
THE PARADOX OF SOLIDARITY AND MORAL HAZARD IN GROUP-BASED ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE
Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI Abstract Group-based Islamic microfinance is an important instrument for promoting financial inclusion and empowering low-income communities through solidarity and joint liability. However, this practice creates a paradox: the solidarity designed to strengthen discipline and compliance can potentially lead to moral hazard. This article aims to conceptually and normatively analyze the paradox of solidarity and moral hazard in group-based Islamic microfinance using institutional economics and maqāṣid al-sharī'ah approaches. The study results indicate that without proper governance, group solidarity can weaken individual accountability, create a free-rider problem, and conflict with the principles of justice and trustworthiness in Islam. This article offers mitigation strategies based on strengthening Islamic ethics, contract design, and incentive mechanisms that balance collective and individual responsibility. Keywords: Islamic microfinance, group solidarity, moral hazard,…









