Sharia Economic Law Analysis of Uncertified Land Sale Transactions: Gharar, Legal Certainty, and Dispute Risk

Abstrak

Uncertified land sale transactions persist in many communities due to perceived administrative complexity, cost considerations, trust-based local practices, and unresolved inheritance arrangements. In practice, transfers are often conducted informally sometimes orally or supported only by receipts resulting in weak evidentiary value and heightened exposure to future disputes. This study examines uncertified land sales from the perspective of Sharia economic law, focusing on gharar (material uncertainty), justice, and public benefit (maṣlaḥah), while also relating these principles to the need for legal certainty within positive law. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, and document review, then analyzed through reduction, thematic display, and verification. The findings indicate that sales involving unclear ownership status, unverified boundaries, and potential third-party claims embody high levels of uncertainty and risk, potentially undermining fairness and wealth protection (ḥifẓ al-māl). The study recommends strengthening due diligence prior to contracting, improving documentation through authentic deeds where possible, and promoting gradual formalization (registration/certification) to mitigate disputes and enhance Sharia-compliant transactional governance