LexForensica: Forensic Justice and Socio-Legal Research Journal

Jika dahulunya al-kitabahatau dokumen dilihat kurang popular pada suatu ketika dahulu, namun kini, al-kitabahtelah digunakan secara meluas merangkumi semua aspek kehidupan. Ini kerana, seiring dengan perkembangan sains dan teknologi, kepelbagaian bentuk al-kitabahyang baru telah muncul seperti kamera, CCTV, telefon pintar dan sebagainya yang boleh dijadikan sebagai bahan bukti di Mahkamah. Dokumen berbentuk elektronik ini dikenali sebagai 'E-Kitabah'. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk memperjelaskan berkaitan konsep E-Kitabahsebagai keterangan menurut perspektif fiqh dan perundangan Syariah Malaysia, menganalisis dalil pensyariatan penerimaan E-Kitabahsebagai keterangan, dan kaedah pengesahan bagi memastikan keaslian E-Kitabah. Di akhir perbincangan, penyelidik akan membincangkan mengenai isu, cabaran dan cadangan penambahbaikan terhadap penerimaan E-Kitabahdi Mahkamah Syariah Malaysia. Bagi mencapai objektif tersebut, penyelidik telah menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis dokumen dan kepustakaan. Data-data yang dikumpulkan akan dianalisis menggunakan analisis kandungan dan dipersembahkan dalam bentuk subtema. Hasil kajian menunjukkan, E-Kitabahdilihat sebagai salah satu kaedah pembuktian yang popular pada masa kini di mahkamah keadilan. Walaupun bentuk keterangan tersebut boleh diterima sebagai keterangan di Mahkamah Syariah, namun masih tiada peruntukan khusus berkaitan prosedur penerimaan E-Kitabahdi Mahkamah Syariah Malaysia. Selain itu, pengamal undang-undang Syariah juga masih belum terbiasa dalam mengendalikan keterangan sebegini dan ada sesetengah daripadanya menolak pembuktian secara E-Kitabah. Oleh itu, penyelidik mencadangkan untuk meneliti semula peruntukan berkaitan penerimaanE-Kitabah sebagai keterangan di bawah Undang-Undang Keterangan Islam dan mengadakan latihan dan kursus bagi pengamal undang-undang Syariah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman mereka mengenai bukti secara elektronik.

The Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic law and holds prescriptive authority in establishing principles and methods of evidence within the Syariah judicial system. This paper focuses on three main evidentiary mechanisms as outlined in the Qur’an: confession (iqrār), witness testimony (shahādah), and oath (al-yamīn). These three instruments are unanimously accepted by scholars and serve as vital means for upholding justice and truth according to Syariah. The main objective of this paper is to critically assess the Qur’anic provisions concerning these evidentiary methods and evaluate their relevance within the practice of Syariah courts in Malaysia. The study employs content analysis of Qur’anic verses, complemented by classical interpretations and a comparison with existing Syariah evidence laws. The findings demonstrate that the Qur’an provides clear and authoritative guidelines for evidence, with specific conditions aimed at ensuring justice and preventing injustice. Confessions must be given voluntarily, witnesses must be trustworthy and of upright character, while oaths function as a complementary measure when other evidence is lacking. This study affirms the effectiveness and coherence of Qur’an-based evidentiary principles in contemporary legal contexts, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which emphasizes the importance of just, accountable, and inclusive legal systems to ensure justice for all.   Abstrak Al-Quran merupakan sumber utama perundangan Islam yang memiliki autoriti preskriptif dalam menetapkan prinsip dan kaedah pembuktian dalam sistem kehakiman Syariah. Penulisan ini menumpukan perhatian terhadap tiga mekanisme pembuktian utama sebagaimana diperuntukkan dalam Al-Quran, iaitu pengakuan (ikrar), keterangan saksi (syahadah) dan sumpah (al-yamin). Ketiga-tiga instrumen ini merupakan kaedah pembuktian yang disepakati ulamak dan merupakan wasilah penting dalam menegakkan keadilan dan kebenaran menurut hukum Syariah. Matlamat utama penulisan ini adalah untuk menilai ketetapan Al-Quran secara kritikal terhadap kaedah pembuktian tersebut serta relevan pemakaiannya dalam amalan Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia. Penulisan ini dilaksanakan melalui metode analisis kandungan terhadap nas-nas Al-Quran, ditambah dengan pentafsiran ulama dan perbandingan dengan peruntukan undang-undang keterangan Syariah sedia ada. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa Al-Quran menetapkan garis panduan pembuktian secara jelas dan berautoriti dengan syarat-syarat tertentu bagi menjamin keadilan serta mengelakkan kezaliman. Pengakuan mestilah dilakukan tanpa paksaan, saksi perlu bersifat adil dan berintegriti, manakala sumpah digunakan sebagai pelengkap apabila tiada keterangan lain yang mencukupi. Penulisan ini mengesahkan keberkesanan serta keselarasan prinsip pembuktian Syariah berasaskan Al-Quran dalam konteks perundangan kontemporari, selaras dengan matlamat SDG 16 yang menekankan keperluan kepada sistem perundangan yang adil, berintegriti dan inklusif bagi menjamin keadilan untuk semua.

The Malaysian sukuk market has experienced significant growth and has become an integral component of the country's capital market. The market's increased dynamism is evident in the development of sophisticated sukuk arrangements that incorporate multiple Shariah concepts to cater to the needs of sukuk issuers. However, certain Shariah issues necessitate further examination to ensure compliance with Shariah. This paper focuses on the Shariah issues related to sukuk musharakah and mudarabah, particularly the application of incentive fees and investment manager arrangements within these two sukuk structures in Malaysia. Additionally, the paper includes case studies and references of existing sukuk in the Malaysian market. The study found that there is inconsistency in the approach taken when applying incentive fees and investment manager arrangements. This lack of consistency can have an impact on the practice of structuring sukuk musharakah and sukuk mudarabah, which is crucial in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) and reducing inequalities in financial practices (SDG 10).

The phenomenon of designer babies represents a form of modern biotechnological innovation that enables genetic modification of human embryos to produce offspring with specific traits such as intelligence, physical appearance, and desired health attributes. While this technology offers significant medical potential, it raises complex ethical, religious, and legal concerns due to human intervention in the divine order of creation. The objective of this paper is to analyze the issue of designer babies from the perspectives of Islamic law and criminal law, and to identify the boundaries established by the Syariah, as well as the relevant legal provisions concerning human genetic modification. This paper also examines the implications of such technology on the principles of Maqasid Syariah, as well as potential criminal liabilities arising from misuse, moral transgression, or exploitation of human life. This study employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing content analysis of classical and contemporary sources, including jurists' opinions, fatwas, scholarly journals, legal maxims (qawaid fiqhiyyah), and medical ethics resolutions. The significance of this study lies in its examination of Islamic perspectives and legal frameworks governing the application of genetic technology on humans, including potential civil and Syariah criminal liabilities. Preliminary findings indicate that Islam permits genetic modification for therapeutic purposes such as treatment and prevention of diseases. However, Islam rejects any form of manipulation intended for cosmetic enhancement, gender selection without medical necessity, or human capability enhancement, deeming such practices as unlawful and potentially constituting a criminal act. This paper contributes to the development of Islamic bioethical discourse and criminal law by proposing that comprehensive Syariah-compliant and legal guidelines be formulated to regulate the use of genetic technologies in a manner consistent with human dignity and the higher objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid Syariah).   ABSTRAK Fenomena designer baby merujuk kepada inovasi bioteknologi moden yang membolehkan pengubahsuaian genetik terhadap embrio manusia bagi menghasilkan zuriat dengan ciri tertentu, termasuk aspek kesihatan, kecerdasan dan rupa paras. Walaupun teknologi ini berkembang pesat dalam bidang perubatan reproduktif, penggunaannya menimbulkan persoalan etika dan implikasi perundangan yang serius kerana melibatkan campur tangan manusia terhadap fitrah kejadian yang ditetapkan oleh Allah SWT. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis isu designer baby daripada perspektif hukum syarak dan undang-undang jenayah dengan meneliti batas-batas keharusan syariah serta implikasi liabiliti jenayah yang berpotensi timbul daripada pengubahsuaian genetik manusia. Kajian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif melalui analisis kandungan terhadap sumber-sumber primer dan sekunder, termasuk karya fiqh klasik dan kontemporari, pendapat fuqaha, fatwa, qawāʿid fiqhiyyah, resolusi perubatan serta penulisan akademik berkaitan bioetika dan perundangan. Analisis turut dijalankan berdasarkan kerangka Maqasid Syariah dan prinsip undang-undang jenayah Islam serta sivil, khususnya dalam konteks penyalahgunaan teknologi, pelanggaran etika penyelidikan dan eksploitasi terhadap manusia. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pengubahsuaian genetik dibenarkan dalam Islam secara terhad, iaitu bagi tujuan rawatan dan pencegahan penyakit yang serius serta selari dengan prinsip pemeliharaan nyawa dan keturunan. Namun demikian, sebarang bentuk manipulasi genetik yang bertujuan kosmetik, pemilihan jantina tanpa keperluan perubatan atau peningkatan keupayaan manusia adalah ditolak kerana bercanggah dengan Maqasid Syariah dan berpotensi diklasifikasikan sebagai suatu bentuk kesalahan jenayah. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pengukuhan wacana bioetika Islam dan perundangan dengan mengemukakan keperluan penggubalan garis panduan syariah serta kerangka undang-undang yang lebih komprehensif bagi mengawal penggunaan teknologi genetik manusia agar selari dengan nilai kemanusiaan dan prinsip keadilan.

The advancement of digital technology has introduced significant challenges to evidentiary processes, particularly within the Syariah judiciary in Malaysia. Electronic evidence—including mobile application messages, closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings, emails, and online transactions—is increasingly tendered in Syariah proceedings. However, the absence of a detailed legal framework under the Syariah Court Evidence (Federal Territories) Act 1997 [Act 561] has created substantial uncertainty, especially regarding authentication and integrity. In contrast, the Civil Courts operate under the Evidence Act 1950 [Act 56], which contains comprehensive provisions governing the admissibility of electronic evidence. This article examines the existing legal framework on electronic evidence in Malaysia, analyses the principles of authentication and integrity from a Syariah perspective, and evaluates the role of digital forensics in enhancing evidentiary reliability. The study employs a qualitative method through doctrinal document analysis, subsequently organised into subthemes. The findings demonstrate that digital forensic tools—such as cryptographic hashing, digital signatures, metadata analysis, and blockchain—are indispensable in ensuring the authenticity of electronic documents, while remaining consistent with the objectives of the maqāṣid al-sharīʿah in protecting rights (ḥifẓ al-ḥuqūq), property (ḥifẓ al-māl), and dignity (ḥifẓ al-ʿirḍ). The article concludes that integrating digital forensics into Syariah evidentiary practice is essential to reinforce justice, strengthen legal certainty, and safeguard the credibility of judicial outcomes in the digital era.

>Age estimation in children is crucial for forensic identification. The mandible coronoid process is the site of attachment of the temporal muscle and is one of the parts that has changed during development, making it a potential landmark for age estimation. This study aimed to determine the morphological differences between children in the coronoid process of the mandible. A total of 305 dental panoramic tomography (DPT) images were divided into two age groups: Group 1 (3–7 years) and Group 2 (8–12 years). Six landmarks of coronoid process of mandible were applied to the DPT using the TPSDig2 software. The coordinate was exported to MorphoJ for geometric morphometric analysis. The general procrustes analysis (GPA), Principal component analysis (PCA), Procrustes ANOVA, and Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was performed. The first five PCs represented 86% of total shape variation, with PC1 contributing the highest proportion (38%), followed by PC2 (20%) and PC3 (12.23%). Procrustes ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in centroid size and shape between groups (p < 0.05). DFA achieved 73% correct classification and 64% after cross validation. Wireframe visualization revealed a higher coronoid tip in Group 2 compared to Group 1, indicating mandibular growth with age. Coronoid process morphology demonstrates significant age-related changes and can serve as a useful supplementary marker for forensic age estimation in children. Geometric morphometric analysis provides a reliable and objective framework for quantifying mandibular growth.

Agenda pelaksanaan hukuman alternatif yang berorientasikan pemulihan pesalah jenayah syariah perlu diberi perhatian sewajarnya kerana sehingga kini tidak diketahui sejauh mana ia dilaksanakan di bawah sistem perundangan syariah negara. Agenda pemulihan inijuga sepatutnya dijadikan sebagai salah satu agenda bagi memperkasakan sistem perundangan syariah negara atau Mahkamah Syariah itu sendiri. Perlu difahami bahawa matlamat hukuman dalam Islam bukanlah sekadar menghukum pesalah, tetapi yang paling utama adalah memastikan pesalah tersebut berjaya dipulihkan. Pelaksanaan program pemulihan mestilah berdasarkan perancangan yang teliti agar bentuk pemulihan yang bersesuaian dapat diberikan berdasarkankepadakesalahan atau jenayah yang dilakukan. Keterbatasan danketidaktahuan tentang sejauh mana kesesuaian dan mekanisme pemulihan pesalah jenayah syariedi bawah sistem perundangan negara pada masa kini membuka persoalan tentang sejauh mana pesalah-pesalah ini mendapat hak mereka untuk dipulihkan dan seterusnya mendapat keadilan. Keadaan ini sepatutnya menjadi desakan kepada pihak berwajib untuk mengambil langkah yang sewajarnya untukmengkaji dan menanganinya. Dalam kajian ini, penyelidik telahmenggunakan kaedah kualitatifbagimerungkai permasalahan tersebut serta mencadangkan penambahbaikan terhadap beberapa aspek yang dilihat penting sebagai langkah awal ke arah pelaksanaan hukuman alternatif yang lebih tersusun di Mahkamah Syariah. Kajian mendapati bahawa aspek pemulihan pesalah adalah salah satu matlamat utamahukuman dalam Islam dan aspek yang berkaitan dengan matlamat tersebut tidak boleh diketepikan begitu sahaja. Kajian ini juga mendapati bahawa hukuman alternatif berorientasikan pemulihan yang diaplikasikan di Mahkamah Syariah pada masa ini adalah amat kecil skopnya dan masih ‘kabur’dari segi pelaksanaannya berbanding di Mahkamah Sivil. Oleh itu, perbincangan mengenai perkara ini diharapkandapat membuka mata pihak-pihak berkaitan agar dapat memberikan perhatian yang serius dan mengambil tindakan yang drastik untuk melihat dan mengkaji aspek pemulihan pesalah jenayah syariah sedia ada supaya penambahbaikan dapat dilakukan.

Applications for the determination of religious status in Malaysia are not a new phenomenon. This paper aims to highlight the actual reality of cases brought before the Shariah courts and civil courts. By analyzing cases reported in various legal journals, this study finds a diversity of applications. Not all applications are filed in the Shariah courts. There are also applications submitted to the civil courts, such as those seeking to leave a religion or to request judicial review to challenge the decisions of the Shariah courts and the National Registration Department, which have rejected their applications to change their religion or name. Applications for determining religious status that are approved by the Shariah courts are limited to cases involving confusion about religion and do not include cases involving individuals who were originally Muslims seeking to leave the religion. In conclusion, the Shariah courts are found to be extremely cautious in making decisions regarding the determination of a person’s religious status. This study also emphasizes the elements of SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by underlining the importance of ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to justice. This emphasis is crucial for building inclusive and accountable judicial institutions in addressing issues related to religious rights in Malaysia.   Abstrak Permohonan penentuan status agama di Malaysia bukanlah sesuatu yang baru. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menunjukkan realiti sebenar kedudukan kes-kes yang berlaku di mahkamah syariah dan mahkamah sivil. Dengan menganalisis kes-kes yang dilaporkan dalam pelbagai jurnal undang-undang, kajian ini mendapati terdapat pelbagai kepelbagaian dalam permohonan. Tidak semua permohonan dibuat di mahkamah syariah. Terdapat juga permohonan yang dibuat ke mahkamah sivil untuk memohon keluar agama dan memohon semakan kehakiman untuk mencabar keputusan mahkamah syariah dan Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara yang menolak permohonan mereka untuk menukar agama dan menukar nama. Permohonan penentuan status agama yang diluluskan oleh mahkamah syariah hanya melibatkan kes kekeliruan mengenai agama dan bukannya kes membabitkan orang Islam asal yang ingin keluar agama. Sebagai rumusan, mahkamah syariah didapati amat berhati-hati dalam membuat keputusan mengenai penentuan status agama seseorang. Kajian ini turut memberi perhatian kepada elemen SDG 10 (Mengurangkan Ketidaksamaan) dan SDG 16 (Kedamaian, Keadilan, dan Institusi Kukuh) dengan menekankan keperluan untuk memastikan akses kepada keadilan yang adil dan tidak diskriminasi. Penekanan ini penting bagi membina institusi kehakiman yang inklusif dan bertanggungjawab dalam menangani isu-isu berkaitan hak agama di Malaysia.

In this study, the term madhhab refers to a school of thought or a particular framework of legal reasoning developed through a distinct methodology, approach, and scholarly discipline. Emerging in the early first century Hijri, the madhhab tradition expanded significantly and reached its maturity by the end of the third century Hijri. The four major Sunni madhāhib—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali—remain influential to this day. Over several centuries, the development of madhhab-based scholarship gave rise to a highly systematic and integrated methodology of legal derivation (istinbāṭ al-aḥkām). In the contemporary era of information revolution, religious knowledge has become easily accessible at one’s fingertips. The convenience of the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a decline in traditional text-based learning, particularly the reading of classical turāth works. Consequently, many learners increasingly rely on online platforms that offer instant answers, often neglecting the essential legacy of Islamic legal scholarship—namely, the methodological framework of the fuqahā’ in deriving legal rulings. This leads to a weakening of madhhab identity and an unanchored approach to understanding Islamic law. This paper examines the importance of adhering to a madhhab and the dangers of combining rulings from multiple madhāhib without proper scholarly methodology. The findings indicate that abandoning madhhab-based discipline may cause individuals to drift into misconceptions under the pretext of returning to the salaf al-ṣāliḥ, while in reality exposing them to the risk of issuing rulings based on personal inclinations due to their inability to derive legal rulings accurately from the primary sources.    Abstrak Mazhab dalam konteks kajian ini merujuk kepada aliran pemikiran atau kerangka pandangan dalam persoalan hukum yang terbina melalui metodologi, pendekatan dan disiplin ilmu yang tersusun. Bermula kemunculannya pada awal kurun pertama Hijrah, tradisi bermazhab berkembang secara signifikan dan mencapai tahap kematangan pada akhir kurun ketiga Hijrah. Antara mazhab fikah yang terus kekal berpengaruh hingga kini ialah Mazhab Hanafi, Maliki, Syafi‘i dan Hanbali. Perkembangan ilmu berasaskan mazhab pula berlangsung secara berterusan selama ratusan tahun sehingga membentuk satu manhaj istinbāṭ hukum yang sistematik, terperinci dan sangat bersepadu. Dalam era revolusi maklumat hari ini, ilmu agama khususnya boleh dicapai dengan mudah hanya melalui hujung jari. Kemudahan internet dan teknologi kecerdasan buatan (AI) mengakibatkan budaya pembelajaran berkitab semakin berkurangan, apatah lagi merujuk kepada karya-karya turath ulama silam. Keadaan ini mendorong sebahagian pengkaji dan masyarakat untuk bergantung kepada sumber segera di alam maya, sehingga mengabaikan satu elemen penting dalam tradisi keilmuan Islam, iaitu manhaj fuqaha’ dalam mengistinbāṭ hukum. Natijahnya, berlakulah krisis jati diri dalam bermazhab dan kecenderungan untuk memahami agama secara terpisah daripada disiplin ilmu yang sahih. Kajian ini membincangkan kepentingan berpegang kepada mazhab serta bahaya mencampuradukkan pandangan mazhab tanpa panduan metodologi yang betul. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa meninggalkan mazhab boleh menyebabkan seseorang terperangkap dalam prasangka salah kononnya untuk kembali kepada amalan salaf al-ṣāliḥ, sedangkan hakikatnya ia berpotensi membawa kepada berhukum dengan hawa nafsu akibat ketidakmampuan mengistinbāṭ hukum daripada dalil-dalil syarak secara tepat.

