Al-Widad

Digital Technology Based Halal Certification Model in Nigeria: Exploring the Potential of Blockchain for Transparency and Anti-Fraud Measures

2025-12-16T06:08:53+00:00

The halal certification system in Nigeria currently faces serious challenges, including weak transparency, vulnerability to document falsification, and limited supply-chain oversight, whereas ideally halal certification should ensure authenticity, accountability, and public trust throughout the entire value chain. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of digital halal certification that aligns with Nigeria’s social, economic, and regulatory context. The research employs a qualitative approach through a literature review by examining Nigerian halal policies, institutional reports, and recent scholarly publications on blockchain and halal management; the data were then analyzed using content analysis supported by theoretical triangulation. The findings indicate that blockchain has significant potential to enhance transparency, tracking accuracy, and fraud prevention within Nigeria’s halal ecosystem, although its implementation requires regulatory readiness, technical capacity, and stakeholder collaboration. The study recommends the development of a context-appropriate blockchain architecture for halal certification, the implementation of pilot projects to assess technical effectiveness, and the formulation of policy frameworks that support long-term adoption of this technology in the national halal certification system.

Southeast Asian Ecotheology Model: An Analysis of the Role of the Thai Sangha in Mitigating the Ecological Crisis

2025-12-16T05:57:46+00:00

Ideally, the ecological crisis in Southeast Asia should be addressed through strong technocratic policies and scientific approaches. However, the reality shows that environmental mitigation efforts often remain ineffective due to the absence of ethical foundations and the erosion of spiritual awareness in the human–nature relationship. In this context, the Theravāda Buddhist tradition in Thailand offers an alternative approach through ecotheology, combining spirituality, ecological awareness, and social activism. This research aims to analyze the role of the Thai Sangha as a regional ecotheological model and evaluate its relevance for developing a Southeast Asian ecotheological framework. The study employs a qualitative library research method using content analysis and comparative review of academic literature, religious documents, and ecological monastic practices such as tree ordination, green monasteries, and community forest management.

The findings reveal that the Thai Sangha has successfully transformed Buddhist spirituality into tangible ecological action, providing an effective response to environmental crises. Thailand’s ecotheology shows significant potential to be adopted regionally when institutionalized and implemented through cross-sectoral collaboration involving the state, local communities, and environmental NGOs. This study proposes a foundational academic framework for developing a Southeast Asian Ecotheology Model, based on local spirituality, ecological consciousness, and community participation as transformative strategies for mitigating ecological crises in the future.

Zakat and Green Finance: Formulating a Green Zakat Model to Support Energy Transition and Climate Change Adaptation

2025-12-15T09:56:34+00:00

Ideally, zakat should function not only as an instrument for socio-economic empowerment but also as a driver of ecological transformation in responding to the climate crisis. In reality, however, the utilization of zakat to support energy transition and climate-change adaptation remains fragmented, lacks operational models, and is not yet integrated into the national green finance framework. This study aims to formulate a Green Zakat Model that systematically connects Islamic principles, environmental sustainability, and climate mitigation–adaptation strategies. The research employs an exploratory qualitative approach through policy analysis, extensive international literature review, and in-depth interviews with zakat institutions, Islamic economics experts, and green-energy stakeholders. Data were analyzed using thematic coding to identify patterns, opportunities, and barriers to integrating zakat within the green finance ecosystem. The findings show that zakat holds strategic potential to finance community-based energy resilience, low-carbon technologies, ecological rehabilitation, and adaptation programs for vulnerable groups. The proposed model presents a governance framework, maqashid-based green project criteria, and accountability mechanisms aligned with global green finance standards. These results highlight that zakat can serve as a catalyst for an inclusive and socially–ecologically just energy transition.

Artificial Intelligence in the Perspective of the Qur’an: An Examination of Ethics, Ontology, and the Boundaries of Humanity

2025-12-16T06:02:39+00:00

Ideally, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a tool to enhance human capacity in thinking, working, and making decisions more effectively. However, in reality, the advancement of AI brings significant ethical and ontological challenges, including the potential loss of human autonomy, algorithmic bias, and concerns that the boundary between machine intelligence and human consciousness is becoming increasingly blurred. Therefore, a guiding value framework is needed to properly position intelligent technologies within modern life. The Qur’anic perspective offers a relevant conceptual foundation for understanding human uniqueness and the limitations of all non-human creations.This study aims to examine AI through the dimensions of ethics, ontology, and human boundaries by analyzing Qur’anic verses related to intellect, creation, and moral responsibility. The research employed a qualitative library-based method, using thematic analysis of primary and secondary sources. The findings indicate that the Qur’an emphasizes the uniqueness of humans as rational and moral beings, while AI remains an instrumental creation without consciousness. Principles such as justice, public benefit (maslahah), and the preservation of human dignity serve as essential foundations for the responsible development and application of AI.