Following the Global Financial Crisis of 2007, a new revolutionary technology emerged with the creation of Bitcoin (₿) by the pseudonym 'Satoshi Nakamoto’ via the white paper titled: "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System."
As a decentralised digital currency and electronic system controlled by the users on a blockchain without any intermediaries, central banks, governments, or regulatory authorities. As such, it has attracted investors for its key features (often compared to gold!) taking its current value to over $100,000!
Over the last decade, or so, cryptocurrencies (due to their nature and reality) have sparked ongoing debates amongst Sharī’ah scholars and Islamic Finance experts worldwide regarding their ruling from an Islamic perspective.
Within Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), to know the ruling upon a matter; the context is critical!
Over the last decade, or so, cryptocurrencies (due to their nature and reality) have sparked ongoing debates amongst Sharī’ah scholars and Islamic Finance experts worldwide regarding their ruling from an Islamic perspective.
Within Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), to know the ruling upon a matter; the context is critical!
Here is an in-depth discussion in the webinar by Usman Abdullah Malik in collaboration with the International Open University (IOU) with special thanks to Shaykh Dr Bilal Philips.
In an age where digital finance is rapidly transforming the global economy, Muslims everywhere are asking a crucial question: How do we navigate cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets in a way that aligns with Shari’ah? In this exclusive webinar hosted by Sheikh Usman Abdullah Malik, founder of Al Dinar, you will discover how Islam approaches modern financial technologies, why Muslims cannot afford to remain uninformed, and how digital finance may impact the next decade of wealth, business, and investment. This session is not just an introduction—it is a roadmap for anyone seeking clarity on halal earnings, ethical digital participation, and the Islamic economic worldview. And as the webinar opens, a surprising historical example is shared that completely changes how Muslims look at financial innovation… but to uncover it, you’ll need to watch the full discussion.
The webinar breaks down cryptocurrency in a simple and accessible way, answering questions many Muslims silently struggle with: Is crypto halal? How does blockchain work? What are the dangers? What are the opportunities? Through real-life case studies, Qur’anic principles, and classical fiqh foundations, the session helps you understand what makes a transaction permissible or impermissible in Islam. Sheikh Usman highlights how cryptocurrency fits—or doesn’t fit—within categories such as mal, ribawi items, and speculative assets. Yet just when the audience begins to settle into clear definitions, the webinar introduces a fiqh nuance that leaves many viewers stunned, challenging assumptions that even seasoned researchers get wrong. This key distinction, revealed halfway through the session, reshapes the entire conversation.
A major highlight of the webinar is its deep dive into Islamic Finance and the Digital Economy, focusing on how Muslims can benefit from technology without compromising their faith. From the rise of digital payments to tokenisation, stablecoins, and decentralised finance (DeFi), Sheikh Usman outlines how these new tools interact with Shari’ah compliance. He explains the difference between genuine innovation and hidden exploitation, a distinction often overlooked in mainstream financial discussions. But it’s the real-world examples—cases involving millions of dollars lost, and others where early adopters thrived ethically—that capture the audience’s attention. One specific example of a “halal-leaning” crypto practice mentioned in the webinar has already sparked debate among scholars… and it’s only revealed in the full video.
The session also explores the broader digital future of the Muslim world, including how Islamic institutions, masajid, and communities can prepare for the next financial shift. Will blockchain reshape zakah systems? Could digital currencies reduce global inequality—or increase it? And what does all this mean for Islamic economics as a discipline? These questions are unpacked with clarity and authority, offering viewers a rare mix of scholarship, practicality, and vision. Yet one segment of the webinar stands out: a bold prediction about how Muslims may earn, trade, and give charity in the next 5–10 years...
Whether you are a student of Islamic studies, an investor, a professional, or simply curious about the future, this webinar offers a comprehensive, balanced, and eye-opening guide to navigating the digital economy as a Muslim. It exposes the myths surrounding crypto, clarifies common misconceptions, and presents an Islamic framework for engaging with new technology confidently and consciously. But perhaps the most powerful moment comes toward the end of the session, when Sheikh Usman offers a practical checklist—one that could save Muslims from falling into major financial mistakes in the coming years. The checklist is simple, transformative, and highly relevant… and it has already changed how viewers approach digital assets. To access these insights and more, watch the full webinar now.