Integrating E-Government into Sharia Institutions: Toward Transparent, Accountable, and Faith-Oriented Digital Governance

Abstract

The integration of e-government practices within Sharia institutions has become a pertinent development in contemporary Islamic governance. As digital transformation increasingly shapes administrative practices, Sharia-based organizations must reconcile traditional values with modern bureaucratic efficiency. This paper explores the convergence between Islamic jurisprudential principles and digital governance mechanisms, especially within state-supported religious institutions in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to critically examine how e-government tools can be aligned with the objectives of Islamic governance (maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah) and institutional integrity. Focusing on regulatory frameworks, institutional readiness, and socio-religious compliance, the study formulates three central questions addressing institutional compatibility, theological legitimacy, and administrative effectiveness. Employing a qualitative method with a textual approach, this research analyses a corpus of legal texts, government regulations, classical Islamic jurisprudence, and modern scholarly literature. The findings suggest that e-government initiatives, when embedded within Islamic ethical frameworks, not only enhance transparency and accountability but also reinforce religious legitimacy. However, implementation remains uneven due to varying interpretations of sharī‘ah, institutional resistance, and digital literacy gaps. This study highlights the need for a harmonized governance model that respects both Islamic legal traditions and global digital governance standards. It offers a theoretical and policy-based contribution to discussions on Islamic digitalization, bridging the gap between normative religiosity and administrative modernization.