STRATEGIC ROLES OF MAQASID SHARIAH IN DIGITAL ADOPTION BY B40 MUSLIM ENTREPRENEURS: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol14no1.1091Keywords:
Bottom-40 (B40), digital adoption, Muslim entrepreneurs, maqasid shariahAbstract
This study examines the experts’ insights into Maqasid-based strategic plans designed to address the challenges of digital adoption among B40 Muslim entrepreneurs. B40 businesses contribute up to 35% of Malaysia’s GDP and provide 70% of jobs in the national economy. Despite this significant contribution, there remains a persistent gap in digital adoption among B40 Muslim entrepreneurs, necessitating urgent interventions, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, where entrepreneurs worldwide are transitioning from offline to online platforms. The study explores how Maqasid Shariah, which emphasizes the preservation of faith, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth, can guide ethical and inclusive digital transformation. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with experts in entrepreneurship, digital tools, Islamic finance, and Maqasid Shariah, using qualitative methods. By focusing on Muslim entrepreneurs, the research provides valuable insights into how cultural and religious factors shape digital strategies, thereby enhancing empowerment and success. The FGD sessions investigate how Maqasid Shariah principles can inform the ethical and inclusive adoption of digital technologies. NVivo 15 software was employed to analyze frequency terms and consensus matrices among the informants. The findings offer strategic insights and policy recommendations to strengthen digital inclusion, economic resilience, and well-being for B40 Muslim entrepreneurs, while respecting their religious and cultural values. This approach may also serve as a model for other Muslim communities seeking to align digitalization with Islamic principles.
Downloads
References
Abbass, A. (2020). Characteristics of Islamic entrepreneurship: Success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Business and Social Science Journal, 5(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20908.90242
Abd Hadi, F. S., Pei Tha, G., Zulkifli, N., Ismail, Z., Romli, N., Azahari Ahmad, M., Asmy Mohd Thas Thaker, M., & Faizal Ahmad Zaidi, M. (2020). The involvement of B40 entrepreneurs in e-commerce: Experience from Malaysia. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(6), 1147–1154.
Asri Abdullah, M., & Md. S. E. E. (2021). Halal entrepreneurship: Concept and business opportunities. In Entrepreneurship: Contemporary issues (pp. 1-15).
Bahri, E. S., Mizan, M., Aslam, M., Alwi, A., & Hasan, H. (2019). "Maqasid Al-Shariah in micro-entrepreneurs development: An overview". Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM. http://www.depkop.go.id
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Busari, S. A. (2026). Growth and developments in Islamic social finance sector: Maqasid-driven microfinancing innovations in Islamic social finance for B-40 empowerment. In Islamic Wealth Management Report 2026 (p. 24). Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance. https://cifa.cambridge-ifa.net/assets/images/reports/pdf/IWMR%202026.pdf
Busari, S. A., El Mesawi, M. E. T., Laksana, N. N. M., & Suleiman, H. (2025). Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah-based measuring instruments in the halal economy: A preliminary review. International Journal of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh Studies, 9(3), 117–132.
Busari, S. A., Rokis, R., Sawari, M. F., Mohamadali, N. A. B., & Amanullah, M. (2025). Maqasid al-Shariah-based strategies for enhancing digital adoption among B40 Muslim entrepreneurs. Journal of Islamic Finance, 14(2), 160–169.
Charmaz, K. (2000). Grounded theory: Objectivist and constructivist methods. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 509–535). SAGE Publications.
Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (1990). Grounded theory research: Procedures, canons and evaluative criteria. Qualitative Sociology, 13(1), 3–21.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Daniela Rusu Mocanasu. (2020). Determining the sample size in qualitative research. International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conferences on the Dialogue Between Sciences and Arts, Religion and Education, 4(4), 181–187. https://doi.org/10.26520/mcdsare.2020.4.181-187
Faisal, F., Mu'in, F., Edi, R. N., & Santoso, R. (2024). A review of maqāshid sharīʿa on handling the COVID-19 pandemic in Lampung and West Java Province. Al-’Adalah, 21(1), 221–244. https://doi.org/10.24042/adalah.v21i1.21796
Faizal, P. M., Ridhwan Ab Aziz, M., Ab Wahab, K., & Mohd Amin, S. (2022). The characteristics of Muslimpreneurs from the view of Muslim scholars and academician. International Journal of Teaching and Education, 11(2), 47-59.
