ISLAM AND TRADE
This reading consists of excerpts from the Qur'an and from the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet was himself a member of a merchant family, and Islam began amid the flourishing trade of Mecca. The first Muslims were also traders, and the result was a great concern for guidance from the Qur'an in their daily lives.
In this passage, the Qur'an provides examples of proper, ethical behavior for Muslims engaged in trade. It also presents the correct views toward property and profit-making that Muslims should hold.
--What is the Qur'an's position towards trade?
--What is the Qur'an's position towards property?
--Is there also a concern for social relations?
FROM THE QUR'AN
2.275-279. Those who feed on usury [lending money at an immoral rate of interest] will not rise again [on the Day of Judgment], but will be as those whom the Devil has overthrown by his touch. This is because they claim that trade and usury are the same. But God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. He to whom there comes an admonition from his Lord, and who desists, may keep his past gains, and his case is with God, but those who revert will be dwellers in hellfire for evermore.
God will nullify usury and fructify alms, for God does not love any sinful unbelievers. . . .
O you who believe! Be pious toward God, and forego what is outstanding from usury, if you are believers.
If you do not do this, then expect war from God and His Prophet, but if you renounce [usury], your capital will remain with you, and you will neither inflict nor suffer injury.
4. 33. O you who believe! Do not consume your property among you in vanity, but let there be trading by mutual consent among you....
6.142-143.It is He who brought forth gardens, both trellised and untrellised, palms, crops giving various foods, olives and pomegranates, like and unlike. Eat their fruit when they fructify, and give what is due from it at harvest time, but do not squander it, for God does not love squanderers.
From your cattle [He has provided] animals for transport and slaughter. Eat what God has provided for you, and do not follow in the footsteps of the Devil, for he is your manifest enemy.
6.153. Do not interfere with the property of the orphan, save for the best, until he is of age. Give good measure and fair weight equitably. Do not burden anyone beyond his capacity. When you speak, be just, even with a near kinsman. Keep God's covenant. This is what He commands you. Perhaps you will remember.