The Role of Islamic Legitimacy Basis to Combat the Financial Corruption in Kuwait

Abstract

The study aims to identify the role of Islamic Sharia to alleviate the problem of financial corruption in Kuwait. The researchers rely on the descriptive method. An extensive literature review was performed with regards to the legitimate ways to combat financial corruption. The study has conducted interviews with Kuwaiti religious officials who have a long experience in the field of financial corruption. Results indicate that the role of Islamic Sharia is almost absent due to the lack of religious officials’ intervention. Their role in the field of combating financial corruption should be activated and not only restricted to media. This fact had increased the level of financial corruption according to the annual financial corruption index. The study conveys important remarks. Kuwaiti official ministries and related organizations should embrace Islamic Sharia and rely on the wisdom of religious officials. To combat financial corruption, governments should reinforce the application of Sharia law in Kuwait since it was completely ignored in the past.