Maqasid al-Sharia and Algorithmic Governance in Digital Waqf Administration in Nigeria: Learning from Indonesia

Abstract

The use of digital technology in waqf administration offers great possibilities but poses issues of whether algorithmic decision-making is compatible with the Maqasid al-Sharia principles. In Nigeria, the lack of a proper regulatory framework regulating algorithmic governance within the context of digital waqf management has resulted in regulatory uncertainties, a lack of public trust, and poor realisation of waqf goals. This study explores the use of Maqasid al-Sharia in the regulation of algorithmic governance in the digitalization of waqf management in Nigeria by learning from the experiences of Indonesia in terms of its regulatory and institutional framework. By using a qualitative doctrinal research method, this study evaluates legislation, Islamic juristic literature, policies, and other scholarly materials from both countries. The findings show that Indonesia has been able to develop better regulatory frameworks that combine principles of Sharia with algorithmic governance, while Nigeria lacks any coherent standard of accountability and Sharia compliance in algorithmic decision-making. It is concluded that the use of Maqasid al-Sharia in algorithmic governance can increase transparency, equity, and trust in the digital waqf administration.