Integrating Classical Thought and Digital Transformation as the Future Solution for Islamic Economics

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The integration of classical Islamic economic thought with modern digital economic developments offers a pathway to build an adaptive, fair, and sustainable financial system. This finding was revealed by Veta Lidya Delimah Pasaribu from Universitas Pamulang, alongside Euis Amalia and Desmadi Saharuddin from Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta, through a descriptive-analytical literature study published in the International Journal of Management Analytics in July 2026. This research is vital for addressing global economic inequality and ensuring Sharia compliance amidst technological disruptions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies.

Conventional economic systems dominated by capitalism and socialism have frequently failed to resolve issues of wealth disparity, financial crises, and the degradation of moral values. In this context, Islamic economics emerges as an alternative that goes beyond mere efficiency and growth to integrate moral, ethical, and spiritual values. Nevertheless, the digital era demands rapid adaptation through innovations like Islamic fintech, which simultaneously introduces new challenges concerning technology ethics, regulations, and Sharia compliance, such as speculative elements in cryptocurrencies.

To examine this phenomenon, the study employed a library research method utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach. Secondary data was gathered from classical literature, reputable scientific journals, academic documents, and institutional reports from global and national bodies such as the World Bank, IMF, OJK, and Bank Indonesia. The analysis was conducted through stages of literature review, comparative analysis, and conceptual model synthesis.

The analysis highlights several key findings:

  • The thought of Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi provides a comprehensive Islamic economic system framework based on monotheism (tauhid), stewardship (khilafah), and social justice as a middle path between capitalism and socialism.
  • The thought of Muhammad Iqbal contributes a philosophical foundation emphasizing dynamism and ijtihad (independent reasoning) to ensure Muslims think adaptively in the face of changing times.
  • Digital transformation through Islamic fintech broadens financial inclusion and financing access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while technologies like AI enhance efficiency—though requiring strict ethical oversight based on justice (adl), honesty (shiddiq), and responsibility (amanah).

This integration of classical values and digital innovation carries profound implications for business, education, and public policy by strengthening Sharia financial literacy and shaping adaptive regulations. As emphasized by the researchers from Universitas Pamulang and UIN Jakarta, combining the foundational thoughts of Maududi and Iqbal with digital technology implementation serves as the primary key to realizing an inclusive and sustainable Islamic economic ecosystem.

Author Profiles:

  • Veta Lidya Delimah Pasaribu: Corresponding author and academic at Universitas Pamulang, Indonesia, focusing on Islamic economics and Sharia finance.
  • Euis Amalia: Researcher and lecturer at Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, specializing in Islamic economic thought and economic history.
  • Desmadi Saharuddin: Researcher and lecturer at Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, specializing in Sharia economic law and digital finance.

Research Source:

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