The concept of wealth (mal) in the shari ah and its relation to digital assets
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2022
Abstract
The study aims to address the concept of wealth from the perspective of the Shari'ah and its relationship to contemporary digital assets such as cryptocurrency (Bitcoin). The qualitative research approach is adopted for this research. The data is collected from several resources such as books, journal articles, reports, conferences papers, and websites. The data is analyzed through an explanatory research approach by providing scholars' opinions and their arguments on the subject matter. The findings of this study show that Shari'ah provides certain conditions to consider something as asset or currency from the Shari'ah perspective. In regard to cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), the Shari'ah rules vary based on the types of cryptocurrencies and whether cryptocurrency meets the conditions to be considered as currency or assets. Moreover, either cryptocurrency is an asset or currency, it should not contravene any Shari'ah laws, such as ribs (interest) and gharar (uncertainty). Since Shari'ah does not limit the currency to dirhams and dinars, Bitcoin can be considered as an alternative to the current currencies in a digital form. This would enable financial markets to move faster and secure transaction methods in the future. The policymakers might find this study beneficial to issue new guidelines and policy documents. The findings of the study might be interesting for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors to have a deeper understanding of cryptocurrency from the Shari'ah viewpoint.
Keywords
Wealth, Digital assets, Shari'ah, Cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin
Divisions
AcademyofIslamicStudies,Faculty_of_Business_and_Accountancy
Funders
Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme [Grant No: FRGS/1/2020/SSI0/UM/02/19]
Publication Title
Sage Open
Volume
12
Issue
2
Publisher
SAGE Publications Inc
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA