Mufti Taqi Usmani Rules Crypto Purchases Impermissible

Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani has declared that buying goods through cryptocurrency is impermissible under Islamic law, a ruling that emerged on Friday and quickly drew attention in Pakistan’s religious, financial and digital circles. The declaration comes at a time when crypto-related transactions, digital assets and virtual payments are becoming part of a wider national debate.

The religious ruling was issued by Darul Ifta at Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and was dated 24 Zilhaj 1447 AH, corresponding to June 10, 2026. Mufti Usmani, who has served as a judge of the Federal Shariat Court, was among the signatories, along with five other scholars associated with the institution.

The question placed before the scholars related to the purchase of books using cryptocurrency. In response, the ruling stated that such a transaction was not permissible because, according to the scholarly research cited in the decision, cryptocurrency does not qualify as recognised wealth under Sharia principles.

The fatwa described crypto tokens, including widely used digital instruments, as entries or numerical records rather than legally acceptable wealth for the purpose of valid ownership. On that basis, the ruling maintained that a buyer using cryptocurrency would not become the lawful owner of goods acquired through such a transaction.

The scholars further said that if books had already been obtained through cryptocurrency, the buyer should not use them, resell them or treat them as lawfully acquired property. Instead, the ruling directed that such goods should be returned to the original seller, reflecting the view that the transaction itself did not create valid ownership.

A similar position was also taken regarding educational courses purchased through cryptocurrency. The ruling said that a course acquired through such a payment method would not be considered validly obtained, and advised the recipient not to use or share the digital material with others.

The development is significant because Mufti Taqi Usmani is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in Islamic finance. His views carry weight not only among religious seminaries but also within banking, investment and policy discussions where Sharia compliance remains a major concern for millions of Pakistanis.

Pakistan has seen growing public interest in cryptocurrency despite regulatory caution, legal uncertainty and repeated concerns about fraud, volatility and misuse. The latest ruling adds a religious dimension to those concerns and may influence how individuals, businesses and Islamic finance experts assess crypto-based payments in the country.

For Pakistan’s digital economy, the ruling could intensify debate over whether virtual assets can be reconciled with Islamic commercial principles, especially as policymakers continue to explore frameworks for emerging financial technologies. It may also push businesses and consumers to seek clearer guidance before using crypto for purchases, online services or investment-linked transactions.

The next phase will likely involve wider discussion among scholars, financial regulators, crypto users and Islamic banking experts. As digital payments expand and virtual assets remain part of global finance, Pakistan’s legal and religious institutions may face increasing pressure to define where cryptocurrency stands in everyday commercial life.