By Abdullahi Jamaa
Legendry scholar Imam Ghazali (rh) the author of the voluminous master piece Ihya is reported to have said that ‘It is important for an honorable Muslim to understand and learn about the place of business in Islamic sharia before one engages in trading’
True to his words, in today ‘s world where everybody is trying to earn a livelihood through trading, so much is amiss, many Muslims neglect the fundamental tenets of Islamic sharia, making businesses to thrive on haram environment.
The consequences of not abiding by legalized transactions when it comes to business dealings has removed blessings from proceeds of trade. Doing business is no longer easy in this contemporary world where cheating, arm-twisting and stealing is the order of the day.
In our markets, everyone is concerned of earning come what may. Only few honorable Muslim traders are remaining true to Islamic principles of trade. The overwhelming majority of Muslims neglect Islamic business laws, the very foundation of a just society.
Take note that the following five prophetic hadiths are not the only ones governing trade in Islam. There are numerous verses and sayings of the messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that give clear grounds for engaging in an honest and vibrant trade.
1.The unlawfulness of telling lies and concealing defects
It was narrated that Hakim bin Hizam said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The two parties to a transaction have the choice so long as they have not separated. If they are honest and open, their transaction will be blessed, but if they tell lies and conceal anything the blessing of their transaction will be lost.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
2.The unlawfulness of concealing correct weight and measure
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Gold for gold, weight for weight, like for like; and silver for silver. Whoever gives more or takes more has engaged in Riba.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
3.The unlawfulness of cheating
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed by a man who was selling food. He put his hand in it and saw that there was something wrong with it. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘He is not one of us the one who cheats us.” (Ibn Majah)
4. The greatness of paying debts honorably
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The best of you – or among the best of you – are those who pay off their debts in the best manner.” Ibn Majah
5.The unlawfulness of Riba
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) cursed the one who accepted usury, the one who paid it, the witness to it, and the one who recorded it” (Abi Dawud)
