The Application of Maqasid al-Shariah in Cattle Trading Practices: A Sharia Economic Law Perspective in Boyolali

Abstract

This study examines the application of Maqasid al-Shariah principles in cattle trading practices and analyzes them from the perspective of Sharia Economic Law. This qualitative empirical legal study is based on a semi-structured interview with one cattle trader in Boyolali, selected purposively based on direct experience in cattle trading. The findings show that the informant’s practices involve direct inspection of cattle, price negotiation, agreed payment arrangements, honest information disclosure, and deliberation in resolving disputes. These practices are particularly relevant to hifz al-mal (protection of property) and mutual consent (an-taradhin). Direct transactions enable buyers to examine cattle more clearly, while online transactions may increase the risk of misinformation because buyers cannot directly inspect the animals. From the perspective of Sharia Economic Law, the practices described are generally consistent with principles of clarity of the transaction object, mutual consent, transparency, and avoidance of gharar. Limited transaction documentation remains a challenge for strengthening certainty and accountability. As the study involves one informant, the findings represent a specific empirical case and cannot be generalized to all cattle traders in Boyolali. The study recommends strengthening transaction documentation and information transparency in cattle trading