Proof by Digital Signature in Smart Contracts Using Blockchain Technology: A Comparative Study between Islamic Jurisprudence, the Jordanian Electronic Transactions Law, and the Evidence Law
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Law.2025.11002Keywords:
Digital signature, Evidence, smart contracts, blockchain, Islamic jurisprudence.Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to examine the position of Islamic jurisprudence, the Jordanian Electronic Transactions Law, and the Jordanian Evidence Law regarding the use of digital signatures as a means of proof in smart contracts executed through blockchain technology. These developments represent novel legal and technological issues that require clarification from an Islamic legal perspective.
Methods: To achieve the study’s objectives, the descriptive, inductive, and analytical approaches were employed.
Findings: The study arrived at several key findings, most notably that Islamic jurisprudence has long established methods of proof in financial transactions, both at the initial agreement stage and in cases of dispute to safeguard rights. Digital signatures are considered a valid form of written proof and thus can be used to authenticate contracts. As an innovative method for validating and documenting smart contracts conducted via blockchain, the digital signature relies on the use of public and private keys. This transforms traditional written and signed agreements into a format encoded in modern programming languages, which can be interpreted and decrypted by participants within the blockchain network.
Conclusion: The study offers several recommendations, including the incorporation of specific legal provisions within both the Jordanian Electronic Transactions Law and the Jordanian Evidence Law to regulate these technologies and ensure the protection of rights and proper documentation of obligations. Alternatively, a new law could be enacted under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Jordan to comprehensively regulate these technologies from technical, contractual, legal, and judicial perspectives.
Downloads
References
A committee composed of several scholars and jurists in the Ottoman Caliphate. (n.d.). Journal of Judicial Judgments. Karachi: Karkhana traded books.
Abdul Majeed, Z. (2018). The importance of Sharia banking laws in Indonesia (the theory of objective interpretation). Ahkam: Journal Ilmu Syariah, 18(1), 89–109.
Abu Daif, A. (2021). The legislative trend towards establishing a legal regulation for the theory of emergency circumstances in commercial contracts. King Faisal University Scientific Journal: Humanities and Administrative Sciences, 22(2), 106–110.
Aid, A. (2005). Digital signature and certificate of authentication: Concept and legal implications. Al-Manara Journal for Research and Studies, 11(4), 249–282.
Al Ansari, Z. (n.d.). Asna Al-Mutalib in Sharh Rawd Al-Talib. Dar Al-Kitab Al-Islami.
Al Bahooti, M. (1968). Scout the mask on the board of persuasion. World of Books House.
Al Bahooti, M. (2008). Scouting the mask for persuasion (Vol. 1). Ministry of Justice.
Al-Aini, M. (2000). The building explained the guidance (Vol. 1). Scientific Books House.
Al-B’ool, S. (2022). Smart contracts using blockchain technology: An authentic and applied jurisprudential study (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Jordan.
Albaberti, M. (1970). Care explanation of guidance (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Fikr for Printing and Publishing.
Al-Bayhaqi, A. (2003). Al-Sunan Al-Kubra (Vol. 3). Scientific Books House.
Al-Bojayrami, S. (1950). Al-Bujayrami's footnote to the explanation of the curriculum (Vol. 1). Al-Halabi Press.
Al-Kasani, A. (1986). Bada'i crafts in the arrangement of laws (Vol. 2). Scientific Books House.
Al-Mardawi, A. (2004). Saturated revision in the editing of the provisions of the masked (Dr. N. bin S. bin A. Al-Salama, Ed.). Al-Rushd Library Publishers.
Al-Masaeed, F., & Shatnawi, S. (2018). Digital signature and its authenticity in proof in the UAE Transactions Law. Journal of Legal and Economic Research, 8, 561–612.
Al-Qarafi, A. (n.d.). Lights of lightning in the depths of differences. World of Books.
Al-Qurtubi, M. (1964). The collector of the provisions of the Qur'an (Vol. 2; A. Al-Bardouni & I. Atfaish, Eds.). Egyptian House of Books.
Al-Suyuti, J. (1983). Similarities and isotopes. Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyya.
Baraka, M., Abu Ghuddah, H., & Al-Wakeel, S. (2010). Electronic means of proof: A jurisprudential study compared to the Saudi e-transactions system (Unpublished master’s thesis). King Saud University.
