The Ideological Basis of Economic Activity
The ideological basis in Islam may be summarized into
six basic principles:
The cornerstone is that everything has to start from the
belief in God as the Creator, Lord, and Sovereign of the universe. This
implies willingness to submit to God’s will, to accept His guidance, and to
have complete and unqualified servitude to Him. This means that Muslims - individually
and collectively - should not imitate or emulate any other system if it differs
from their particular principles, for example, the system of usury or interest.
The second basic principle is that Islam, as a religion,
is a complete way of life; something that guides a person’s life in all its
aspects: the moral, social, ethical, economic, political, etc. All of these
aspects are based on the guidance of God. Therefore, it is not a question of
the person’s acceptance of God’s teaching in one matter and the refusal of
acceptance in another. Everything has to be within that basic guidance.
“…And we have revealed to you in stages this book, a
clarification of all things, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings…” (Quran 16:89)
A third principle is that God created human beings on
earth as His trustees, which means that everyone is created to fulfill a
certain responsibility on this earth. God has entrusted human beings with free
will in order that they live their lives according to the moral and ethical
values that He Himself provided. In addition, Islam provides an opportunity in
material progress, thereby combining moral, social, and material progress, all
interlinked in harmony.
The fourth principle is that God, in order to help
humankind to fulfill the responsibility of trusteeship, has made everything in
this universe subservient to them. There are many verses in the Quran that
suggest this meaning, such as:
“God is He Who made subservient to you the sea that the ships
may run therein by His command, and that you may seek of His grace, and that
you may give thanks.” (Quran 45:12)
This does not mean, however, that humans are given free
reign to use and abuse the resources God has provided us however we choose. Rather,
there are many verses that urge humankind to harness the various resources that
God has made available to them on this earth responsibly. Humans are
encouraged to enjoy of the good things that God has created, but they are to do
so within the boundaries that He has given. Doing so is not regarded as sinful
as long as it follows His path and does not transgress His limits. God says:
“It is He Who produces gardens, with trellises and without,
and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates,
similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their
season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is
gathered. But waste not by excess: for God loves not those who waste.” (Quran
6:141)
The fifth principle is the principle of accountability
in the Hereafter. God has given human beings trusteeship and resources. This
means that every single person will be questioned on the Day of Judgment as to
how he or she behaved whilst enjoying his or her earthly life. This, of
course, includes our economic behavior. God says:
“And then on that Day (the Day of Resurrection) you will be
called to account for every comfort and delight [we bestowed upon you].” (Quran
102:8)
The sixth principle is that the variation in wealth
among people in itself does not give a person either inferiority or superiority.
Rather, poverty and affluence are in the total control of God Who, out of His
Infinite Justice and Wisdom, has specified these things for whom he chooses.
“Indeed God increases provision to whom He pleases and straitens
it [in regards to others]…” (Quran 13:26)
Affluence, like poverty, is also seen as a trial from
God, one through which it is seen what one will do with their wealth – indulge oneself
or use constructively in ways legislated in the religion, God says:
“Your wealth and your children are only a trial,
whereas God! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).”(Quran 64:15)
After being bestowed with numerous gifts and bounties
and a kingdom incomparable to any other on the earth, God in the Quran narrates
that Solomon said:
“…This is from the bounties of my Lord, to test me whether I
will be thankful or ungrateful…” (Quran 27:40)
God is not concerned with the amount of wealth a person may
have amassed, their beauty or color, but rather, His measure of honor is the piety
of the hearts. God says:
“On humankind! Indeed We created you from a male and female,
and we made you different nations and tribes, that you may come to know one
other. Indeed the most honored amongst you are the most God-conscious.” (Quran
49:13)
The Prophet also said:
“Indeed God is not concerned with your appearances nor
your wealth, but rather your hearts and deeds.” (Saheeh Muslim)
As one can immediately surmise from these principles
that the Islamic economic system is radically different from others, due to the
difference of the values upon which it is based. In a capitalist society, one
may see certain rules of economics which take precedence over moral and ethical
values due to the intrinsic nature and values of that system. The same may be seen
in communist, socialist and other societies as well. From the principles
mentioned in these articles does the Islamic system of economics spring,
striking balance between personal benefit and the benefit of society as a
whole, as well as mundane profits and spiritual gains, all which ensure that
one gain the Pleasure of the Lord of the Worlds.
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