Examining the Adoptability of Cryptocurrency in the Islamic Financial System: Perspectives from Sharīʿah Scholars

This study explores the adoptability of cryptocurrency within the Islamicfinancial system, a topic of substantial debate among scholars and practitioners. Given thedecentralized nature of cryptocurrency, its acceptance within the conventional and Islamicfinancial systems presents unique challenges. To ascertain the legitimacy and possibleadoptability of cryptocurrency under Sharīʿah law, this paper employs qualitative researchmethods, using in-depth interviews of twenty-four Sharīʿah scholars. These scholars,selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques, possess expert knowledgeof both cryptocurrency and the Islamic financial system. The results revealed that theacceptability of cryptocurrency in Sharīʿah-compliant financial systems is contingent onits centralization and its function as a store of value, aligning with the objectives (maqasid)of Sharīʿah. Cryptocurrency's lack of intrinsic value necessitates its backing by a centralauthority or asset to mitigate risks and potential fraud. This research offers valuableinsights into the considerations required for cryptocurrencies' adoption in Islamic finance,contributing to the ongoing debate on their legitimacy under Sharīʿah law.