KARACHI: Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani has declared purchasing goods through cryptocurrency as “impermissible” under Islamic law, citing research by experts that has so far concluded that cryptocurrency does not qualify as “wealth” (maal) under Shariah.
The fatwa was issued by Darul Ifta, Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi, and is dated 24 Zilhaj 1447 AH (June 10, 2026). Besides Mufti Taqi Usmani, who is a former judge of the Federal Shariat Court, the ruling has been signed by five other prominent Islamic scholars.
The ruling was issued in response to a query regarding the purchase of books using cryptocurrency. The fatwa stated: “It is not permissible for you to purchase the books in question using cryptocurrency.”
According to the ruling, research and expert opinions to date suggest that cryptocurrency does not fall under the category of “maal” (wealth) in Shariah. It described cryptocurrency as “merely the recording of fictitious numbers in an account, whether in the form of USDT or other crypto tokens.”
The fatwa further stated that since cryptocurrency is not recognised as wealth, the buyer does not technically become the owner of goods purchased through such transactions.
“Therefore, it is not permissible for you to use them or sell them to others. Instead, it is mandatory upon you to return these books to the person from whom you purchased them,” the ruling stated.
The fatwa also referred to various sources from Islamic jurisprudence to support its conclusion.
In response to another question regarding the use of an educational course purchased through cryptocurrency, the scholars stated that obtaining such a course through cryptocurrency is not valid, as it was acquired in violation of Islamic law.
The ruling directed that the person who obtained the course should neither use it personally nor provide it to anyone else.
It added that since the course exists in digital form and remains with the seller even after the transaction, the purchaser should completely delete all related course materials from their devices and files.