Methodological construction of social accounting: ontology on Islamic social responsibility (ISR)

Purpose This study aims to explore the ontological aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) (the integration of conventional CSR with dimensions of CSR derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah), leading to the conceptualization of a methodological framework for Islamic social responsibility (ISR) or social accounting. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a qualitative approach, namely, a literature study, by conducting interpretative (content analysis) of texts in CSR books written by past scholars, annual reports of public companies in Indonesia in 2021, the Qur’an and Sunnah, using the Islamic rational burhani method and maqosyid sharia. Findings The research findings indicate that the ISR methodology can be developed by integrating or internalizing the elements of ayat kauniyah (existing CSR theories or concepts) with the CSR elements found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, using the Islamic rationalist approach and maqashid sharia methodology. Ontologically, the universe is the creation of the One and Only (monism), so every element within it has similarities and patterns that can be combined/integrated. The results of this ISR methodology are further referred to as the ISR methodology based on Monism (IMM). Research limitations/implications The study uses an interpretative paradigm by using rational reasoning and maqashid al-sharia when constructing the ISR methodology foundation, which may result in speculative values when implemented empirically. Therefore, further research is recommended to test this empirically or through experimentation. Practical implications The results of this study offer a new concept that can be used as a methodological foundation for developing ISR. The IMM positions social responsibility not only based on economic rationality but also considers social and religious motives, so that CSR can be implemented correctly in accordance with its original spirit and be more humanistic and egalitarian. Social implications The IMM produces CSR that is not only corporate-oriented but also stakeholder-oriented, thereby enhancing the value and effectiveness of CSR for society at large, with a humanistic and egalitarian content for society in a sustainable manner. Originality/value The distinction of this research is demonstrated by the integration procedure between conventional science (CSR) and Islamic science, which ontologically originates from a single monism of existence, namely, Allah SWT. The integration procedure involves the internalization of elements from kauliyah and kauniyah verses that share similarities and patterns, using the Islamic rationality of burhani and maqashid sharia.