The Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT) at NED University of Engineering & Technology organised an academic session on November 4, 2026, examining how Islamic jurisprudential principles apply to e-commerce and digital financial transactions. Titled “E-Commerce Through the Lens of Shariah: Ensuring Ethical Digital Transactions,” the session brought together professionals from Meezan Bank Limited to discuss the requirements of conducting online commercial activities in accordance with Islamic principles. The discussion focused on the growing importance of ethical business practices as digital platforms become increasingly involved in buying, selling, payments and other commercial activities. It also provided students and faculty members with an opportunity to understand how Shariah principles can be incorporated into modern business models, particularly as technology continues to change the way businesses interact with customers and process transactions.
The session featured two representatives from Meezan Bank with experience in Islamic finance and Shariah compliance. Mufti Zubair Ahmed, a member of the Shariah Board at Meezan Bank Limited, participated as a speaker alongside Jawad Tahsin, Senior Vice President and Unit Head of the bank’s Shariah Compliance Department, who holds CSAA and CICC qualifications. Their participation brought both scholarly and professional perspectives to the discussion, allowing participants to examine the relationship between Islamic commercial jurisprudence and the operational requirements of contemporary digital businesses. The speakers discussed how established Islamic financial principles can guide commercial arrangements conducted through websites, mobile applications and other online platforms. Their contributions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that digital business practices remain consistent with the ethical and contractual requirements associated with Shariah-compliant transactions.
A major focus of the discussion was the role of transparency in digital commerce. Online transactions often involve customers and sellers interacting without meeting physically, making clear information about products, prices, payment conditions and delivery arrangements particularly important. From a Shariah perspective, commercial transactions require clarity regarding the terms of an agreement so that participating parties understand their respective rights and responsibilities. The speakers discussed the importance of providing accurate information and avoiding practices that could create uncertainty or mislead customers. They also highlighted the need for businesses to maintain transparency throughout the transaction process, from product presentation and order placement to payment and fulfilment. These considerations are relevant to e-commerce platforms, online retailers and digital service providers seeking to develop business models that meet both commercial requirements and Islamic ethical standards.
Mutual consent and fairness were also among the central themes explored during the session. Digital commerce depends on agreements between buyers and sellers, and the speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring that transactions are entered into voluntarily and that contractual conditions are understood by all parties. Fair dealing requires businesses to avoid misleading practices, unreasonable conditions and arrangements that could undermine the interests of customers or other participants. The discussion also examined contractual obligations, emphasising that online transactions remain subject to the principles governing commercial agreements even when they are completed electronically. Businesses using digital platforms must therefore consider how their payment structures, product descriptions, refund arrangements and other transaction conditions align with the requirements of Islamic commercial jurisprudence.
The speakers further explained how Islamic jurisprudential principles can provide guidance for the development of Shariah-compliant digital business models. As e-commerce expands into different areas of the economy, businesses are increasingly required to consider the financial and contractual structures behind their online activities. The application of Shariah principles is not limited to the use of Islamic banking products for payments but also extends to the broader conduct of commercial transactions. This includes the manner in which agreements are structured, the responsibilities of buyers and sellers, the disclosure of relevant information and the fulfilment of contractual commitments. By discussing these areas, the session connected traditional Islamic commercial principles with the practical requirements of technology-driven business operations.
The programme also provided an opportunity for interaction between the speakers and participants, allowing students and faculty members to explore questions related to Islamic finance, digital commerce and Shariah compliance. The exchange of views helped connect academic discussions with the practical challenges faced by financial institutions and businesses operating in an increasingly digital environment. CIFFT described the session as part of its efforts to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic financial principles. The participation of Meezan Bank professionals also demonstrated how banking-sector expertise can contribute to educational activities focused on the intersection of financial technology and Islamic jurisprudence.
CIFFT extended its appreciation to Mufti Zubair Ahmed and Jawad Tahsin for sharing their professional and scholarly knowledge during the programme. The centre also acknowledged the participation of faculty members, students and others who contributed to the session. Through such academic engagements, the institution aims to encourage informed discussions about the application of Islamic principles to emerging financial and commercial technologies. Its broader commitment includes promoting knowledge, supporting innovation and developing stronger connections between Islamic finance and the evolving FinTech landscape. The November 4 session at NED University provided a platform to examine how transparency, mutual consent, fairness and contractual responsibility can remain central to commercial activities as businesses increasingly move towards digital platforms.
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