A Concise Overview of the History and Ideologies of Communism (Part 16)
Economy in the Era of the Noble Prophet (PBUH):
The Noble Prophet of Islam (PBUH) is the first founder of the Islamic economic system. All the narrations from him regarding economy, labor, and economic activities in fact outline the general framework and structure of the Islamic economy.
The life of the Prophet (PBUH) was filled with such matters and transactions. There is no aspect of his life in which he did not issue a ruling or make a statement. Moreover, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the executor and implementer of all the rulings of the Noble Qur’an, including its economic laws and matters.
In this note and subsequent writings, we will discuss examples of the economic issues and cases the Prophet (PBUH) was involved in or conducted.
The life of the Prophet (PBUH) is divided into two stages:
• The Meccan period, i.e. before the migration
• The Medinan period, i.e. after the migration from Makkah to Madinah and the establishment of the first Islamic state there.
Here, we will explore the economic matters of both phases:
1. The Meccan Period
The Prophet (PBUH) spent most of his life in Makkah. Of his blessed 63 years, only eleven were spent in Madinah, while the rest were spent in Makkah. His life in Makkah is itself divided into two stages:
• Before prophethood, which includes childhood, youth, and adolescence
• After prophethood, which began with the descent of revelation, when he was commissioned to convey and deliver the divine commands.
During both the pre- and post-prophethood periods in Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) engaged in actions that involved economic matters. Additionally, many Qur’anic verses related to economic issues were revealed during this time, clarifying their dimensions. Here, we will examine both the actions of the Prophet (PBUH) and the related Qur’anic verses—because he was the first to implement the Qur’an in practice.
The Actions of the Prophet (PBUH)
During the Meccan period, the Prophet (PBUH) undertook several actions that involved economic dimensions. Two of them are mentioned below:
a) Herding the Sheep of the People of Makkah for Wages
Herding sheep in return for wages is considered an economic activity, and the Prophet (PBUH) performed this task to fulfill his personal needs.
According to a narration from ‘Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “All the Prophets before me herded sheep.” The people asked: “Did you also herd?” He replied: “Yes.” In another narration in Bukhari’s Kitab al-Ijārah, Abu Hurayrah (MABH) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH), in response to the same question, said: “I used to herd the sheep of the people of Makkah for a few qirāṭ.”
Note: “Qirāṭ” is the plural of “qirāṭ,” which is a fraction—either one-tenth or one-twentieth—of a gold dinar.
b) The Prophet’s Journey for Trade
Engaging in trade and commerce is regarded as a significant economic activity. The Prophet (PBUH) conducted trade during the Meccan period, before his prophethood.
Between the ages of 20 and 25, the noble personality of the Prophet (PBUH)—already known in some circles—became widely recognized throughout the Quraysh. His nobility, piety, trustworthiness, honesty, exemplary character, high aspirations, and leadership abilities all began to shine. It was during this period that Lady Khadijah (MABH) entered into a business partnership with him.
Hazrat Khadijah (MABH) was known among the Quraysh as “al-Tāhirah” due to her chastity and pure conduct. Her intelligence, insight, character, and virtuous qualities had earned her the respect of her entire tribe. She was also among the wealthiest women of the Quraysh—her goods often comprised half of Quraysh’s commercial caravans.
She would trade with her wealth by contracting with someone to travel with her commercial caravans and receive a set share in return. According to Ibn Ishaq, when she learned of the honesty, trustworthiness, and fine character of the Prophet (PBUH), she requested that he take her merchandise to Syria and promised to give him more than others in return.
Thus, a business deal was concluded between Lady Khadijah (MABH) and the Prophet (PBUH), and she sent her servant Maysarah with him on the trade journey to Syria.
This journey began on the 15th or 16th of Dhul-Hijjah in the 25th year of the Year of the Elephant (‘Ām al-Fīl). During the trip, Maysarah became fascinated by the Prophet’s (PBUH) noble character, habits, and qualities. Upon their return, he narrated all the details of the journey to Lady Khadijah (MABH), describing what kind of man Muhammad was.
The Prophet (PBUH) also performed remarkably well in trade, bringing in significant profits. Ibn Sa‘d narrated from Nafīsah bint Munyah that the Prophet (PBUH) brought back twice the profit that others used to bring for Khadijah, and she in turn gave him twice the wage she had promised. This participation and execution of a business transaction was an economic activity carried out by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).
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