) errors in the issuance of receipts (process), which are expected to be overcome by blockchain solutions in the form of individual network technology and ID identifiers; and 2) difficulties in waqf distribution (process), which are predicted to be solved by blockchain solutions in the form of controlling tools, public ledgers, and obtaining waqf distribution data. In normative isomorphism, there are two accountability challenges with blockchain solutions in the waqf management system: 1) difficulties in controlling waqf activities (process), which are expected to be overcome by blockchain solutions which allow internal control; and 2) decisions on waqf distribution (output), which should be solved by blockchain solutions which allow awareness among stakeholders of waqf distribution. In mimetic isomorphism, there is one accountability challenge in the process which has blockchain solutions in the waqf management system, namely system integration, which is predicted to be overcome by a blockchain solution related to traceability. The contributions of the study include extending institutional theory and Islamic institutional logic, and providing blockchain best practices for waqf institutions in addressing accountability and transparency challenges.
To this date, technology has seen massive development and, it influences the economic field. The emergence of the metaverse has become an inevitable part of this progress. It serves as a digital world, wherein everyone is able carry out a vast array of activities, including economic transactions. The emergence of digital assets, that has encouraged serious discussion, is inseparable from Islamic law. One of these digital assets is the Non-Fungible Token (NFT). This digital asset is the focus of this study, specifically on for its posibility to become material guarantees. This article employs a qualitative study and presented descriptively through the perspective of Islamic law. The result of this study is that the pledged-object (marhūn) has certain primary conditions for it to be functional, namely: it is a property, it has value, it can be traded, its asset value is clearly known, and it is actually owned by the guarantor (rāhin). The concept of marhūn as a valuable object ultimately answers that NFT is included in the marhūn category. However, since NFTs do not stand alone if the transaction currency used in the metaverse is cryptocurrencies, al-rahn transactions using NFTs become less favourable considering Cyrptocurrency is deemed to be haram.
From days of simple barter to the age of digital entries, the evolution of money is proof of a human sense of resourcefulness. Besides the universal acceptance of money as wealth, conventionally it is regarded as a commodity and according to Islamic jurisprudence, though money is used as a medium of exchange and store of value, it cannot be sold at a price higher than its face value or rented out. There has recently been increasing work on the position of commodity money and fiat money in the context of Islamic finance theories and commodity markets. Whereas traditional fiat currency plays a vital role in the socio-economy, digital or cryptocurrency starts to persuade the world economy under the ledger technology. Unlike fiat money, the cryptocurrency spectrum today, under its extreme configuration, intends to offer remarkable opportunities. The conventional works that have provided several studies on the impacts of cryptocurrency in the financial services industry and commodity markets, proportionate to the analysis of the classification of wealth pertaining to digital currencies in order to review the relationship between crypto-token and crypto-commodity. There have been few responses from the Islamic perspective, but not particularly in the light of Maqāsid. Therefore, the paper explores the nature of wealth and the principles involved in the acquisition and protection, and classification of wealth according to Maqāsid al-Shari’ah. With particular reference to a treatise of Maqāsid, the paper investigates five simultaneous characteristics and objectives of wealth deliberated by Ibn Ashur (2001). The last part of the paper analyzes the relationship between the five characteristics of wealth and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, such as tokens, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and cryptocurrency derivatives, to review the research opportunities to propose a more comprehensively sound study in the Maqasid framework.
Arinda Mentari Putri, Sylviana Maya Damayanti, Raden Aswin Rahadi
The Covid-19 pandemic is causing the digital economy to expand quickly. The development of Islamic finance employing Islamic financial technology should see this technology and the burgeoning digital economy as a problem and an opportunity. One of the most sophisticated acceleration development products is blockchain, and become Islamic finance’s most challenging product. There are still pros and cons to using blockchain in Islamic financial products. In terms of transparency and high trust level, the value of blockchain is similar to those of Islamic financial value. It’s critical to have this opportunity to speed up Islamic finance development. The main problem is that there are still very limited studies about Islamic finance and blockchain. With this study, we will conduct a bibliometric analysis of the publications we published from 2012-2022 about Islamic finance and blockchain through Scopus and google scholar. This study uses the Vos viewer program to see the number of publications, co-authorship authors, co-authorship institutions, co-authorship countries, and keywords. In Scopus, only 24 papers have discussed Islamic finance and blockchain in the last ten years. However, there are more papers on google scholar, but they are still not as specified as in Scopus. There are still many opportunities to have more research in this field.