This study aims to analyze the regulation of corporate criminal liability in the 2023 Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP 2023), focusing on how corporations are held criminally liable within the context of the latest criminal law. The research method employed is normative legal research with a statutory approach. The primary data source is Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP 2023), with data collection techniques including literature studies and content analysis. The analysis shows that KUHP 2023 regulates corporate criminal liability through articles that outline the types of crimes that can be committed by corporations and the sanctions that can be applied. However, several weaknesses were identified, such as the ambiguity regarding individual responsibility within corporations and the lack of an effective law enforcement mechanism. In the context of corporate criminal liability theory, this study highlights the importance of balancing corporate collective responsibility and individual responsibility to prevent criminal actions within corporations. This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 by promoting justice and effective legal institutions and SDG 8 by fostering a responsible corporate environment conducive to inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, it relates to SDG 12, as strengthening corporate accountability contributes to sustainable production and consumption practices. In conclusion, the regulation of corporate criminal liability in KUHP 2023 requires refinement to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and legal clarity. This is essential for ensuring accountability and aligning corporate practices with sustainable development objectives.

Modern technology shapes society and vice versa. When determining how to manage future technology, it is necessary to encourage beneficial breakthroughs while keeping in mind the core principles and rights upon which democratic societies are built. In the international discourse on the legal and ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the need for an interdisciplinary approach is widely recognised. Generally speaking, legal, ethical, and computer science or machine learning expertise are considered to be the bare minimum requirements. In addition to examining governance from a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to determine what is required to comply with the law, to define what is ethically correct, and to provide practical technical solutions. This study highlights the law, ethics, and machine learning. Thus, by identifying the legal developments in regulating legal education in public universities and reviewing the Standard Programme Law and Syariah issued by the Malaysian Qualifying Agency (2015), this study is informed by ethical aspects that should be addressed in governing emerging technology. The Maqasid Syariah and ethics serve as the study's core pillars and are utilised to build a model for managing emerging technologies in legal and syariah programmes. Doctrinal research from primary and secondary sources is used in this study. Adopting the Maqasid Syariah framework into higher education courses in law and Syariah can help to ensure that new technology is governed by ethical and moral principles, even though both frameworks share certain common ground or aims. The ideals of Maqasid Syariah improve people's quality of life as well as society. Overall, governing emerging technologies requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes benefits and costs, trustworthy characteristics, equitable and inclusive processes, consumer safety, privacy, and security. It also requires knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration to adapt to the unpredictable nature of business models that rely on emerging technologies.

This study investigates the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation in Malaysia through an integrative framework combining system dynamics modeling with Shariah, ethical, and forensic analyses. A system dynamics model was developed to simulate the spread of AI-driven deceptive content among Malaysian internet users using key variables such as population size, monthly website visits, and deception rates. Simulation results show that increasing AI-generated content from 30% to 50% significantly accelerates the time required for misinformation to reach the entire internet-using population, from approximately four years to just two and a half years. This rapid propagation creates a critical mismatch between the pace of technological harm and the slower processes of legislative, forensic, and Shariah-based institutional responses. From a Shariah perspective, pervasive AI misinformation threatens the credibility of fatwas, Halal certification systems, and the authenticity of religious knowledge. Ethically, repeated exposure erodes trust, undermines civic engagement, and weakens adherence to tabayyun. From a forensic standpoint, the ubiquity of synthetic digital content complicates attribution, evidence validation, and prosecution, enabling both sophisticated cybercrimes and the “deepfake defense”. The findings highlight the urgency for anticipatory governance, harmonized religious and legal frameworks, and strengthened digital forensic readiness to safeguard societal cohesion and the integrity of Islamic knowledge in the age of generative AI.

