Evaluating Deceptive E-commerce Discounts via Maqashid Sharia: Protecting Muslim Consumer Welfare

Abstract

This study examines deceptive discount practices on Indonesian e-commerce platforms from the perspective of Maqashid Sharia. Such deceptive discounts for example, pre-inflated price markups, opaque flash sales, repeated discount schemes, and misleading discount labels inflict both financial and moral harm on consumers. Through a qualitative, literature-based analysis, the study finds that these practices directly violate two primary Maqashid Dharuriyyat objectives: Hifz al-Mal (protection of wealth) and Hifz al-Din (protection of religion and moral integrity). These unethical practices involve elements of tadlis (fraud) and gharar (excessive uncertainty), both explicitly prohibited by Islamic law, thereby causing unjust losses to consumers. The study recommends integrating Maqashid Sharia principles into consumer protection policy and education, strengthening monitoring and enforcement by authorities, and promoting Islamic business ethics and consumer awareness among e-commerce stakeholders. Integrating Maqashid Sharia offers a comprehensive ethical framework to safeguard Muslim consumers and promote a fair, transparent, and trustworthy digital marketplace.