Waqf assets are assets that can be utilized for the benefit of the people. Currently, there are many waqf asset management using internet-based Waqf Information Systems. However, the database used by the system is generally centralized, so it is prone to data manipulation. Each waqf entity has its data, causing data differences between waqf entities. This study aims to provide the concept of waqf asset management using Blockchain technology and Smart Contracts. The method is a qualitative analysis method with secondary data from various kinds of literature, study journals, and reports published by the government and related agencies. This study concludes that the concept of waqf asset management based on Blockchain technology and Smart contracts can facilitate the management of waqf assets, both movable and immovable assets. In addition, it can increase data transparency between nadzhir, wakif, and waqf regulators and minimize data manipulation. The role of regulators such as the Ministry of Religion, BWI, and BI is needed to create regulations that support the implementation of waqf management based on Blockchain technology and Smart Contract.
Julia Ayu Widhiarti, Debby Arisandi, Miti Yarmunida
Cryptocurrency is one of the many digitalization phenomena that now exist and being hot issue among people around the world. The existence of cryptocurrency raises a question in the society, especially among the muslims related to how its law of Islam is. Therefore, this qualitative research aimed at finding out the how far the understanding that people in Bengkulu’s City have about cryptocurrency, how the cryptocurrency system is and its law of Islam. To answer that question, the researcher interviewed several samples, which is from Industry and Trade Office of Bengkulu Province, and 20 samples from the people of Selebar District, Bengkulu City. As a result, it was found that from 20 community samples, only 9/20 or 45% stated that they knew about cryptocurrency, while the 11/20 or 55% remaining stated that they didn’t know. Also 2/20 or 10% of the samples said that they had invested on cryptocurrency, while 18/20 or 90% remaining said that they had not. In addition, the research also found out that cryptocurrency transactions contains at least 2 things that are prohibited in Islam, so it’s illegal.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rather underbanked and heavily reliant on foreign migrant workers when compared to other regions in the world. With the rapid expansion in digitalization, online payment solutions, and mobile phone penetration, startups, particularly fintech, are playing a large role in supporting the financial inclusion of migrants and, potentially, refugees into the formal financial system. This chapter will look at the main trends in financial inclusion in the MENA region and how fintechs play a crucial role in the remittance market. It will also look at how governments, regulators, financial institutions, and investors provide policy and financial support to scale these initiatives. Fintechs largely depend on particular technologies that provide low-cost, scalable solutions, such as in the MENA region cover remittance services, as cross-border financial transactions are among the largest requirements for migrants who need to send money back to their families and countries of origin. As this is an emerging area, several case studies of fintechs in the MENA region, working on technologies such as e-remittances, digital identification solutions, blackchain and distributed ledgers, insuretech, and mobile money and payment solutions to provide financial inclusion to migrant workers will be covered.
Innovations in economic activities are developing rapidly in this digital era. One of such innovations is the emergence of cryptocurrencies as new products in digital transactions. Cryptocurrencies can be used in the form of commodities or currencies. However, some cases related to cryptocurrencies have occurred in several countries. Given this fact, it is considered necessary to have a halal cryptocurrency formulation within the maqashid al-shari’ah frame. The analysis used in the research of a halal cryptocurrency model under the maqashid al-shari’ah scheme is descriptive-analytical in nature and complies with the ushuliyyah approach. In this model, a guarantor and a supervisor from the side of the Government are essential to eliminating the potential for chaos to occur. This model pays attention to ethical compliance with maqashid al-shari’ah which also has the principles of al-tabarruat. This application of maqashid al-shari’ah will be able to provide a framework for a cryptocurrency model that is in accordance with Islamic law. This model will also generate benefits and create quality economic growth.
Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a digital asset based on blockchain, in the form of a unique certificate or token in digital form that cannot be replaced with another, which is unique and immutable and represents ownership of an asset. NFT has many benefits, especially in economy, so, NFT used as a medium for many social activities. On the other hand, Islam strongly supports social activities, one of which is waqf instruments. The characteristics of NFT which are enduring and have long-term economic benefits, are compatible with the concept of waqf. However, as a new innovation, NFT has not been widely studied according to sharia, especially as object of waqf.
 On that basis, this study tries to explore whether NFT can be used as an object of waqf and create a concept for it. Therefore, this research is included in normative legal research, and using a conceptual approach and analytical descriptive analysis.
