The System of Islam
Economic System of Islam (Part 3)
Mawlana Farman Ali Attari
Fulfilling the Rights of Allah
One reason for economic stability is the fulfilment of the rights of Allah. Remember, earning lawful sustenance to support one’s family is an act of worship. Yet, one should not be so engrossed in fulfilling the rights of others, or the desire to earn more wealth, such that they become negligent of the rights of Allah. If we study the lives of our predecessors, we find that these noble souls not only made business a part of their lives, but they also regularly engaged in obligatory and voluntary acts of worship. The Companion Qatadā رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ said that the Companions رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُم engaged in trade, but when they were faced with the rights of Allah, their trade did not prevent them from remembering Him or fulfilling His rights.[1]
Allah describes this behaviour of the Companions in the Quran:
رِجَالٌۙ-لَّا تُلْهِیْهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَّ لَا بَیْعٌ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ وَ اِقَامِ الصَّلٰوةِ وَ اِیْتَآءِ الزَّكٰوةِ ﭪ-
Men whom neither business nor trade diverts from the remembrance of Allah, and the establishing of the prayer, and the giving of zakat.[2]
Ibn MasꜤūd رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ observed that as soon as the market vendors heard the azan, they left their business and prepared for salah. Upon seeing this, he said, “Allah revealed the verse رِجَالٌ ۙ لَّا تُلۡہِیۡہِمۡ regarding these men.”[3] The person who is distracted from salah by his wealth is similar to Qārūn, and he will be raised with him on the Day of Judgement.[4] If we make a habit of making dhikr of Allah and sending ṣalāt upon the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, alongside fulfilling our obligations while earning lawful sustenance, our business will prosper.
Telling the Truth
Another reason for economic stability is telling the truth, which is a good trait with great benefits. Whether in everyday matters or in business, one should always speak the truth and avoid lying. Generally, traders have a habit of deceiving customers by lying in order to sell their goods quickly, and some even swear false oaths. Such people consider the truth as an obstacle for success in their business.
Remember, we will receive the sustenance that is decreed for us. Speaking the truth will not decrease our provision and lying will not increase it. Yet, lying leads to a lack of blessings and economic ruin.
Make a habit of telling the truth in trade. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Those involved in buying and selling have a choice until the deal is complete. If they speak the truth during the transaction, blessings are placed in their business.”[5]
Hard work
Dedicating time to business with hard work and commitment also leads to economic stability. Any task void of enthusiasm or interest is likely to result in loss. For stability in business, hard work, dedication, and vigilance are required, because even a morsel of food does not reach the mouth without effort. No matter how successful a businessman becomes, he should not leave everything to his employees. He should take some responsibilities for himself. This will allow the business to prosper.
The final Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Indeed, Allah loves a believer who undertakes difficulties in seeking livelihood.”[6]
Someone asked the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, “What is the purest action?” The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم answered, “A person eating from the earnings of his own hands.”[7]
Standards
Selling high quality goods is essential for attaining economic stability. If you are selling poor quality products, the buyer will only be deceived once before avoiding your business completely. If you prioritise quality and offer excellent products, customers will increase, and they will promote your business to others without the need of using advertising boards or posters yourself. This will lead to a flourishing business.
Good Manners
A businessman must have good character. Some shops have crowds of customers. One secret of their success is that they treat their customers kindly. They offer tea, biscuits, or cold drinks etc. If a customer asks to see one item, they present ten. Their behaviour is so pleasant that the customer leaves only after making a purchase. Even if a customer is rude, they tolerate it with a smile and do not let them become upset. To stabilise a business, a shopkeeper must be kind-hearted, friendly, and well-wishing towards others.
Modern Economic Resources and Islamic Teachings
In today’s advanced era, new inventions, projects, and experiments are constantly emerging. In this age of modern technology, there are diverse forms of business that were not seen in the past. For example, the banking system, credit card purchases, insurance system, care system, the system of purchasing shares, buying and selling online, buying in instalments, buying and selling land etc.
In these forms of buying and selling, companies and businessmen only consider their own profit. Yet, a Muslim should always be mindful of what Islam teaches, and we should not be solely concerned for personal gain. In some cases, interest is charged, customers or buyers face loss, and sometimes bribes are given and taken. As Muslims, we should seek Islamic guidance before engaging in any work, especially business. This ensures all profit spent on our families is lawful sustenance.
To find solutions to issues related to trade and transactions, you can schedule a meeting with the Islamic Economics Centre, established under the Dar al-Ifta of Dawat-e-Islami. Individuals from Karachi can meet in person, while those outside Karachi and abroad can use the online meeting facility. Contact the following email address or phone number to book an appointment:
appointment@iecdawateislami.com
+92-21-303-7862512 (11AM to 4PM)
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