Faith and Cryptocurrency: Chinese Muslim Bitcoiners in the Global Digital Economy

Abstract: This article examines how Chinese Muslim bitcoin entrepreneurs navigate the tensions between tradition and modernity, religion and secularism, as they respond to shifting state policies in China and the dominance of the Western global financial system. Situated at the intersection of Chinese and Islamic civilizations, these entrepreneurs chart alternative paths to economic modernity while grappling with the constraints of traditional Islamic finance. Drawing on in-depth interviews, the analysis reveals how they construct narratives that challenge both European secularity and Sino-centric uniformity, asserting unique ethical and moral standings in the global economy. These entrepreneurs are simultaneously contained and strengthened by their religious traditions, using their faith as a resource to engage with emerging digital technologies and redefine their roles within a secular financial system. By situating their experiences within broader patterns of Islamic reform and global economic shifts, this article highlights the intersection of faith, technology, and economic autonomy, offering a nuanced understanding of contemporary Muslim subjectivities.