Author: Darulfunun Institute

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the fields of Islamic Social Finance (ISF) and Sustainable Development. However, these fields have been considered separately, lacking an integrated approach that emphasizes the role of Da’wah as a tool for transformative change for the ethical and social betterment of society. Such fragmentation ignores the broader perspective of Maqasid al-Shariah which aspires not only for material progress, but also for the moral, social and complete human flourishing (falah). This article aims to utilize the Maqasid al-Shariah framework as the normative and strategic tool which integrates Islamic Social Finance, Da’wah, and Sustainable Development as a unified model for development. Adopting a qualitative doctrinal methodology utilizing thematic analysis of the Qur’an, Sunnah, classic juristic and contemporary literatures, this study analyzes how zakah, waqf, sadaqah, qard al-hasan, Da’wah institutions and sustainable development practices play complementary roles in achieving Maqasid al-Shariah. This study argued that Islamic Social Finance should not be understood merely as poverty alleviation but rather as a catalyst for change which works alongside Da’wah as interconnected mechanisms for enhancing human dignity, social justice, ethical reform and social well-being for human beings and the protection of the environment for future generation. The Maqasid-based conceptual framework of Islamic development is presented for policy makers to govern and manage institution towards preserving and protecting: the religion, the life, the intellect, the lineage, the wealth, the dignity, the justice, and the environment. The paper conclude that an integration of ethical transformation and Islamic social Finance under the canopy of the Maqasid al-Shariah, would represent a more holistic approach to sustainable development than models solely focused on economic progress, and thus contributing to the ongoing debate on the Islamic development theory and practice.

In the context of present-day challenges in the Muslim world such as erosion of social cohesion, growing moral decay, loss of public confidence, family disruption, disengagement among youth, and widening socio-economic disparities, while much attention has been focused on waqf as an institution to fight poverty, expand education, promote healthcare, and economic empowerment, relatively little work has been done on its function as a civilizational vehicle to reinstate morality and rekindle social bonds. This article, therefore, puts forward an argument for viewing the waqf not as just a pious endowment but as a resilient institutional form that can serve to restore the ethical values and rebuild social solidarity in Muslim communities. Through an extensive library research of classical literature on Islamic history of waqf, and its contemporary research on Maqasid al-Shariah, social capital, community building, etc, this study establishes that waqf has throughout Islamic history been utilized to enhance education, strengthen families, build trust among the general public, reinforce a sense of citizenship, preserve the environment, strengthen collective identity, etc, beyond mere economic well-being. The article then outlines a Value-Centred Waqf Framework to position waqf as a multi-dimensional tool for reinculcating values, rekindling social ties, enhancing public service, and contributing to sustainable development of Muslim communities. Ultimately, this article concludes that a regeneration of waqf by its higher objectives in the Shariah provides a viable practical approach for strengthening Muslim communities from the bottom-up so they can better navigate the social challenges they face in the current global era.

The rapid digital transformation and proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping global retail landscapes, opening a new opportunities for efficiency, personal service, and value creation in the long run. Yet, this digital revolution in the retail sector poses significant challenges related to ethical purchasing, inclusive engagement, and sustainable financing for small and community-based businesses. In this context, Islamic social finance offers an alternative ethical blueprint to reconcile technology innovation with social equity and inclusive economic growth. This article explores innovative models of waqf (Islamic endowments) to cater the ethical demands of a sustainable and socially conscious digital retail ecosystem supported by AI and responsible business practices. The paper outline a new synergy between AI-enabled retail technologies, ethical retailing principles, and waqf-based financing schemes. Specifically, examine how AI applications such as predictive analytics, demand forecasting, digital marketplaces, and intelligent supply chain management could increase transparency, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiencies in retail settings. When coupled with waqf-backed financing instruments, these innovations could provide lasting capital and infrastructural support to small retailers, social entrepreneurs, and low-income entrepreneurs that often lack access to mainstream funding. This article proposes a Waqf-AI Ethical Retail Framework, supported by theoretical foundations and cross-disciplinary evidence drawn from a growing corpus of real-world applications in fintech, Islamic philanthropy, and ethical retail ventures. It illustrates how digital waqf platforms, intelligent retail analytics powered by AI, and robust socially responsible governance structures could be coordinated to establish sustainable retail ecosystems that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. The research believes to contributes to the discourse on responsible digital transformation by highlighting the confluence of AI, ethical retail, and Islamic social finance. It draws attention to waqf’s transformative potential as an institution capable of driving innovation-based retail solutions while advancing the broader sustainable development agenda.

This study aims to analyze the continuity and transformation of the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) education system through a historical study of Islamic education during the Abbasid Dynasty and to examine its relevance in the context of contemporary Islamic education. This study uses a qualitative approach with library research, integrating historical and analytical-critical approaches. Data were obtained from relevant primary and secondary literature, then analyzed using content analysis and interpretative techniques. The results show that the Abbasid education system has a fundamental role as the historical foundation of Islamic education, especially in the aspects of the integration of science, institutions, and intellectual traditions. In the context of Islamic boarding schools, there is continuity in aspects of learning methodology, scientific authority, and the use of classical texts, which are inherited through a process of adaptation and contextualization. On the other hand, Islamic boarding schools also experienced transformations in aspects of institutions, curriculum, and learning methods in response to the dynamics of modernity. The main findings of this study confirm that the relationship between continuity and transformation is dialectical, where both complement each other in forming a dynamic education system. The implications of this study demonstrate the importance of developing an integrative Islamic education model, balancing the preservation of tradition and innovation.

This study aims to analyze the continuity and transformation of the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) education system through a historical study of Islamic education during the Abbasid Dynasty and to examine its relevance in the context of contemporary Islamic education. This study uses a qualitative approach with library research, integrating historical and analytical-critical approaches. Data were obtained from relevant primary and secondary literature, then analyzed using content analysis and interpretative techniques. The results show that the Abbasid education system has a fundamental role as the historical foundation of Islamic education, especially in the aspects of the integration of science, institutions, and intellectual traditions. In the context of Islamic boarding schools, there is continuity in aspects of learning methodology, scientific authority, and the use of classical texts, which are inherited through a process of adaptation and contextualization. On the other hand, Islamic boarding schools also experienced transformations in aspects of institutions, curriculum, and learning methods in response to the dynamics of modernity. The main findings of this study confirm that the relationship between continuity and transformation is dialectical, where both complement each other in forming a dynamic education system. The implications of this study demonstrate the importance of developing an integrative Islamic education model, balancing the preservation of tradition and innovation.

This study analyzes Batusangkar Religious Court Decision No. 129/Pdt.P/2024/PA-Bsk, which simultaneously rejected a request for marriage confirmation (isbat nikah) but granted a request to determine the child’s status as legitimate. This case is interesting because it reflects the tension between the principle of legal certainty of marriage and the protection of children’s rights in religious court practice in Indonesia. This study used a qualitative, analytical, and descriptive approach with field research methods. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the three judges who heard the case and the applicants. In addition, the researcher analyzed the decision documents and case files. Secondary data came from the Marriage Law, the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI), Constitutional Court Decision No. 46/PUU-VII/2010, literature on munakahat fiqh (jurisprudence), and the concept of maqashid sharia. The results indicate that the panel of judges rejected the marriage confirmation request because the applicants’ marriage violated the provisions prohibiting marriage as stipulated in Article 40 (a) of the KHI in conjunction with Article 9 of Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage. One of the parties is still bound by a previous marriage, potentially leading to the practice of polyandry and undermining the sanctity of the institution of marriage. Nevertheless, the judge granted the child’s status as legitimate, primarily considering the child’s best interests and the principle of welfare (maslahah). The judge argued that the child should not be held responsible for the parents’ mistakes. This granting of the child’s status provides legal certainty for the child to obtain a birth certificate, family card, rights to maintenance, guardianship, and inheritance rights. This decision represents a harmony between positive legal certainty and the maqasid sharia, particularly hifz al-nasl (protection of offspring). This study concludes that the judge applied a progressive and humane approach in resolving the conflict between the validity of the marriage and the protection of children’s rights.

This study analyzes Batusangkar Religious Court Decision No. 129/Pdt.P/2024/PA-Bsk, which simultaneously rejected a request for marriage confirmation (isbat nikah) but granted a request to determine the child’s status as legitimate. This case is interesting because it reflects the tension between the principle of legal certainty of marriage and the protection of children’s rights in religious court practice in Indonesia. This study used a qualitative, analytical, and descriptive approach with field research methods. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the three judges who heard the case and the applicants. In addition, the researcher analyzed the decision documents and case files. Secondary data came from the Marriage Law, the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI), Constitutional Court Decision No. 46/PUU-VII/2010, literature on munakahat fiqh (jurisprudence), and the concept of maqashid sharia. The results indicate that the panel of judges rejected the marriage confirmation request because the applicants’ marriage violated the provisions prohibiting marriage as stipulated in Article 40 (a) of the KHI in conjunction with Article 9 of Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage. One of the parties is still bound by a previous marriage, potentially leading to the practice of polyandry and undermining the sanctity of the institution of marriage. Nevertheless, the judge granted the child’s status as legitimate, primarily considering the child’s best interests and the principle of welfare (maslahah). The judge argued that the child should not be held responsible for the parents’ mistakes. This granting of the child’s status provides legal certainty for the child to obtain a birth certificate, family card, rights to maintenance, guardianship, and inheritance rights. This decision represents a harmony between positive legal certainty and the maqasid sharia, particularly hifz al-nasl (protection of offspring). This study concludes that the judge applied a progressive and humane approach in resolving the conflict between the validity of the marriage and the protection of children’s rights.

Marriage in Islam is viewed as a sacred and strong bond, or mitsaqan ghalidzan. However, in Indonesian social reality, the practice of divorce under the hand or outside the courts is still common. This phenomenon triggers serious legal problems due to the legal vacuum regarding the isbat talak regulation in the national legal system. Without formal state approval, the legal status of wives and children is often neglected, resulting in the loss of post-divorce rights such as custody, maintenance, and access to civil registration. This research uses a normative juridical approach through a comparative study of family law in Indonesia with regulations in Egypt and Morocco. Theoretically, the analysis is based on legal theory as a means of societal renewal and the theory of legal positivization to transform religious norms into written positive law. Furthermore, the Maqasid Syari’ah perspective is used to ensure that each proposed regulation aligns with the goal of protecting the interests of religion, life, descendants, intellect, and property for Muslim families. The research findings indicate that Indonesia urgently needs to strengthen the regulation of divorce confirmation (isbat talak) to bridge the dualism between the religious validity of divorce and the legality of state administration. A comparison with Egypt and Morocco found that integrating stricter regulations regarding divorce ratification can provide greater legal certainty for the public. This strengthening measure is considered a strategic solution to create legal order and guarantee the constitutional rights of family members, who have been vulnerable to uncertainty. In conclusion, strengthening the regulation of divorce confirmation (isbat talak) through positive law is an urgent need to achieve legal justice for families in Indonesia. Transforming Islamic legal norms into national legislation will ensure that legal protection for wives and children is no longer partial, but comprehensive and formally binding. Thus, the purpose of marriage, which is to create welfare, can be maintained even if the union ends in divorce.

This study aims to analyse the use of interactive digital learning media at primary school level, examine its impact on pupils’ learning motivation, and identify the factors influencing the effectiveness of its use. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research, in which data were obtained from various academic sources, including journal articles, academic books, and relevant research reports. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis to identify patterns, relationships, and trends in findings related to the use of interactive digital media in learning. The results of the study indicate that interactive digital learning media contribute significantly to enhancing students’ learning motivation through the presentation of interactive, multimodal, and contextual material, thereby encouraging active engagement and strengthening intrinsic motivation. However, the effectiveness of its use is influenced by various factors, including teachers’ digital and pedagogical competencies, the availability of technological infrastructure, the quality of media design, as well as policy support and the school environment. The implications of this research underscore the importance of systematically planning and implementing interactive digital media in accordance with pedagogical principles in order to achieve optimal learning outcomes. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive synthesis of the latest literature, which provides a holistic perspective on the role of interactive digital media in enhancing primary school pupils’ motivation to learn, as well as serving as a conceptual foundation for the development of innovative and adaptive learning strategies

The rapid spread of fintech innovation, digital transformation, and platform-based economies is transforming global socioeconomic systems, necessitating a rethinking of educational curricula to prepare students for participation in a technologically advanced society. However, in many developing countries, curricular frameworks remain fragmented, with little integration of ethical underpinnings, civic knowledge, and global communication skills. This study suggests an interdisciplinary curriculum reform approach that combines Islamic Studies, Social Studies, and English Language Education to meet the rising demands of the digital economy. The study suggests that digital economic participation should prioritize sustainability and social cohesion, based on the ethical principles of Islamic moral economy, including justice (ʿadl), trust (amānah), and social responsibility in finance. Social Studies provides critical viewpoints on globalization, citizenship, digital governance, and sustainable development, whilst English Language Education teaches pupils the communicative and digital literacy skills required for global fintech involvement and cross-border collaboration. The paper uses a qualitative conceptual framework supported by curriculum analysis and interdisciplinary theory to outline solutions for incorporating financial literacy, ethical fintech awareness, sustainability education, and professional communication skills into secondary and postsecondary curricula. The suggested approach encourages value-driven digital competency, ethical innovation, and equitable engagement in global financial systems. By navigating the nexus of fintech innovation, sustainability, and society, this study advances a holistic educational paradigm that aligns moral economy principles with digital transformation goals, contributing to resilient and ethically grounded human capital development in a globalized world.

Community-based tourism is increasingly considered as a new engine for sustainable development; However the sustainability of community based tourism relies on the effectiveness of funding, the good governance and the active involvement of local community. This paper examines the role of Waqf (Islamic endowment) in sustainable community-based tourism and aims to quantify the contributions of Waqf in poverty alleviation, education and capacity building, social cohesion among the communities of the destinations, etc. Using various sources from Islamic finance, tourism sustainability and socio-economic development literature, the paper integrates and synthesizes available case studies and empirical data for showing the role of Waqf in establishing community-based tourism sustainable livelihoods while promoting responsible behavior and involvement of all the stakeholders involved. The paper will then address issues on the governance of Waqf in tourism related activities, its transparency, mechanisms of benefit distribution. Ultimately the study can then prove that community-based tourism through Waqf is a major engine for the socio-economic development, local communities’ empowerment while preserving cultural and environment heritage of the destinations, as well as a powerful device for connecting the logic of moral economy to modern business practices. The research recommend here ways to strengthen Waqf contributions in sustainable development and we position Waqf not as a source of money, but as a catalyst for holistic community empowerment.

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Sustainable livelihood development is a major challenge facing many Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in developing countries where poverty and unemployment levels remain high. Microfinance is seen as one of the instruments used in poverty alleviation, but the method that involves lending money and earning profits (interest-based method) is facing criticisms based on Shara compliance issues. This paper proposes cash Waqf, an Islamic social finance instrument, to enhance the livelihoods options for vulnerable Muslims. As one form of Islamic endowment, cash Waqf is a flexible fund available for productive purposes and can be operated within the framework of Shara aims of wealth protection, social equity and reduction of poverty. Qualitative research is adopted in this study, focusing on doctrinal analysis of the literature on Islamic finance, along with empirical studies concerning Waqf and microfinance. This study analyzes the cases of cash Waqf in microfinance of Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh in relation to operational modes, governance and the relevant Shara-compliant financing products such as qard asan, murabah and murbaah used within a Waqf-based financing mechanism. The study reveals that merging cash Waqf with microfinance could expand financial inclusion for the needy, and could strengthen the sustainability of micro-enterprises. Yet, certain operational challenges such as inadequate governance, absence of regulatory frameworks, and lack of transparency needs to be overcome. The study proposes a conceptual framework for integrating cash Waqf, Islamic microfinance and sustainable solutions, where the participation of stakeholders and provision of a supportive environment and capacity building activities are necessary. The study concludes that integrating cash Waqf and microfinance provides a sustainable approach for livelihood development of Muslim communities, offering a sustainable solution to overcome economic challenges and promote socio-solidarity for inclusive development. The paper advances the existing literature in Islamic social finance concerning the study of Waqf as a modern socio-economic development tool and provides some findings and recommendations to scale up Waqf-based microfinance to meet the SDGs particularly Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth.

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This study investigates the relevance, transformation, and potential revival of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a foundation for moral economy and Islamic ethics in the context of modern capitalism. While traditional Islamic moral economics focuses on equitable wealth distribution and social welfare, current capitalist institutions frequently favor profit maximization, financialization, and market efficiency. This study looks critically at how waqf has historically reduced socioeconomic gaps and how its ideas might be used in modern economic systems to alleviate poverty, social exclusion, and market failures. The paper proposes a normative framework for incorporating waqf into ethical economic strategies that reconcile moral imperatives with capitalist realities, based on doctrinal analysis of Islamic legal texts, a review of contemporary scholarship on moral economy theory, and case studies of modern waqf initiatives. The findings suggest that waqf can serve as a long-term tool for community investment, social safety nets, and value-based economic resilience if legal reform, governance innovation, and ethical institutional frameworks are achieved. The article concludes by advocating policy and institutional options for reviving waqf within global economic systems while maintaining Islamic ethical integrity and modern market efficiency.

