Women's Empowerment through Islamic Investment Trends: A Maqashid al-Shariah and SDGs Perspective

Abstract

Empowering women through Islamic investment is a strategic issue in integrating the values of maqasid al-shariah with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The background of this research is based on the increasing trend of women's involvement in the Islamic financial sector, both as investors, managers, and beneficiaries, which has the potential to make significant contributions to economic growth and social sustainability. The purpose of this research is to examine the strategic role of women in Islamic investment trends and to assess the extent to which these activities are aligned with maqasid al-shariah and relevant to achieving the SDGs. This research uses an empirical approach with a qualitative case study method, involving in-depth interviews and open-ended questionnaires distributed to female investors in Islamic financial instruments, including sukuk, Islamic mutual funds, Islamic fintech, and Sharia-based cooperatives. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns in women's experiences, motivations, and challenges in Islamic investment. The results show that women's involvement in Islamic investment is driven not only by economic motivations, but also by spiritual values and social concerns. Islamic investment has been proven to contribute to wealth protection (hifz al-mal), family sustainability (hifz al-nasl), and community welfare, thus being relevant to the principles of maqasid al-shariah. Furthermore, the role of women in Islamic investment supports SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (inclusive economic growth), and SDG 10 (reduced inequality). The conclusion of this study confirms that women are crucial actors in the Islamic investment ecosystem, capable of creating synergy between sharia goals and sustainable development. These findings recommend the need for public. policy support, strengthening sharia financial literacy, and developing a gender- friendly digital ecosystem to expand women's participation in Islamic investment.