Feliciano-Cestero, M. M., Ameen, N., Kotabe, M., Paul, J., & Signoret, M. (2023). Is digital transformation threatened? A systematic literature review of the factors influencing firms’ digital transformation and internationalization. Journal of Business Research, 157, 113546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113546
Foisal, M. T. M., Alam, M. A., & Abedin, M. T. (2023). Digital technologies in entrepreneurship and shifting of entrepreneurial trajectories. In Entrepreneurial processes in the era of digital transformation (pp. 45–66). De Gruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110790313-005
Hennink, M., & Kaiser, B. N. (2022). Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests. Social Science & Medicine, 292, 114523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114523
Hikmah, R., Djuwita, D., & Widagdo, R. (2019). Effect of financial literation and financing-effectivity toward the growth of small enterprises: Case study in Bank Syariah Mandiri, Majalengka. AL-FALAH: Journal of Islamic Economics, 4(2), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.29240/alfalah.v4i2.941
Huda, M., Fajaruddin, A., Sunjoto, A. R., Triyawan, A., & Lukman Nugraha, A. (2019). Analysis of Maqashid Sharia Index (MSI) against consumer behavior patterns. In Proceedings of the 7th ASEAN Universities International Conference on Islamic Finance (pp. 251-255). https://doi.org/10.5220/0010121300002898
Ibn Ashur, M. A. T. (2006). Ibn Ashur: Treatise on maqasid al-shariah (M. El-Ghazali, Trans.). International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).
Jasser Auda. (2007). Maqasid al-Shariah as philosophy of Islamic law: A systems approach. International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).
Khan, Y. K., Arshad, A. S., & Arshad, A. F. (2021). Embarking in entrepreneurship during COVID-19 pandemic: Determinants of entrepreneurial readiness of B40 group in Malaysia. An International Journal, 13(4), 46-65.
Laila, N., Rusydiana, A. S., & Assalafiyah, A. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on the halal economy: A bibliometric approach. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 1-19. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac
Lumbwe, E., Karim, A. M., & Adaikalam, J. (2023). Incorporating fraud risk management into the fabric of sustainable digital business operations: Post-pandemic era. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(11), 2485-2505. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i11/19682
Maksimenko, I., Vashko, T., & Zdrestova-Zakharenkova, S. (2021). Digital transformation and its challenges to the strategic management system. SHS Web of Conferences, 106, 01035. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202110601035
Mat, R. C., & Husin, S. (2019). "Islamic entrepreneurial success among B40 single mothers: A proposed predictive model". Persatuan Ulama' Malaysia. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335134676
Mokhtar, A., & Wahid, N. (2021). The adoption of integrated marketing communication by B40 women in Malaysia: An Islamic perspective. Jurnal ‘Ulwan, 6(2), 119-143.
Nahrkhalaji, S. S., Shafiee, S., Shafiee, M., & Hvam, L. (2019). Challenges of digital transformation: The case of the non-profit sector. In Proceedings of 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM) (pp. 1245–1249). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IEEM.2018.8607762
Neom, W. (2024). "What is the B40, M40 and T20 in classification in Malaysia". Prepsocial. https://my.jobstreet.com/career-advice/article/what-is-b40-m40-t20
Nyumba, T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9(1), 20–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12860
Omar, F. I., Hasim, N. H. N., & Mohamad Zan, U. M. S. (2023). The implication of digital inclusion needs towards empowerment of B40 entrepreneurs in Selangor. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(15), 232–246. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i15/18817
Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Dickinson, W. B., Leech, N. L., & Zoran, A. G. (2009). A qualitative framework for collecting and analyzing data in focus group research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 8(3), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/160940690900800301
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
PrepSocial. (n.d.). "What is the B40, M40, and T20 in classification in Malaysia?" https://prepsocial.com/what-is-the-b40-m40-and-t20-in-classification-in-malaysia/
Punithaa, K. B., Boon Hwa, T., & Haris, M. A. (2018). "Unlocking Malaysia’s digital future: Opportunities, challenges and policy responses". Bank Negara Malaysia. www.bnm.gov.my
Rahman, A., Latip, A., Othman, N., Aziz, N., Hassan, R., Hamrullah, M., Nur, M., & Terengganu, K. (2024). Empowering B40 women in Malaysia: A socioeconomic impact assessment of the Ecer-Suri@Home program. Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, 22, 199.
