Islam and the Contemporary World

Islam and the Contemporary World

A Jurisprudential Analysis of Electronic Transactions: Aligning with Islamic Principles

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Mostafa Goleij
Nima Arzani
Islamic Seminary Researcher, Department of Jurisprudence and Tenet, Level 4, Qom Seminary, Qom, Iran.
10.22034/icwj.2025.520882.1036
Abstract
Electronic transactions, as one of the emerging phenomena in the contemporary era, have brought about significant changes in the economic and social spheres. These transactions, which are conducted through digital tools such as the internet, come with numerous opportunities and challenges. From the perspective of Shiite jurisprudence, evaluating the legitimacy and correctness of these transactions requires a thorough examination of the principles and rules of Shariʿa law. Issues such as offer and acceptance, digital ownership, and the permissibility of using digital currencies in this context are specifically analyzed. In this regard, key concepts such as the nature of electronic transactions and the general principles of Islamic jurisprudence in transactions are initially discussed. Then, the jurisprudential foundations, including offer and acceptance in the virtual environment, the monetary value of the subject matter of the transaction, and the adherence to the general conditions of contracts, are examined. Subsequently, challenges such as ambiguity (gharar) and legal issues related to digital currencies are analyzed, and solutions such as transparency of information and dynamic ijtihad are proposed. The results of this study indicate that by adhering to the correct principles for the validity of transactions and aligning jurisprudential rules with contemporary needs, many of the Shariʿa-related issues in electronic transactions can be resolved. Ultimately, the use of dynamic ijtihad and the development of jurisprudential regulations suited to modern conditions play a key role in resolving these challenges.
Keywords
Shiite jurisprudence
transactions
offer and acceptance
digital ownership
Subjects
The Holy Qurʾan.
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