Journal of Econ-Islamic Law and Society Research

Sharia, Secularism, and Economic Integration: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Pluralism in Contemporary Systems

Elias Ahmed — 2025-09-25

Objective: This study aims to examine the integration of Islamic law (sharia) in the contemporary legal system in five countries (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom), with a focus on family law, criminal law, and dispute resolution, as well as examining challenges related to human rights and gender equality. Theoretical framework: This study uses the legal pluralism framework to understand the interaction between religious law and secular law in the modern context. Literature review: The literature review includes research on the relationship between religious law and secular law, the discourse of legal pluralism, the implications of the application of sharia on social justice, and a comparative study of the legal system in Muslim-majority and secular countries. Methods: The method used is a comparative legal approach through the analysis of legal documents, case studies, and secondary literature. Results: The results of the study show that there are variations in the application of Sharia. In Saudi Arabia, sharia is the main foundation of the national legal system. In Turkey, although not officially integrated into state law, sharia still influences social norms. Indonesia applies sharia in a limited way in Aceh Province, while the national legal system is generally secular. In Pakistan, sharia is integrated into criminal law, which has sparked debates on gender equality. As for the UK, sharia is not formally recognized, but operates through arbitration mechanisms and non-state institutions. Implications: This study emphasizes the complexity of legal pluralism and the importance of strategies to balance religious principles and secular law, while providing insight for policymakers, academics, and human rights activists. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in cross-country comparisons with a focus on human rights and gender equality issues, as well as offering practical perspectives for the development of inclusive legal policies in multicultural societies.

The Role of Islamic Law in Regulating Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Usman Aliyu Yunusa — 2025-09-25

Objective: This study aims to examine the role of Islamic law in regulating environmental protection and sustainability, with an emphasis on ethical principles related to resource management, waste reduction, and conservation. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework of this research is based on Islamic environmental ethics, which emphasizes key concepts such as the caliph (responsibility as the caretaker of the earth), wasatiyyah (moderation), and fasaad (damage), which normatively affirms the responsibility of humans in protecting the earth and the resources it contains. Literature review: The literature review includes contemporary academic literature, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and primary sources in the form of the Qur'an and Hadith. In addition, the research also refers to case studies from Muslim-majority countries relevant to environmental governance and sustainability practices. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with textual analysis methods on primary religious sources, jurisprudential texts, secondary academic literature, and case studies related to environmental issues. Results: The findings of the study show that Islamic law provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable practices, including the responsible use of resources, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and pollution control. These principles are in line with modern sustainability goals while offering an ethical alternative to exploitative practices. Implications: The integration of Islamic legal principles into contemporary environmental policies has the potential to strengthen global sustainability efforts, particularly in regions with strong cultural traditions and Islamic law. This affirms the contribution of religion in shaping ethical and effective environmental governance. Novelty: The novelty of this research lies in its attempt to connect the teachings of Islamic ethics with practical solutions to environmental challenges, thus offering a new perspective on how religious principles can inform modern sustainability policies and practices. This research also emphasizes the potential of Islamic law in enriching global environmental policy discourse, especially in dealing with contemporary issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.

Reconciling Tradition and Modernity: Sharia Law, Human Rights, and Economic Law in the Context of Contemporary Legal Systems

Shikdar Mohammad Riazul — 2025-09-27

Objective: This research aims to explore the tensions as well as the potential for reconciliation between sharia (Islamic law) and the modern human rights framework, with a focus on understanding the extent to which Islamic legal traditions can be aligned or deviate from contemporary human rights principles in the context of globalization. Theoretical framework: This study uses the theoretical framework of legal pluralism, cultural relativism, and ethical principles inherent in sharia and international human rights law, thus allowing for an analysis that considers the interaction between religious, cultural, and universal human rights norms. Literature review: The literature review includes academic literature, legal texts, and religious documents, as well as an analysis of legal cases from countries that implement sharia in various forms, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Indonesia. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with an emphasis on document review and comparative analysis. Results: The results of the study show that there is a common point between sharia and human rights in the aspects of justice, human dignity, and social welfare. However, the study also revealed significant differences in issues such as gender equality, freedom of expression, and treatment of non-Muslims. Implications: This study contributes to the global discourse on the compatibility of Islamic law with international human rights norms and offers a perspective for Muslim countries in developing legal systems that maintain cultural and religious integrity while being responsive to human rights standards. Novelty: The authenticity of this research lies in the comprehensive integration of historical, legal, and cultural perspectives, which not only maps the tension between tradition and modernity but also offers an alternative path of reform in Islamic fiqh to be more in line with contemporary human rights standards.