Rajiani, I., Ali, S., Yar Khan, M., Javeed, A., Aljuaid, M., Mehmood, S., Mahmood, Z., Shahid, D., & Sikandar Wali, S. (2022). Factors affecting youth empowerment and entrepreneurial initiatives: Social implications and way forward. Sustainability, 14(10), 1–15.
Rasool, M. S. A., Yusof, M. A. M., & Ali, S. M. (2020). Wellbeing of the society: A Maqāşid Al-Sharī‘ah approach. Afkar, 2020(1), 25–46. https://doi.org/10.22452/afkar.sp2020no1.2
Richards, L., & Morse, J. M. (2013). Readme first for a user's guide to qualitative methods (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Rokis, R., & Basir, N. (2018). Poverty, women’s empowerment and social entrepreneurship among B40 urban women in Malaysia. Opción, Año 34(16), 968-984.
Salleh, F., Huda Sahari, N., Khadijah, S., Manan, A., Abdullah, C. Z., & Yahya, Z. (2019). Maqasid Shariah in the guidelines for iddah of women upon husband’s death. Journal of Shariah Law Research, 4(2), 77-94.
Samsudin, H. B., & Nadzrulizam, A. A. (2020). Relationship between B40 household income and demographic factors in Malaysia. The International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 10(2), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.B8286.1210220
Securities Commission Malaysia. (2023). Maqasid Shariah guidance: Islamic capital market Malaysia.
Shayan, N. F., Mohabbati-Kalejahi, N., Alavi, S., & Zahed, M. A. (2022). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Sustainability, 14(3), 1222. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031222
Shen, K. N., Lindsay, V., & Xu, Y. (2018). Digital entrepreneurship. Information Systems Journal, 28(6), 1125–1128. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12219
Sholihin, M., Shalihin, N., Ilhamiwati, M., & Hendrianto, H. (2022). Maqasid-based consumption intelligence: An empirical model of its application to the intention of halal purchase. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 39(2), 402–432. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-11-2021-0204
Soltanifar, M., Hughes, M., & Göcke, L. (Eds.). (2021). Digital entrepreneurship: Impact on business and society. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53914-6
The ASEAN. (2022, November). "Promoting decent work and protecting informal workers". ASEAN Magazine. https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/edition/promoting-decent-work-and-protecting-informal-workers/
VSDaily. (2025, February 21). "EmpowerHer Digital 2025: Bridging the gender gap in Malaysia’s digital economy". https://vsdaily.com/empowerher-digital-2025-bridging-the-gender-gap-in-malaysias-digital-economy/
Wanto, D., Hidayat, R., & Repelita, R. (2021). Maqasid shariah’s change as theory: From classical to contemporary Maqasid Shariah. Al-Istinbath: Jurnal Hukum Islam, 6(2), 427–454. https://doi.org/10.29240/jhi.v6i2.3122
Wilkinson, S. (1998). Focus group methodology: A review. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 1(3), 181–203. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.1998.10846874
World Bank Group. (2021, June 25). "Malaysia's digital economy: A new driver of development". https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/malaysia/publication/malaysias-digital-economy-a-new-driver-of-development
Zailani, M. N., Mohd Satar, N., & Hazli Zakaria, R. (2022). A review of indicators for the preservation of wealth (hifz al-mal) based on Maqasid Al-Shariah. Journal of Islamic Philanthropy and Social Finance, 4(1), 1–10.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Saheed Abdullahi Busari, Rohaiza Abd. Rokis, Mohd. Fuad Md. Sawari, Noor Azizah Mohamadali, Muhammad Amanullah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
