Application of E-Wallet : a preliminary analysis from the Shariah perspective

Abstract EN

The introduction of the digital wallet known as “E-Wallet” helps people in their transactions without the need for cash, which is known as the phenomenon of “go cashless.” Implementation of the e-wallet is involved with some transactions and concepts used, which may trigger Shariah issues; this is the research problem.

Therefore, there is a need to study this concept and its application by looking into the related Shariah requirements in order to clarify the ḥukm of using the ewallet for Muslim users.

This paper aims to analyze the concepts used in the e-wallet from a Shariah perspective (takyīf Fiqhī) and to highlight issues that are related to its application.

This research uses the inductive approach in finding classical and contemporary references, as well as the analytical approach in relation to the Shariah concepts and issues.

Finally, this research concludes with several findings: 1) the concept of wadīʿah can be adopted for the e-wallet as long as there is no usage from the platform provider; 2) it was found that the implementation of cashbacks does not involve riba payment; 3) lastly, there are some key challenges in implementing the e-wallet fully in Malaysia, especially in terms of the security risk.