Bayoumi, A. (2002). The legal system for the protection of electronic commerce (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Fikr University.
Ben Mohammed, H., & Toubal, E. (2020). Blockchain technology and its possible applications in the business sector. Journal of Economic Studies, 7(1), 41–62.
Bishtawi, M. (n.d.). The jewels of narrations and pearls of know-how in lawsuits and evidence (Vol. 1). Al-Amerah Al-Sharifa Press.
Bracelet, A. (1979). Expression of will in Islamic jurisprudence: A comparative study of Western jurisprudence (2nd ed.). National Company for Publishing and Distribution.
Bukhari, M. (1311H). Sahih Al-Bukhari (Vol. 1). The Great Princely Press.
Buterin, V. (2015, August 7). On public and private blockchains. Ethereum Foundation Blog. https://blog.ethereum.org/2015/08/07/on-public-and-private-blockchains/
Crypto Arabe. (2019, February 8). Smart contract. https://www.cryptoarabe.com/2019/02/08-smart-contract/ (accessed July 21, 2024)
El-Desouky, M. (1431H). Desouki's footnote to the great commentary (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Fikr.
Electronic Insurance Electronic Signature in Electronic Insurance Contracts. (n.d.). https://jif.jo/sites/default/files/2022-07/BD70~1.PDF (accessed July 14, 2024)
El-Sherbiny, Sh. (1994). Mughni who needs to know the meanings of the words of the curriculum (A. M. Moawad & A. A. Abdel Mawgoud, Eds.). Scientific Books House.
European IT Certification Academy. (n.d.). How does the process of creating and verifying a digital signature using asymmetric encryption ensure the authenticity and integrity of the message? https://ar.eitca.org/cybersecurity/eitc-is-acc-advanced-classical-cryptography/digital-signatures/digital-signatures-and-security-services/examination-review-dig (accessed July 23, 2024)
Fern, M. (1993). Al-Mabsout (1st ed.). House of Knowledge.
Frankenfield, J. (2020, June 30). Hash. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hash.asp (accessed August 21, 2024)
Gitla, D. (2024, June). What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and how does it work? SSL Dragon. https://www.ssldragon.com/ar/blog/public-key-infrastructure/ (accessed July 22, 2024)
Gitlan, D. (2024, June). What is a Certification Authority and how does Certification Authority (CAs) work? SSL Dragon. https://www.ssldragon.com/ar/blog/certificate-authority/ (accessed July 22, 2024)
Hussein, A. (2004). Evidence in Islamic jurisprudence (Vol. 1). New University House.
Ibn Abdeen, M. (1966). Al-Muhtar's response to Al-Durr Al-Mukhtar (Vol. 1). Mustafa Al-Babi Al-Halabi & Sons Library and Printing Company.
Ibn Farhoun, A. (1986). Rulers' insight into the origins of districts and methods of rulings (Vol. 1). Al-Azhar Colleges Library.
Ibn Hazm, P. (n.d.). Local antiquities (A. G. S. Al-Bendary, Investigator). Dar Al Fikr.
Ibn Juzy, M. (n.d.). Jurisprudence laws.
Ibn Katheer, A. (1419H). Interpretation of the Great Qur'an (M. H. Shams al-Din, Ed.). Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyya.
Ibn Mawdud, P. (1937). Selection for the explanation of the chosen one (1st ed.). Al-Halabi Press.
Ibn Mazeh al-Bukhari, B. (2004). The demonstrative environment in Nomani jurisprudence (A. K. S. Al-Jundi, Ed.). Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyya.
Ibn Najim al-Masri, G. (n.d.). The clear sea: Explanation of the treasure of minutes (Vol. 1). Islamic Book House.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, M. (1991). Informing the signatories about the Lord of the Worlds (M. A. S. Ibrahim, Ed.). Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyya.
Ibn Taymiyyah, A. (2004). Total fatwas (Vol. 1). King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran.
Issa, H. (2021). The emergence of smart contracts in the age of blockchain (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya.
Janabi, M., & Obeidat, J. (2009). Digital signature: A comparative study (Unpublished master’s thesis). Yarmouk University.