 And result of this study is: 1) in terms of fiqh, NFT can be used as a waqf object as well as copyright as a waqf object, of course with due regard to the three halalness foundation of the NFT and the fulfillment of its requirements for the object of waqf. 2) In practice, wakif for NFT is the creator, while mauquf is in the form of copyright contained in the NFT which is owned by the creator, and the proceeds will be donated to mauquf 'alaih in the form of royalties that arise from the copyright.
Purpose This paper aims to examine the existing practice of accepting zakat payments using cryptocurrencies and crypto assets by discussing its Shariah issues. Design/methodology/approach This is qualitative research in nature, as unstructured interviews with experts in the field were conducted to understand the existing practice regarding zakat on cryptocurrencies/crypto assets while literature on the topic was reviewed to derive conclusions. Findings It is found that there are divergent views among contemporary Shariah scholars on the Shariah permissibility of cryptocurrency and crypto assets. As such, by evaluating the existing practices of some companies, this study has concluded that there is room to pay zakat using cryptocurrencies and from investments made on crypto assets. As long as they have been screened and classified as Shariah-compliant, they can be qualified to be part of one’s wealth from which zakat shall be paid. However, the findings of this research shall be subject to the fatwa and rules adopted in the specific jurisdiction in which the zakat payer resides. Laws made by the ruler to benefit the public ought to be considered in upholding the masalih (public interests) of all, which is in line with the legal maxim of “tasarruf al imam manut bi al-maslahah” (the ruler’s decision is dictated in favor of the people). Originality/value It is anticipated that the findings of this research will benefit zakat organizations and zakat payers in understanding how they should deal with cryptocurrencies and crypto assets in the collection and payment of zakat.
Muslehuddin Musab Mohammed, Nida Tabassum Khan, Tabrez Ahmad
Abstract: The climate change is one of the biggest problems that humanity is facing and there is a dearth of solutions in tackling this grave impediment to the long-term sustainability of our planet. Accountability, greenwashing, traceability, impact assessment and trading of carbon credits are unresolved issues in the ESG sector. The paper aims at identifying the opportunity for Islamic finance by reviewing the novel business model of DCarbonX, a Decentralized Application (DApp) that solves the enumerated problems using NFTs on the blockchain platform through smart contracts. The paper combined the inductive method and descriptive approach to describe the functional architecture of DCarbonX, while elaborating on its salient features and highlighting opportunity in sustainable finance for Islamic finance players. The paper encompasses a study on the applications of DApps in DeFi, Web 3.0 and ESG, among other areas and gives a comparative analysis of blockchain platforms for DApp development. The paper concluded that there is a harmony in the SDGs and the primary goals of Maqasid al-Shariah. The blockchain platforms can be utilized to develop DApps for solving the issues related ESG and climate change. The Islamic finance can seize the untapped opportunity in blockchain based solutions for climate change by launching the DApps in the domains of Capital Market (like green Sukuk), Embedded Finance, Takaful, NFTs, RegTech, and SupTech. Keywords: Blockchain, DApp, DCarbonX, Climate Change, Carbon Market, NFT, Islamic Finance.
Abstract Individuals in low-income countries often contribute significantly to financing local public goods through informal taxation. However, there is limited understanding of how informal revenue generation relates to formal tax and governing institutions. We explore the relationship between informal revenue generation, public finance, and the state in the Gedo region in south-central Somalia, relying on original data from surveys with 2,300 households and 117 community leaders. Our evidence shows that informal revenue generation by non-armed actors in Gedo is prevalent, with informal payments deeply embedded within clan-based and Islamic institutions and rooted in a long history of decentralized political authority and self-reliance in the region. We argue that in such a context, rather than explaining how or why things ‘work’ outside of the state, it may be more relevant and valuable to consider decentralized non-state public authority as the default referent, with a need only to explain the puzzle of pockets of state effectiveness. Governance largely operates outside the state, with citizens playing a pivotal role in directly financing local governance institutions and public goods provision. These findings have important implications for our understanding of statehood and public finance in contexts of weak formal institutions.