The implementation of sulh in Islam plays a crucial role in resolving disputes amicably without undergoing lengthy court proceedings. History has shown that sulh has been practiced in the Malay world since before independence and continues to this day. As one of the conflict resolution mechanisms encouraged in Islam, there is a need to study and improve its implementation over time to ensure that it consistently achieves its intended objectives. This study aims to elucidate the concept of sulh in Islam, including the definitions of sulh and Majlis Sulh, the evidences supporting its legislation, several cases exemplifying its application in Islam, the pillars of sulh, and its implementation within the Syariah legal system or in Syariah Courts in Malaysia. This article also discusses cases eligible to be referred to Majlis Sulh and the role of this mechanism in promoting justice and harmony in society. A qualitative approach through document analysis was adopted, with data presented in subthemes. The study's findings reveal that the implementation of sulh under the Malaysian Syariah legal system, although currently limited to resolving disputes in Islamic family law, is guided by systematic procedures and regulations. Nevertheless, there is room to expand its scope over time. This study also underscores the importance of sulh in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by strengthening fair and inclusive legal institutions, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by addressing issues related to women’s rights in family-related disputes.   Abstrak Pelaksanaan sulh dalam Islam memainkan peranan penting dalam menyelesaikan pertikaian secara damai tanpa perlu melalui proses perbicaraan yang panjang. Sejarah telah memperlihatkan bahawa sulh telah dilaksanakan di alam Melayu sejak sebelum merdeka lagi sehinggalah ke hari ini. Sebagai salah satu mekanisme penyelesaian konflik yang dianjurkan dalam Islam, terdapat keperluan bagi mengkaji dan menambah baik pelaksanaan sulh dari semasa ke semasa bagi memastikan ianya sentiasa mencapai matlamat yang dikehendaki. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk memperjelaskan konsep sulh dalam Islam, termasuk takrifan sulh dan Majlis Sulh, dalil-dalil pensyariatan sulh, beberapa contoh kes pelaksanaan sulh dalam Islam, rukun-rukun sulh, serta melihat pelaksanaannya di bawah sistem perundangan Syariah Malaysia. Dalam artikel ini, perbincangan juga merangkumi kes-kes yang sesuai dirujuk ke Majlis Sulh dan peranan mekanisme ini dalam mempromosikan keadilan serta keharmonian dalam masyarakat. Pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis dokumen telah digunakan, di mana data yang diperoleh dipersembahkan dalam bentuk subtema. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pelaksanaan sulh di bawah sistem perundangan Syariah di Malaysia kini walaupun hanya tertumpu kepada isu undang-undang keluarga Islam, tetap dipandu oleh tatacara dan perundangan yang sistematik. Namun, terdapat ruang untuk memperluaskan skop pelaksanaannya dari semasa ke semasa. Kajian ini juga menegaskan kepentingan sulh dalam menyokong Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG), khususnya SDG 16 (Kedamaian, Keadilan dan Institusi Yang Kukuh) melalui pengukuhan institusi perundangan yang adil dan inklusif, serta SDG 5 (Kesaksamaan Gender) dengan memberi perhatian kepada penyelesaian isu berkaitan hak wanita dalam kes kekeluargaan.

There are two main institutions that play a significant role in issuing legal opinions or fatwas in Malaysia, namely the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (JMMKI) and the State Fatwa Committees across the country. This study focuses on fatwas related to halal product issues issued by both institutions. The objective is to assess and analyze the level of acceptance by the State Fatwa Committees of the legal opinions on halal products decided by JMMKI. In addition, the study examines the factors contributing to the similarities and differences in fatwa decisions as well as the extent of coordination between the two institutions. A qualitative approach is employed to analyze selected fatwa decisions in order to uncover patterns of conformity or divergence between the two bodies. The findings of this study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the halal fatwa decision-making process and to explain how the roles and cooperation between these institutionsinfluence the understanding and implementation of halal rulings within the Malaysian Muslim society. In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty, this study also emphasizes the importance of harmonizing halal fatwas in ensuring the economic well-being of the Muslim community, protecting the rights of Muslim consumers, and strengthening confidence in the halal market, which contributes to income growth and economic opportunities for the society at large

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) in responding to the rising prevalence of financial scams during the first quarter of 2025, with particular emphasis on risk governance and systemic resilience. The regression results (Y = 4194.91 + 14.88X; R² = 0.954; p = 0.023) indicate a strong and statistically significant relationship between the value of reported financial losses and the number of blocked accounts, reflecting OJK’s active and measurable enforcement actions. However, further analysis uncovers a critical paradox: although the absolute number of blocked funds increased, the Fund Blocking Success Rate declined markedly from 5.57% to 2.70%, signalling limited mitigation effectiveness. A subsequent regression examining the relationship between the number of blocked accounts and the fund-blocking success rate revealed weak significance (R² = 0.555; p = 0.255), suggesting structural and systemic disconnections within existing enforcement mechanisms. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating that real-time enforcement capacity continues to lag behind the rapid escalation of digital scams. This gap is driven primarily by non-interoperable digital infrastructures, insufficient predictive analytical tools, and fragmented institutional coordination. The findings underscore urgent implications: achieving effective risk governance requires the integration of predictive analytics, early-warning systems, and fully interoperable institutional frameworks. By providing original empirical evidence, this research contributes to the regulatory literature and calls for a strategic redesign of Indonesia’s digital financial crime prevention architecture.

