The evolution of digital transactions in 2026 has entered a new phase with the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), increasingly regulated cryptocurrencies, and AI-based “pay-later” services. These conveniences demand clarity regarding their legal status from a Sharia perspective, particularly with regard to riba. This study aims to analyze the forms of riba in contemporary digital transactions and assess their compliance with DSN-MUI fatwas and the principles of muamalah fiqh. The research method is qualitative-descriptive, employing a literature review and fatwa analysis approach. The findings indicate that riba qardh and nasi’ah remain prevalent in conventional online lending, paylater interest that does not utilize Sharia contracts, and fixed returns in crypto staking and lending. These practices contradict DSN-MUI Fatwas No. 117/2018 and No. 28/2002. To avoid riba, every digital financial innovation must be based on Sharia contracts such as qardh, murabahah, mudharabah, or wakalah bil ujrah that are free from conditional surcharges.
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