Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Economy and Its Role in Islam (The Seventh and Final Part)
Quranic Solutions for Economic Development
In addition to expressing the importance of Jihad and economic prosperity, the Holy Quran has presented practical methods for utilizing natural gifts in many verses. Among them, the following can be highlighted:
• Use of Different Waters:
«وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقاً لَّکُمْ» (And He sent down water from the sky and brought out all kinds of fruits with it so that it would be sustenance for you.)
• Exploitation of Oilseeds:
«فَأَنشَأْنَا لَکُم بِهِ جَنَّاتٍ مِّن نَّخِیلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ لَّکُمْ فِیهَا فَوَاکِهُ کَثِیرَةٌ وَمِنْهَا تَأْکُلُونَ * وَشَجَرَةً تَخْرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَیْنَاءَ تَنبُتُ بِالدُّهْنِ وَصِبْغٍ لِّلْآکِلِینَ (Then by means of it, we created for you gardens of palm trees and grapes, in which there are many fruits for you to eat. And [also with that water] We created a tree that grows on Mount Sinai, the fruit [of the olive tree and] is oil and food for those who eat.)
• Exploitation of Marine Resources:
In Surah Nahl, we read: و«َهُوَ الَّذِی سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْکُلُواْ مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِیًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُواْ مِنْهُ حِلْیَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى الْفُلْکَ مَوَاخِرَ فِیهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُواْ مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُونَ (And it is He who made the sea a subject for you to eat fresh meat from it, and to extract from it ornaments to wear [like pearls], and you see ships cutting through the sea so that you [may trade] and benefit from Allah’s grace, perhaps you will be grateful for His blessings!)
• Quadrupeds:
«وَإِنَّ لَکُمْ فِی الأَنْعَامِ لَعِبْرَةً نُّسْقِیکُم مِّمَّا فِی بُطُونِهِ مِن بَیْنِ فَرْثٍ وَدَمٍ لَّبَنًا خَالِصًا سَآئِغًا لِلشَّارِبِینَ» (And in the existence of four-legged animals, there are lessons for you. From their stomachs, from digested food and blood, we give you pure and pleasant milk to drink.)
Currently, animal husbandry can be utilized for economic growth and the self-sufficiency of animals.
• The Earth:
In verse 15 of Surah Malik, we read: «هُوَ الَّذِی جَعَلَ لَکُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولاً» (He is the one who tamed the earth for you.)
Considering the meaning of this verse, we understand that Almighty Allah has placed the main sources of economic prosperity and the keys to many incomes within the earth. This earth contains conditions that can be cultivated, and man, who is the caliph of Allah on earth, was created in such a way that he can utilize the material resources of the earth.
Results:
Based on the materials presented in this research, we reach the following important conclusions:
1. Based on verses and traditions, the Islamic economy holds significant importance.
2. It is legitimate to acquire wealth if it is done through permissible means and in order to achieve closeness to Allah (S.W.T).
3. We should not be ashamed of engaging in business to enhance the economy, as the best sustenance comes from one’s own efforts, just as the prophets (peace be upon them) labored with their own hands.
4. To combat poverty, we must pay attention to religious teachings and practice moderation in our spending.
5. In conclusion, to achieve a better economy, we must adhere to the solutions found within the Quran and the Sunnah, and we also need to:
a. Ensure that relevant authorities combat “usury” so funds can be allocated to production and industry, preventing the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a specific group.
b. Address monopolistic practices in a serious and legal manner so that goods and services reach consumers at fair and regulated prices, avoiding economic inflation.
c. Pursue production, provide services, and engage in other economic activities through education and knowledge. Therefore, conducting educational courses on Islamic economics would be beneficial for various segments of society.
Resources
1. Professors of the Department of Islamic Culture – Kabul University, Economic System, Ch2, [Bija], [Bina], 2017.
2. Tirmezi, Mohammad bin Isa, Jame-al-Tirmezi, Karachi: Ladhiyanvi, Ch1, 1437.
3. Hossein Ghafoorzadeh et al., “Investigation of economic principles and traditions in the Qur’an and hadiths”, bi-quarterly scientific journal of Islamic economic studies, year 13, issue 1 (25 in a row), 2019.
4. Khorramdel, Mostafa, Tafsir Noor, Tehran: Ehsan Publishing House, March 9, 2011.
5. Department of Islamic Culture, Islamic Economic System, Chapter 7, [Bija], [Bina], 2015.
6. Osmani, Mohammad Taqi, translated by Musaldullah Rawanband, [Bija], [Bina], 1414 AH.
7. Qashiri, Muslim bin Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim, Karachi: Maktaba Al-Bashri, vol. 2, 1438.
8. Madghaq, Hedayatullah, work and its importance in economic growth, [Bija], [Bina], 2017.