Forensic odontology is the field of dentistry that identifies human remains. The mandible is the strongest bone in the face and remains intact even in mass disasters. Geometric morphometrics is a shape analysis that uses landmark coordinates that can visualise the variation of the structure. A total of 305 DPT images of 159 male and 146 female Malay children were classified into two age groups: Group 1 (ages 3–7) and Group 2 (ages 8–12). These images were analysed using geometric morphometric analysis. Twenty landmarks were digitised using the tpsDig2 software. MorphoJ was used to perform discriminant function analysis (DFA), canonical variate analysis (CVA), principal component analysis (PCA), generalised Procrustes analysis (GPA), and Procrustes ANOVA. There were significant differences in mandible shape and size between the two age groups and sexes (p < 0.05). The first five principal components (PC1–PC5) explained 75% of the shape variation. The DFA showed 82% accuracy in classifying children into age groups after cross-validation. However, the accuracy among males and females dropped to 62%, due to overlapping characteristics and the absence of secondary sexual traits in children under 12. Geometric morphometry can capture unique morphological shape variables, thus enabling the assessment of sexual dimorphism and age estimation using mandibles to aid forensic odontology. This research supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by enhancing scientific tools for victim identification and justice in the aftermath of disasters and crimes involving children.

This article explains the method of determining and selecting the authoritative opinions of the Shāfi‘ī madhhab as determined by the later jurists (al-mutaakhkhirīn) through understanding some of the main terminologies that have been agreed upon. A brief review and analysis were conducted on several opinions (al-ikhtiyārat) of Imam al-Ghazali in his work Bidāyat al-Hidāyah that differ from the conclusive view of the Shāfi‘ī school. This writing is qualitative and descriptive in nature, involving library research and content analysis of the Shāfi‘ites classical jurisprudence texts, the books of Imam al-Ghazali, especially Bidāyat al-Hidāyah, as well as the writings of relevant contemporary scholars. The results of this study show that a thorough and detailed knowledge and understanding of the procedure for determining the final or authoritative view of the madhhab is an important basis in interacting with the Shāfi‘ites classical texts. Al-ikhtiyār is an ijtihād (independent judgement) by a mujtahid which is not in line with the madhhab of his imam in some issues or contradicts the authoritative opinion of the madhhab due to the existence of evidence. Thus, this opinion cannot be attributed to the madhhab. Imam al-Ghazali belongs to the group of Aṣḥāb al-Wujūh, who lived before the time of taḥrīr (updating) of the madhhab. Therefore, in the book Bidāyat al-Hidāyah some fiqh issues are not conclusive according to the Shāfi‘ī school of thought. This problem is considered an al-ikhtiyārat of Imam al-Ghazali based on his ijtihād towards the Sharī‘ah texts. Al-ikhtiyārat of Imam al-Ghazali in this book is only found in seven fiqh issues related to the sunnah during ablution and prayer. As this book is more focused on the methods and manners for someone who wants to get closer to Allah SWT, the fiqh issues discussed by Imam al-Ghazali are considered faḍā’il al-a‘māl (the virtues of deeds) and personal daily practices, not intended for issuing fatwas and legal rulings in relation to it. Hence, it is permissible for us to follow such opinions.

The main objective of this study is to demonstrate the legal regulation and national jurisdiction of the courts in both Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates for international crimes and the accountability of the military commander in accordance with the internal legislation, by analysing and comparing the legal provisions in both countries. This gives the right to the national courts to prosecute and punish persons who commit international crimes, including perpetrators of war crimes, genocide crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of aggression by military leaders, and therefore the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for international crimes is considered complementary to the national judiciary. The accountability of the military commander is linked to the availability of several conditions, including the existence of a relationship between the military commander and its forces, and the military commander is aware or in circumstances that make it aware that its subordinates or forces have committed crimes punishable by laws and has not taken the necessary procedures that would prevent the commission of these crimes or Initiation of it, and if the national or internal legislations protect and grant immunity to any of the persons or military leaders in both Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, the invocation of this must not be taken into consideration or considered, as the individual or military commander is held accountable for Committing any international crime in personal capacity without recourse to the official capacity or any of the immunities or special procedures associated with it, This is according to the statutes of the International Criminal Court, which should be reflected in the internal laws and rulings in both Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, so that the national courts in both countries have the jurisdiction.   الملخص إن الهدف الأساسي من هذه الدراسة هو بيان التنظيم القانوني والاختصاص الوطني للمحاكم في كل من ماليزيا ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة عن الجرائم الدولية ومساءلة القائد العسكري وفق التشريعات الداخلية وذلك من خلال تحليل ومقارنة النصوص القانونية في كلا البلدين، حيث أنه في حال وجود تشريعات داخلية للدولة عن الجرائم الدولية، فإنها تمنح الحق للمحاكم الوطنية في ملاحقة ومعاقبة الأشخاص الذين يرتكبون الجرائم الدولية من بينهم مرتكبي جرائم الحرب وجرائم الإبادة الجماعية وجرائم ضد الإنسانية وجرائم العدوان من القادة العسكريين، وبالتالي يعتبر اختصاص المحكمة الجنائية الدولية عن الجرائم الدولية مكملاً للقضاء الوطني، وإن مساءلة القائد العسكري مرتبط بتوافر عدة شروط من بينها، وجود علاقة بين القائد العسكري وقواته، وأن يكون ذلك القائد العسكري على علم أو في ظروف تجعله يعلم بإرتكاب مرؤوسيه أو قواته جرائم معاقب عليها قانونا ولم يقوم بإتخاذ إجراءات لازمة من شأنها منع ارتكاب هذه الجرائم أو الشروع بها، وإن كانت التشريعات الوطنية أو الداخلية تحمي وتضفي الحصانة على أي من الأشخاص أو القادة العسكريين في كل من ماليزيا ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، فإن الاحتجاج بذلك يجب أن لا يؤخذ في الاعتبار ولا يعتد به، حيث تتم محاسبة الفرد أو القائد العسكري عن ارتكاب أي جريمة دولية بصفته الشخصية دون الإعتداد بالصفة الرسمية أو أي من الحصانات أو الإجراءات الخاصة المرتبطة به وذلك وفق النظام الأساسي للمحكمة الجنائية الدولية والتي ينبغي أن تعكسها القوانين والأحكام الداخلية في كل من ماليزيا ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة لتختص المحاكم الوطنية في كلا الدولتين.

