Jurisprudential Adaptation of Cryptocurrency Ripple as a Model

Abstract

The research deals with the topic of cryptocurrencies, specifically Ripple. The research problem lies in the fact that this currency exists and has a daily trading volume of billions of dollars, so it was necessary to investigate its nature and characteristics to determine its jurisprudential classification. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researchers relied on the descriptive, inductive, and analytical approaches by scrutinising research and opinions describing the reality of cryptocurrencies, especially Ripple, and analysing matters related to them to determine their jurisprudential classification. The research began by talking about cryptocurrencies in general, then moved to discuss Ripple specifically, explaining matters related to it and the extent to which the functions of money apply to it. The research concluded that Ripple does not qualify as money because it does not achieve the functions of money. The research also found that a distinction must be made between the Ripple network (RippleNet), which is used to facilitate financial transactions, and the Ripple currency (XRP) that is traded on it. RippleNet is an electronic program that is used as a tool or means to conduct transactions, and it is one of the permissible things that facilitate people’s transactions. As for the Ripple XRP, it is an electronic commodity, and there is nothing in the Sharīʿah to prove that it is forbidden in terms of its origin and essence. As for its circulation and trading, they must be studied independently.