Sharia Economic and Management Business Journal (SEMBJ)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): February

The Maqashid Paradox: A Three-Pillar Gap Framework for Understanding Compliance and Social Impact in Indonesian Islamic Banking

Khaidar Jamila (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Muhammad Irwan Padli Nasution (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Muhammad Habibi Siregar (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: The rapid growth of Islamic banking in Indonesia has raised concerns about the gap between formal sharia compliance and the substantive realization of maqashid sharia objectives. Although Islamic banks demonstrate strong compliance performance, evidence indicates that this has not consistently translated into higher maqashid outcomes, raising questions about whether Islamic banking has fulfilled its substantive role in promoting social welfare, justice, and sustainable development. Method: This study employed a qualitative approach using a conceptual-descriptive research design based on a systematic literature review. Relevant studies published between 2017 and 2026 were collected from reputable academic databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, Emerald Insight, and ProQuest. A total of 45 articles were selected and analyzed through thematic synthesis to identify structural factors contributing to the compliance-maqashid gap. Results: The findings reveal three interconnected dimensions underlying the compliance-maqashid gap: regulatory, operational, and human resource factors. Regulatory frameworks remain focused on micro-level contractual compliance rather than substantive maqashid achievement. Operational practices replicate conventional banking models with financing portfolios heavily concentrated in murabahah contracts. Limited maqashid-oriented competencies among banking professionals hinder effective implementation of socio-economic objectives. These conditions collectively reinforce symbolic compliance and sustain a compliance-driven system with limited substantive impact. Conclusion: Achieving maqashid sharia requires a paradigm shift from compliance-oriented governance toward outcome-oriented Islamic banking practices. Strengthening maqashid-based regulations, diversifying financing structures, and enhancing human resource competencies are essential to bridge the gap between formal compliance and substantive maqashid achievement.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

sembj

Publisher

Subject

Religion Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Other

Description

SEMB-J, sharia economic and management business journal is peer-reviewed journal published by Yayasan Darussalam Bengkulu. SEMB-J focus on the research of sharia economic and management business. The aim of this journal is to explore and develop economic management related to islamic and business. ...