LEVERAGING BLOCKCHAIN-BASED SMART CONTRACT IN ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: ISSUE AND RELEVANT SOLUTION

Abstract

A blockchain-based smart contract is a computer script, stored in the blockchain network and enforced automatically based on predetermined terms, decentralised verification as well as fully accessible real-time records to all blockchain users. Smart contract innovation, with a high level of transparency and a lower risk of operational errors, offers a novel approach for more effectively implementing Shariah contracts in Islamic financial institutions. However, the immutable smart contract principle, which disallows the amendment or deletion of the code deployed in the blockchain, appears incompatible with the iḥsān criterion implemented in Islamic financial institutions’ product offerings that allow operations and terms adjustment under certain conditions, including payment rescheduling and contract restructuring facilities in financing products. This study aims to look into the concept of blockchain-based smart contracts, as well as issue related to immutable smart contract and viable solutions that align with Shariah and Islamic banking operations. The study utilised the library research to achieve the objective by referring to related literature. The qualitative data were then descriptively analysed using the conceptual content analysis method. The study’s results found that, in order to comply with the characteristics of iḥsān to implement Shariah contracts using blockchain-based smart contract technology, the programmer should first write flexible code rather than fixed code, and the upgradable proxy contract should be well applied in the creation of the smart contract code.