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, innovative financing mechanisms to support mitigation efforts have become increasingly urgent. This study investigates the potential role of waqf an Islamic endowment system in addressing climate change challenges in Northern Nigeria, a region that faces a number of environmental and climate challenges particularly in terms of environmental degradation and climatic variability. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including waqf administrators, community leaders, and environmental activists, alongside quantitative analysis of existing waqf funds and projects related to climate adaptation. Findings reveal that waqf funds can be effectively leveraged to support various climate change mitigation initiatives, such as afforestation, water conservation, and renewable energy projects. The study highlights several successful case studies where waqf-supported activities have enhanced local resilience and contributed to sustainable resource management. Furthermore, it identifies significant barriers to the implementation of environmentally focused waqf initiatives, including lack of awareness, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited community engagement. The paper proposes actionable recommendations to optimize the role of waqf in climate change mitigation, including enhancing legal structures to support environmental waqf, fostering collaboration between waqf institutions and environmental NGOs, and implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices within waqf management. Ultimately, this study advocates for a paradigm shift in the perception of waqf from a purely charitable endeavor to a comprehensive instrument for sustainability and climate resilience, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on integrating indigenous financial mechanisms into global climate change strategies.

This study looks into how women-led home-based businesses in Northern Nigeria operate in regard to Islamic household management concepts. In particular, it looks at how female entrepreneurs incorporate important Islamic principles like ?adl (justice), i?tid?l/?isr?f avoidance (moderation), and barakah (blessing) into their household and microbusiness management. In many Northern Nigerian villages, women are increasingly working in small-scale jobs including food processing, crafts, and tailoring to help support their families. While Islamic teachings provide a thorough framework for striking a balance between economic endeavours and household responsibilities, little empirical study has examined how women who own micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) really implement these concepts in their dual roles. In Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna States, a purposive sample of twenty women running home-based MSMEs in a variety of trades participated in a qualitative multiple-case research. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and the examination of personal and professional documents were used to gather data. To find trends in the distribution of profits, time management, resource allocation, and social duties, thematic analysis was used. The results show that women entrepreneurs’ daily choices are greatly influenced by Islamic values. Participants established shared-storage practices in line with Islamic moderation, prioritized halal sourcing, and reduced waste through group purchases. Maintaining balance between work, religion, and childcare was made easier by planning work schedules around daily prayers. With a methodical allocation to home needs, business reinvestment, zakat responsibilities, and voluntary charity, profit distribution techniques also mirrored Islamic standards of fairness. The study comes to the conclusion that Islamic household management concepts offer a useful moral and practical framework that improves the long-term viability of women-owned businesses. In Northern Nigeria, strengthening these practices through women-focused support programs, faith-based business training, and community microfinance can further foster local economic development and family resilience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming banking, accounting, auditing, risk management, and customer service operations. In Nigeria, the integration of AI into the financial sector presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This study examines the implications of AI adoption for professional development among Nigerian finance practitioners. Based on the frameworks of technological diffusion and human capital development, the research investigates how AI-driven tools like machine learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and predictive analytics are influencing financial practices and the skills required of professionals. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from finance professionals in selected Nigerian banks and fintech firms with qualitative interviews with regulators, educators, and technology experts. In addition to highlighting important opportunities like increased productivity, fraud detection, financial inclusion, and better decision-making, the findings are anticipated to point out significant obstacles like job displacement, ethical dilemmas, regulatory gaps, and a lack of professional AI literacy.  In order to create a workforce prepared for AI, the study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing professional development, curriculum change in finance and accounting education, and cooperative efforts between the government, business community, and professional associations. The study conclude that effective AI integration in Nigeria’s financial sector depends not only on the availability of technology but also on giving finance professionals the knowledge, moral compass, and flexible abilities they need to prosper in the age of digital transformation.

Human greed, carelessness, and a lack of moral concern for other living things have undermined the vital connection that exists between humans and the environment.  Pollution, deforestation, and careless garbage disposal are just a few examples of how far society has strayed from its moral obligation to protect the environment. The goal of this study is to investigate how moral and ethical principles can be applied to rectify environmentally harmful human attitudes. The study’s primary goal is to advance environmental ethics as a means of resurrecting human empathy and accountability for all living things. Using a qualitative approach, books, journal articles, passages from the Qur’an, and prophetic traditions emphasizing moral behaviour and earth stewardship were reviewed. Results show that environmental degradation is not just a physical problem but also a moral one brought on by ignorance, greed, and a lack of empathy.  According to the study, people are more inclined to preserve and defend the environment when they see it through the prism of humanity and divine trust.  Therefore, the work suggests that public awareness campaigns be used to support the inclusion of environmental ethics in moral and religious education at all levels.  It suggests that people, educators, and religious organizations collaborate to create a culture of environmental responsibility and compassion for all living things, concluding that true humanity is reflected in genuine care for the environment.