ISLAMABAD (MNN); Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani has ruled that purchasing goods and services through cryptocurrency is not permissible under Islamic law, stating that digital currencies do not meet the Sharia definition of “maal” (wealth), according to current scholarly and expert research.
The religious ruling (fatwa), issued by Darul Ifta, Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi, is dated 24 Zilhaj 1447 AH (June 10, 2026). Besides former Federal Shariat Court judge Mufti Taqi Usmani, the ruling carries the signatures of five other senior Islamic scholars.
The fatwa was issued in response to a query regarding the purchase of books using cryptocurrency. It categorically states that such transactions are invalid under Sharia because cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins such as USDT and other crypto tokens, are presently not regarded as legitimate wealth.
According to the ruling, cryptocurrency merely represents digital entries or virtual numerical records rather than tangible or legally recognised wealth. Consequently, ownership of goods acquired through cryptocurrency is not considered valid under Islamic jurisprudence.
The fatwa further explains that individuals who have purchased books using cryptocurrency are required to return those books to the original seller, as they are not deemed lawful owners. It also states that such books should neither be used nor sold to another person.
Supporting its conclusions with references from classical Islamic jurisprudence, the fatwa also addressed the issue of online educational courses purchased through cryptocurrency. It declared that acquiring digital courses through such means is invalid and contrary to Islamic principles.
The ruling advises that users should neither benefit from these educational materials nor share them with others. Since digital courses remain available to the seller even after purchase, the fatwa instructs buyers to permanently delete all related files and content from their devices.
The scholars emphasized that the ruling is based on the current understanding and research regarding cryptocurrency, concluding that, under existing Sharia interpretations, transactions involving cryptocurrency cannot be considered valid purchases.
