Analysis of Rulings on Digital Currency Transactions from the Point of View of the Islamic Jurists Centered on Ayatollah Khamenei's Point of View

Subject Areas : Legal Studies of Cyberspace

Seyyed Hesamoddin  Rafiee Tabatabaei ¹ (Department of Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran)
Motahhare Sadat  Rafiee Tabatabaei ² (Department of Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran)
Fateme  Nargesi ³ (Department of Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran)

Received: 2022-12-11 Accepted : 2023-04-06 Published : 2023-06-15

Keywords: Ayatollah Khamenei, Digital currency, Cryptocurrencies, Sharia Law of Transaction,

Abstract :

Nowadays in the Islamic Republic of Iran, like other Islamic countries, there is a lot of discussion about sales and purchase of digital currencies and cryptocurrencies (cryptocurrencies). This phenomenon was first introduced to the public in late 2008. At present, although the sales and purchase of such currencies is also common in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we still face challenges and ambiguities regarding the legal status of transactions of these currencies. Obviously, in this regard, as well as many new issues in society, commentary by scholars of relevant sciences can have the greatest and most effective contribution in shaping the image and future frameworks related to the subject. Undoubtedly, one of the most important of such contributions is the comments of Islamic scholars and jurists. Most Islamic jurists and authorities either based on fatwas or caution favor prohibition of trade of digital currency. On the other hand, some authorities, including Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, have allowed it as a pioneer if it does not contradict the current laws of the country. Therefore, in this article, employing a descriptive method, we will examine the Shari'a ruling on the transaction of digital currencies and some related variables, focusing on Ayatollah Khamenei's point of view.