BadamasiSani Mohammed, Sule Ya’u Hayewa, Hussaini Shuaibu, Nuruddeen Mahmud Bunu
With the iconic move of demonetization, a drastic change is seen in the payment methods of the people. Now, the government wants its citizens to adopt new methods, thus, Nigeria has also triggered its next move to usher itself into the era. Therefore the aim of this paper is to examine the effect of cryptocurrency on inflation in Nigeria. The paper applied Vector Auto-regression (VAR) to analyze multivariate time series data for the period of 2009Q1 to 2021Q4. The finding from impulse response shows that, cryptocurrency account for a positive response to inflation in the first three periods and a negative response in the remaining periods, while money supply account a positive response throughout the periods. However, the results from variance decomposition show that cryptocurrency account for little variation in the inflation throughout the periods but money supply account for high variations of the inflation. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that, in order to reduce the level of inflation in the country, money supply should be curtailed by the monetary authority. Keywords: Cryptocurrency, Inflation, Money supply, Vector Auto-regression
At the global level, trust funds (TF) have emerged from a portfolio of options as an alternative financing mechanism to help countries finance their sustainability agendas. Indonesia recently enacted wide-ranging legal arrangements on TF, including a law that encourages all sub-national governments to implement their own TF endowment model and a government regulation pertaining to special autonomy for sub-national jurisdictions in Papua for the implementation of TF – both of which enable TF to finance intended sustainability outcomes. Sustainability is of high-priority concern as the provinces of Papua and West Papua are responsible for stewardship of one of the world’s largest remaining rainforests, which is especially rich in biodiversity. These provinces operate under special autonomy, with special funds allocated from the central government and a decentralized arrangement that differs substantially to the unitary state arrangement applied nationwide; this poses challenges to implementing TF for sustainability in Indonesian Papua. In this paper, we examine TF challenges related to legality, finance, and capacity; moreover, in the context of these challenges, we assess three focus areas related to sources of funding, management, and distribution of earnings. We also discuss the implications these challenges have for operationalizing TF in Papua. This paper contributes to discussions on TF for sustainability by interlinking legal, financial, and capacity-related issues, demonstrated by a context-specific and globally relevant case study in Papua.
Akeel Dakheel Kareem, Abdul Jabbar Alwan Jabr, Waad Hadi
Purpose: The research aims at showing the accounting systems applied in the Iraqi environment and knowing the legal framework for transferring powers which is the most prominent of which is the most important provisions of Law No. (19) of 2013. Theoretical Framework: The process of transferring powers from ministries to governorates may be accompanied by many legal, political, administrative and financial issues. In the process of researching administrative and financial matters, the Law No. (19) for the year 2013 which is the last amendment to the process of transferring authority, specified a body called (the supreme coordination committee between the governorates) headed by a president, a council of ministers and the membership of ministers (Municipalities and Public Works, Construction and Housing, Labor and Social Affairs, Education, Health, Planning, Agriculture, Finance, Sports and Youth) and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper is divided into four sections. The first section is the research methodology and previous studies, while the second section contains the theoretical framework the concepts of accounting systems in the light of the Iraqi environment. The third section presents the practical aspect of the research. Finally, the most important conclusions and recommendations are shown in the fourth section. Findings: The results show the availability of systems accounting after transfer powers information accounting with high efficiency. Additionally, the effectiveness and the existence of a significant effect relationship between transfer powers and unite products systems accounting. Research Practical& Social implication: Governors and Heads of provincial councils consider transferring powers from the center to local administrations, and in their appropriations allocated in the budget as well as approving the accounts applied in those departments affiliated to the ministries differ in the accounting systems. Some of them use the unified accounting system, and the other uses the central government accounting system. On the other hand, the local administrations use the decentralized government accounting system to achieve the objectives of the research filed. Implications/Originality/Value: Identification the accounting treatments after the process of transferring powers and their impact on the applied accounting systems. The research aims at teasting the main hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the transfer of powers and quality the information accounting through the mediating role of unification products systems accounting.
Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between blockchain technology adoption and firm competitiveness through Halal supply chain performance as a mediating variable. Design/methodology/approach This paper has used the explanatory approach and multivariate data analysis using partial least squares with structural equation modelling. The data were collected from 178 Indonesian manufacturing firms producing Halal-certified foods and beverages. Findings The findings reveal that adopting blockchain technology positively and significantly affects Halal supply chain performance and firm competitiveness. The total indirect effect shows that the availability of blockchain technology indirectly affects the firm’s competitiveness through Halal supply chain performance. Originality/value This study has provided a novel theoretical framework showing that adopting blockchain technology can improve the Halal supply chain performance and the firm’s competitiveness. The transparency and integrity features of blockchain technology have strengthened the consumers’ confidence in the reliability of the Halal-certified food and beverage products.