Integration of Blockchain and Blue Sukuk in the Development of a Sustainable Blue Economy from the Perspective of Maqasid Syariah

Abstract

The accelerating global emphasis on sustainable blue economy development necessitates innovative financial mechanisms aligning technological advancements with ethical frameworks. This study explores the integration of blockchain technology with blue sukukSharia compliant bonds dedicated to marine and coastal sustainability through the lens of maqasid syariah, the higher objectives of Islamic law. The aim is to systematically synthesize contemporary international literature (2021-2025) to uncover thematic patterns in governance, socio-environmental impact, and Sharia compliance of blockchain-enabled blue sukuk. A qualitative thematic literature review was conducted, analyzing over fifteen peer-reviewed articles and policy reports selected via purposive sampling based on relevance, recency, and accessibility. Data extraction and coding employed NVivo software with adherence to PRISMA guidelines, facilitating rigorous thematic analysis within an Islamic fintech context. Findings reveal blockchain's significant role in enhancing transparency and trust in blue sukuk issuance, coupled with strong alignment to maqasid syariah principles emphasizing environmental preservation and social welfare. Identified challenges include fragmented regulatory frameworks and inconsistent Sharia standardization, posing barriers to scalability and widespread adoption. Additionally, blue sukuk smart contracts demonstrate potential for inclusive financing, empowering coastal communities economically and ecologically. The study contributes theoretically by extending maqasid syariah’s application to an emergent intersection of digital finance and blue economy sustainability and practically by highlighting policy imperatives for integrating technology, regulation, and ethics in Islamic finance. Future research should prioritize empirical validations, interoperability advancements, and capacity-building to enable robust, scalable Sharia-compliant blue finance solutions globally