Trade ethics in the light of the Al- Qur’an and Sunnah

Abstract

Allah (SWT) says: And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that (they might aid) you (to) consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know (it is unlawful). Islamic ethics rests largely on its conception of man in relation to Allah (SWT), his own self and the universe and is growing fast among the academicians, producers, consumers, workers, governments as well as the general public. Any trade which functions in brazen disregard to ethical or moral considerations may cause immense harm to the society and be extremely exploitative. The practice of offering bribes to prospective customers, misleading advertisement, sales of spurious and adulterated goods, hoarding and market manipulation at the expense of the consumer, in particular and the society, in general, provide only a few examples. Contrary to it, Islam offers a unique and ideal perspective of trade ethics. It considers trade as a part of one’s worship, provided that it is conducted in accordance with the commands of Allah (SWT) and the moral code of conduct prescribed by Islam.