<![CDATA[The development of the form and modus operandi of Shariah crimes in Malaysia has exposed the weaknesses of the traditional Shariah evidentiary framework. The absence of physical evidence in crimes committed in the digital environment makes reliance on digital evidence a necessity. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to examine the need and legal validity of integrating digital forensic evidence in Shariah criminal proceedings, with a particular focus on taʿzīr offences, based on the role of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah. This qualitative study adopted document analysis as a research method . The data are evaluated using inductive and deductive approaches through the application of qualitative content analysis. The data were also analysed using a maqāsid-based framework to evaluate the compatibility of digital forensics with Syariah evidentiary principles. The findings reveal that when digital evidence meets established standards of reliability, authenticity and procedural integrity, it can serve as a credible and admissible means of proof in Syariah criminal proceedings. The integration of evidence based on the Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah framework complements Islamic evidentiary methods and demonstrates the ability of fiqh to adapt to the reality of technology-based crime. This study concludes that the coordination of digital forensics with the maqāsid of Islamic law is an essential requirement for developing a fiqh-based evidentiary model that ensures that the Syariah Court remains doctrinally grounded and procedurally prepared in handling contemporary criminal cases]]>