Jordanian Ministry of Justice. (1952). Evidence Law No. 30 of 1952 and its amendments (Articles 2, 13, 30). https://www.moj.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/f8dd8729-5be9-47dc-93b7-2f48b0280f97.pdf (accessed July 20, 2024)
Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. (2015). Jordanian Electronic Transactions Law No. 15 of 2015 (Article 2). https://www.trc.gov.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86%pdf (accessed July 20, 2024)
Kadri, N., & Mukalkel, B. (2022). Blockchain encryption and its role in protecting electronic transactions. Journal of Algerian and Comparative Public Law, 8(2), 563–581.
Kairouan, P. (1999). Anecdotes and increases over what is in the code of other mothers (Vol. 1). Dar al-Gharb al-Islami.
Kashkoush, H. H. (2000). Criminal protection of electronic commerce via the internet (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya.
Lablabcoin. (2023, July 2). Digital signature: Its importance and impact on security and trust in cryptocurrencies. https://lablabcoin.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%8 (accessed July 20, 2024)
Labus, M. (2023, June 6). PKI Best Practices for 2023. SSL.com. https://www.ssl.com/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%AF/pki-%D8%A3%D9%81%D (accessed July 22, 2024)
Luke Parker. (2015, February 10). Timestamping on the Blockchain. Brave New Coin. https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/timestamping-on-the-blockchain (accessed July 21, 2024)
Manlakhusraw, M. (1431H). Pearls of rulers explain the deception of judgments (Vol. 1). Arab Heritage Revival House.
Marghinani, P. (n.d.). Guidance in explaining the beginning of the beginner. Arab Heritage Revival House.
Mawardi, A. (1999). Al-Hawi Al-Kabir in the jurisprudence of the doctrine of Imam Al-Shafi'i, which is a brief explanation of Al-Muzni (A. M. Moawad & A. A. Abdel Mawgoud, Eds.). Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyya.
Mohammed, A., Talal, H. A., Maamoun, A. M., et al. (n.d.). E-signature. Omdurman Islamic University, College of Science and Technology, Computer Science. https://nashashibilaw.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/5/9/20597118/www.kutub.info_10295.pdf (accessed July 21, 2024)
Nuclear, J. (1392 AD). Al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim bin Al-Hajjaj (Vol. 1). House of Revival of Arab Heritage.
Nuclear, J. (n.d.). Total polite explanation. Dar Al Fikr.
Omar, A. (2008). Dictionary of the contemporary Arabic language (Vol. 1). World of Books.
Qadri, M. (2017). The evidentiary power of an electronic signature. Moroccan Journal of Economics and Comparative Law, 56, 37–61.
Sandblasting, S. T. (1984). The end of the need to explain the curriculum (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Fikr.
Sanhouri, A. (1968). The mediator in explaining the civil law (Vol. 1). Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya.
Shawabkeh, H. (2019). The legal system of electronic signature. Jordanian Journal of Law and Political Science, 11(1).
Shawabkeh, H. (2019). The legal system of electronic signature. Jordanian Journal of Law and Political Science, (11)1.
Shawkani, M. (1993). Neil Al-Awtar explanation of the news selector (E. al-Sababti, Ed.). Dar al-Hadith.
Shirazi, A. (n.d.). The polite in the jurisprudence of Imam Shafi'i (Vol. 1). Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyya.
Soddah, P. (1954). Evidence in civil matters. Mustafa Al-Babi Al-Halabi & Sons Library and Press Company.
Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. (1997). Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence (Vol. 2, p. 136). Ministry of Awqaf, Arab Republic of Egypt.
Trabelsi, A. (n.d.). Appointed referees in what is rumored between the two opponents of the rulings. Dar Al-Fikr.
UAE and Spanish Transactions Law. (n.d.). Journal of Legal and Economic Research, 67, 560–612.
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Certification Authority. Wikipedia.
https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84 (accessed July 22, 2024)
Buterin, V. (2015, August 7). On public and private blockchains. Ethereum Foundation Blog. https://blog.ethereum.org/2015/08/07/on-public-and-private-blockchains/
Frankenfield, J. (2020, June 30). Hash. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hash.asp
Luke Parker. (2015, February 10). Timestamping on the blockchain. Brave New Coin. https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/timestamping-on-the-blockchain
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dirasat: Shari'a and Law Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2025-05-18
Published 2025-06-11