This study examines the negative impacts arising from the separation of the Islamic religion, encompassing spiritual and moral values, from the human and natural sciences. It highlights issues such as the absence of spiritual and moral values, the neglect of Islamic principles in scientific advancements, and the dominance of social and atheistic philosophies. By relying on Qur’anic and scientific evidence, the research underscores the adverse effects of this disconnection and advocates for the integration of Islamic principles with the sciences to foster human and social well-being. This integration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting a holistic approach to education that incorporates ethical and moral values, Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by emphasizing spiritual well-being as part of overall health, and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by supporting social harmony through moral and ethical guidance in scientific progress.  ملخص البحث تتناول هذه الدراسة الآثار السلبية الناجمة عن الفصل بين الدين الإسلامي، الذي يشمل القيم الروحية والأخلاقية، وبين العلوم الإنسانية والطبيعية. وتسلط الضوء على قضايا مثل غياب القيم الروحية والأخلاقية، وإهمال المبادئ الإسلامية في التطورات العلمية، وسيادة الفلسفات الاجتماعية والإلحادية. ومن خلال الاعتماد على الأدلة القرآنية والعلمية، تؤكد الدراسة على الآثار السلبية لهذا الانفصال وتدعو إلى التكامل بين المبادئ الإسلامية والعلوم لتحقيق الرفاه البشري والاجتماعي. ويتماشى هذا التكامل مع أهداف التنمية المستدامة(SDG) ، لا سيما الهدف الرابع (التعليم الجيد) من خلال تعزيز نهج شامل للتعليم يدمج القيم الأخلاقية والمعنوية، والهدف الثالث (الصحة الجيدة والرفاه) من خلال التركيز على الرفاه الروحي كجزء من الصحة العامة، والهدف السادس عشر (السلام والعدل والمؤسسات القوية) من خلال دعم الانسجام الاجتماعي عبر التوجيه الأخلاقي والمعنوي في التقدم العلمي.

This study examines the topic of customs inspection of women in light of constitutional, jurisprudential, and legal references, with a focus on the procedural and legal guarantees accompanying this process. The study aims to clarify the legal and jurisprudential framework regulating inspection and measure its consistency with international human rights standards. The study relied on a comparative analytical approach that combines constitutional texts, national laws, and Islamic jurisprudence, in addition to analyzing field studies and practical experiences in some Arab countries. The results revealed shortcomings in national legislation in terms of explicit provisions on controls for the inspection of women, compared to greater clarity in Islamic jurisprudence, which sets precise rules based on the objectives of Islamic law. It also revealed that practical implementation gaps exist in the application of these guarantees, particularly given the shortage of female personnel and weak judicial oversight. The study recommended the development of national legislation, enhanced training and qualifications for female customs personnel, and the development of unified inspection protocols, utilizing the objective-based framework to regulate these provisions to achieve a balance between security requirements and human rights.   ملخص البحث يتناول هذا البحث موضوع التفتيش الجمركي للنساء في ضوء المرجعيات الدستورية، والفقهية، والقانونية، مع التركيز على الضمانات الإجرائية والحقوقية المصاحبة لهذه العملية. يهدف البحث إلى بيان الإطار القانوني والفقهي المنظم للتفتيش، وقياس مدى اتساقه مع المعايير الدولية لحقوق الإنسان. اعتمدت الدراسة على منهج تحليلي مقارن يجمع بين النصوص الدستورية والقوانين الوطنية والفقه الإسلامي، إضافةً إلى تحليل دراسات ميدانية وتجارب تطبيقية في بعض الدول العربية .أظهرت النتائج وجود قصور في التشريعات الوطنية من حيث النص الصريح على ضوابط تفتيش النساء، مقابل وضوح أكبر في الفقه الإسلامي الذي وضع قواعد دقيقة قائمة على المقاصد الشرعية. كما تبيّن أن الممارسة العملية تشهد فجوات في تطبيق الضمانات، خصوصًا في ظل نقص الكوادر النسائية وضعف الرقابة القضائية. أوصت الدراسة بضرورة تطوير التشريعات الوطنية، وتعزيز التدريب والتأهيل للكوادر الجمركية النسائية، ووضع بروتوكولات موحدة للتفتيش، مع الاستفادة من المرجعية المقاصدية في ضبط النصوص بما يحقق التوازن بين مقتضيات الأمن وحقوق الإنسان.