Integrating the Sunnah Practice into the Operation of E-Commerce

Abstract

One of the hallmarks of the 21st century is that every aspect of human life has been revolutionized by science, information, and technology (ICT). Perhaps, one may be tempted to call the contemporary society a digital human society because of the impact of science, information, and technology (ICT) in every human endeavour. Business activities would have suffered a great set back during the period of the pandemic but a recourse to e-commerce opened several business opportunities which people have not ever imagined. For the fact that Islam sanctions buying and selling hence e-commerce is lawful. Making e-commerce to conform with the Islamic principles requires integrating Sunnah practice in its operations. Exploratory and descriptive survey research methods were adopted. The instrument for data collection is Sunnah Practice and E-commerce Questionnaire (SPEQ). Frequency distribution and percentage were used as methods of data analysis. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine the principles of business transaction as practised by the Prophet to improve the operation of e-commerce. The findings of the study revealed that the operation of e-commerce gains huge patronage because it makes business transaction easy and pleasurable. It saved nations’ economies during the pandemic era. One of its disadvantages is that it encourages fraudulent practices just to mention but a few. Among the recommendations suggested by the study is that the contact address, phone number, and email of online companies or retailers be displayed online for the easy contact in case the customers have complaint to make. The study concluded that the e-commerce can be improved if the Sunnah practice is incorporated into its operation.