The Transformation of Sharia Fintech from Fiqh Compliance to Strategic Contribution to the SDGs

Abstract

The development of Islamic fintech in Indonesia has experienced significant growth in the last decade, but the prevailing discourse remains focused on sharia compliance without exploring its strategic potential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article aims to analyze the paradigm shift of Islamic fintech from merely fulfilling the requirements of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh muamalah) to actively contributing to the sustainable development agenda. Through a literature study approach using content analysis methods on contemporary Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh muamalah) literature, Islamic fintech regulations, and SDGs documents, this study develops a "Sustainable Sharia Compliance" framework that integrates three dimensions: normative Islamic jurisprudence compliance, fintech business model innovation, and strategic impact on the SDGs. The findings indicate that Islamic jurisprudence principles such as maslahah (benefit), distributive justice, and the prohibition of exploitation are inherently aligned with the SDG targets, particularly SDGs 1, 8, 9, and 10. However, realizing this potential requires a shift in orientation from a compliance-driven to an impact-driven approach. This article offers a novel concept of digital maslahah as a parameter for evaluating the contribution of Islamic fintech to public welfare in the digital economy. This research's theoretical contribution enriches the discourse on Islamic economics with a development studies perspective and provides a normative foundation for Islamic fintech practitioners in designing products oriented toward sustainable socio-economic impact.