Speech by Director of CFORSJ International Conference on Shariah, Law and Science 2023 (CFORSJ i-CONF 2023)

Ladies and gentlemen,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning to all distinguished guests Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Dr. Ahmad Syukran Baharuddin the Director of The Center of Research for Fiqh Forensics and Judiciary (CFORSJ), respected scholars, esteemed participants, and fellow researchers. It is an honor for me, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aspalilah Alias, the Director of this conference to welcome you to the CFORSJ International Conference on Shariah, Law, and Science 2023, also known as CFORSJ i-CONF 2023.

Allow me to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the distinguished speakers, researchers, and participants who have joined us today, especially our keynote speakers, Prof Dr Wan Abdul Fattah Wan Ismail from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Prof Dr. Faridah Mohd Nor from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and our esteemed invited speakers, Dr. Yacoup Mustafa Mahmoud Saleh from Emirates, Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Arofi Kurniawan from Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia.

This conference, being held virtually, showcases the adaptability and resilience of the academic community in the face of challenges. We have 37 presenters from all over the world including 32 oral presenters from Malaysia and 5 presenters from international countries who are contributing to the discourse in English, Arabic, and Malay languages, covering diverse aspects of Shariah, law, forensic science, and related fields. The presenters also come from different universities and agencies such as USIM, UNISEL, UNIPSAS, UMT, UKM, Sokoto State (Nigeria), Indonesian International Islamic University, American University in Emirates, Libyan Authority for Scientific Research and Universitas Darussalam Indonesia.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the committee members, Prof. Dr. Wan Abdul Fattah Wan Ismail, Dr. Ahmad Syukran Baharuddin, Mr. Mohamad Aniq Aiman Alias, Dr. Zulfaqar Mamat, Associate Prof. Dr. Lukman Abdul Mutalib, Dr. Hasnizam Hashim, and Mr/ Radin Taufiq, for their dedication and hard work in making this conference possible.

The Center of Research for Fiqh Forensics and Judiciary (CFORSJ) takes pride in organizing this International Conference to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals from Malaysia and all over the world, and beyond to share their insights and experiences. The digital era brings with it a myriad of challenges, and it is through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches that we can navigate the complexities of this era.

The theme of this conference, "The Role of Shariah, Law, and Forensic Science in Facing the Challenges of the Digital Revolution Era," is timely and relevant. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of Shariah, law, and forensic science plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the digital revolution. As we witness unprecedented advancements in technology, it is imperative for scholars and practitioners in these fields to come together and explore innovative solutions. The digital revolution has transformed many aspects of society, including the legal and forensic landscape. The intersection of Shariah, law, and forensic science in the context of the digital revolution era presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Shariah serves as a moral and ethical guide for the development and use of digital technologies, emphasizing principles like justice and fairness. It can inform policies and regulations that safeguard privacy, ensuring security in line with Islamic values. Shariah-compliant financial transactions and digital commerce uphold fairness and transparency in the digital economy.

Legal frameworks must adapt to address emerging digital challenges, enacting laws regulating activities, protecting individuals' rights, and aligning with Shariah principles to ensure justice in addressing digital crimes. Robust legal protection for digital content, innovations, and inventions, aligned with Shariah principles, respects intellectual property rights within an ethical framework.

The digital era necessitates specialized forensic techniques, such as digital forensics, for collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence in combating cybercrimes. Forensic science, crucial for maintaining legal integrity, involves experts providing testimony in legal proceedings related to digital evidence, aiding judges and juries in understanding complex technical matters. Balancing technological advancements with cultural and religious sensitivities is challenging. Ensuring that digital practices comply with Shariah principles without hindering technological progress is a delicate task. Cybercrimes often transcend borders, requiring international cooperation in both legal and forensic domains to effectively address and prosecute digital offenders.

 The rapid pace of technological advancement poses challenges for lawmakers and forensic experts to stay abreast of new developments and adapt their approaches accordingly. In facing the challenges of the digital revolution era, collaboration between legal experts, forensic scientists, and scholars of Shariah is crucial. This collaboration can help establish ethical guidelines, legal frameworks, and forensic methodologies that align with both the principles of justice and the demands of the digital age.

I would like to take this opportunity, to give the global solidarity to support our brother and sister in Palestine. May we work together to help Palestine free. The international laws and syariah must be take the role for resolutions pertaining to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Emphasize the need for a two-state solution or any other viable and fair resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Palestinian and Israelis. May Allah protect our beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine.

In conclusion, I wish all the participants fruitful discussions and meaningful exchanges of knowledge during the sessions. May the outcomes of this conference contribute significantly to our understanding of the role of Shariah, law, and forensic science in overcoming the challenges of the digital revolution era.

Thank you and let the conference proceedings begin.