Journal of Econ-Islamic Law and Society Research

Sharia Socioeconomic Analysis of Free Nutritious Meal Program Impact on Street Vendors’ Income Stability

Az-Zahra’ Musthofifi — 2026-05-25

Objective: This study aims to analyze the impact of the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) on the income stability of street vendors (PKL) in Klaten, by reviewing it from the perspective of sharia and social economics. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework used in this study includes the concept of al-mashlahah (common good), the principle of distributive justice in Islamic economics, and the social welfare approach. Literature Review: Based on a literature review, some previous studies have shown that social assistance programs such as MBG can provide benefits in improving people's nutrition, but at the same time can put pressure on the informal sector that previously provided similar services. Methods: The method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative approach with case study techniques on four street vendors located around schools and public areas that are directly affected by the implementation of the MBG program. Results: The results of the study show that the majority of street vendors have experienced a decrease in income of up to 50% since the program was implemented. However, some street vendors are able to survive economically by diversifying products and collaborating with schools. Implications: The implications of these findings confirm the importance of the active involvement of street vendors in the procurement scheme of the MBG program, in order to create an equitable distribution of economic benefits and avoid social inequality. Novelty: This study shows that the MBG program is in principle aligned with sharia economic values such as al-'adl (justice) and al-rahmah (social compassion), but its implementation still requires a more inclusive approach. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of sharia economic analysis with social impacts on the informal sector, as well as concrete recommendations for local governments to include street vendors in the MBG distribution system to improve the economic sustainability of small communities.

Reconstructing Social Justice through Maqasid al-Shariah: A Legal Framework for Sustainable Community Development

Reza Aprianti — 2026-06-15

Objective: This study examines how Islamic law (Sharia), particularly the doctrine of maqasid al-shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law), can be reconstructed into an operational framework for promoting social justice through community development initiatives in Muslim-majority societies. Theoretical framework: The study is grounded in the classical maqasid theory developed by al-Ghazali and al-Shatibi and further systematized by Ibn Ashur, integrating the five essential objectives of Sharia with contemporary theories of social and distributive justice to establish a comprehensive analytical framework. Literature review: Existing scholarship examines zakat, waqf, and Islamic microfinance separately, but rarely links them systematically to the five maqasid dimensions and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a conceptual gap. Methods: The research adopts a qualitative doctrinal and library-based approach, employing content analysis of classical fiqh literature, contemporary maqasid scholarship, Islamic economic policy documents, and relevant legal studies to develop a comparative conceptual framework. Results: The analysis produces an integrated framework that connects each maqasid dimension with specific Islamic legal instruments, including zakat, waqf, qard hasan, and Sharia-compliant cooperative financing, alongside measurable indicators of social justice and community development, demonstrating that Islamic law offers both normative principles and practical institutional mechanisms for reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development. Implications: The proposed framework provides policymakers, Sharia supervisory boards, zakat and waqf institutions, and community development practitioners with a practical tool for designing and evaluating Sharia-compliant development programs aligned with sustainable development priorities. Novelty: Unlike previous studies, this article operationalizes maqasid al-shariah by integrating Islamic legal instruments, social justice indicators, and community development outcomes.

Islamic Fintech for Financial Inclusion in MSMEs: Comparative Analysis of Egypt and Indonesia Evidence

Syukri Hidayah — 2026-07-27

Objective: This study aims to comparatively analyse the role of Islamic fintech in promoting financial inclusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Egypt and Indonesia, two of the world's largest Muslim-majority economies. Theoretical framework: The study is grounded in the concepts of financial inclusion, Islamic finance, digital financial ecosystems, and Maqasid al-Shariah, which emphasise equitable access to financial services, sustainable economic development, and the expansion of Sharia-compliant digital finance. Literature review: Existing studies primarily examine Islamic fintech or financial inclusion within individual countries, with limited comparative evidence integrating official regulatory and industry data from Egypt and Indonesia. This study addresses that gap by providing a unified comparative perspective. Methods: A qualitative comparative analytical approach based on secondary data was employed using the World Bank Global Findex (2011–2025), Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) reports, Financial Services Authority (OJK) and DSN-MUI regulatory documents, Egyptian Islamic Finance Association (EIFA) reports, and the DinarStandard/Elipses Global Islamic Fintech Report series (2020/21–2025/26). Results: Indonesia demonstrates a more mature Islamic fintech ecosystem supported by an earlier and dedicated Sharia fintech regulatory framework, leading to stronger financial inclusion and greater global competitiveness. Although Egypt has significantly improved financial inclusion, with the CBE reporting a rise from 27% in 2016 to 77.6% in 2025 alongside substantial growth in MSME financing, Islamic banking assets and fintech development remain comparatively limited. Implications: The findings highlight the importance of strengthening Sharia-specific fintech regulation and expanding Islamic digital financial services to accelerate MSME inclusion. Novelty: This study integrates fragmented official and industry evidence into a single comparative framework, providing an updated benchmark for evaluating Islamic fintech-driven financial inclusion in Egypt and Indonesia.