Desk Report:
The Holy Quran is the primary source of guidance for humanity. It contains essential guidelines for the well-being of people in both this worldly life and the Hereafter. Consequently, the teachings of the Quran are not limited merely to acts of worship or the afterlife; it also provides significant directives regarding daily life, social relationships, economics, and trade.
From an Islamic perspective, trade and commerce are among the legitimate means for people to earn a livelihood. However, such earnings must be grounded in justice, honesty, and mutual consent, and must adhere to the laws of Allah. The Quran also issues specific warnings to ensure that business activities do not violate the rights of others or become obstacles to the practice of the faith.
The Concept of Trade and Commerce in the Quran
In the Holy Quran, the word ‘Tijarah’ is primarily used to denote trade and commerce. Additionally, the concepts of financial transactions are conveyed through terms such as ‘Bai’ (meaning selling or transacting) and ‘Shira’ (meaning purchasing).
The word ‘Tijarah’ appears in a total of eight verses across six locations within four Surahs; five of these verses are found in Surah Al-Baqarah. Meanwhile, the terms ‘Bai’ and ‘Shira’ appear in a total of nineteen verses across four locations within seven Surahs, with the highest frequency of their usage occurring in Surah Al-Baqarah.
Key Quranic Directives Regarding Trade and Commerce
- Trade and Commerce as a Means of Legitimate Earning
Islam sanctions legitimate trade and commerce while simultaneously prohibiting usury (interest). Allah the Almighty states:
“Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as stands one whom Satan has driven to madness by his touch. That is because they say, ‘Trade is [just] like interest,’ whereas Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.”
—Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 275
In other words, trade is lawful in Islam; However, that business must be Sharia-compliant and just.
- Transactions must involve the consent of both parties
Acquiring another person’s wealth unjustly is not permissible in Islam. In business transactions, the voluntary consent of both the buyer and the seller is essential. Allah says—
“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent.”
—Surah An-Nisa, Verse 29
Therefore, conducting transactions through fraud, intimidation, coercion, or undue influence is inconsistent with Islamic principles.
- It is best to document debts and financial transactions
The Quran emphasizes documenting transactions to ensure transparency in business and to avoid future disputes. There is a specific directive to record debts or dues that are payable at a fixed time.
Allah the Almighty says—
“O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice.”
—Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 282
This directive highlights the importance of documentation, record-keeping, and transparency in business transactions.
- One must not engage in fraud for the sake of higher profits
While making a profit in business is lawful, cheating people, giving short measure, or acting dishonestly regarding products out of greed for excessive profit is strictly condemned in Islam.
Allah says—
“Woe to those who give less [than due], who, when they take a measure from people, take in full, but if they measure or weigh for them, they give less.”
—Surah Al-Mutaffifin, Verses 1-4
Thus, for a Muslim merchant, honesty and fairness hold greater importance than profit.
- Traveling domestically or abroad in search of a livelihood is permissible
The Quran does not view traveling and conducting business for the purpose of earning a livelihood negatively. Rather, the Quran speaks of traveling to seek Allah’s bounty or to earn a livelihood.
Allah says—
‘Allah knows that some of you will fall ill, others will travel through the land seeking Allah’s bounty (livelihood), and others will engage in struggle in the path of Allah.’
—Surah Al-Muzzammil, Verse 20
According to the interpretation of scholars, traveling to acquire religious knowledge for the sake of Allah’s pleasure is the most excellent form of travel; following that, migration (Hijrah) to preserve one’s faith and traveling to seek a livelihood are also significant.
- The importance of maritime trade is also mentioned in the Quran
The Quran also mentions trade and the pursuit of livelihood via sea routes. Allah says—
‘You see ships ploughing through its (the sea’s) waters, so that you may seek His bounty (livelihood) and express gratitude.’
—Surah Fatir, Verse 12
This indicates that the sea and maritime routes play a vital role in human livelihood and economic activities.
- Timing and seasons are important in business
Being aware of the right timing and market demand is crucial in business. The Quran refers to the winter and summer trade journeys of the Quraysh—
‘For the familiarity of the Quraysh—their familiarity with the winter and summer journeys.’
—Surah Quraysh, Verses 1–2
According to exegetes, the Quraysh used to travel to Yemen in the winter and to the region of Sham (the Levant) in the summer for trade purposes. This implies that understanding the significance of timing, location, and seasons is essential in commerce.
Balancing religious devotion and business
While Islam legitimizes trade and commerce, it also teaches a believer to maintain a balance between economic activities and religious devotion. The Quran provides clear guidance ensuring that business does not distract people from faith, acts of worship, and the remembrance of Allah.
- Faith and righteous deeds are also a form of successful ‘trade’
In the Quran, faith and self-sacrifice in the path of Allah have been likened to a trade. Allah says—
“O you who have believed! Shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? [It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives.”
—Surah As-Saff, Verses 10–11
In other words, the greatest gain for a true believer is attaining the pleasure of Allah.
- Lawful business and acts of worship can go hand in hand
If business does not hinder the observance of Islamic rulings, it is entirely permissible to perform acts of worship and fulfill religious obligations alongside business activities. Allah says—
“There is no sin upon you for seeking the bounty of your Lord.”
—Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 198
In the exegesis (Tafsir) by Imam Qurtubi (Rah.), the concept of “seeking the bounty of Allah” is interpreted to include engaging in business. This means that Islam allows for the opportunity to conduct lawful business even during acts of worship like Hajj.
- Business must not become an obstacle to worship
Although engaging in business is lawful, neglecting prayer, the remembrance of Allah, or other religious duties because of business is unacceptable. The Quran warns those who are diverted from the remembrance of Allah by business and entertainment.
Allah says—
“But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, they rushed towards it and left you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than diversion and than business.'”
—Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Verse 11
- Religious obligations must take precedence over business
No matter how important business may be, when a conflict arises between business and a mandatory command from Allah, religious duty must be prioritized. Allah commands the cessation of trade and commerce upon the call to Friday prayer, saying—
“O you who have believed! “When the call to prayer is made on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave aside trade; this is better for you, if only you knew.”
—Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Verse 9
From an Islamic perspective, business is not merely a means of earning money; it is also a sphere for upholding honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and the rights of others. Just as wealth earned through lawful means enriches one’s worldly life, a business conducted in accordance with Allah’s commandments can also be a source of spiritual reward for the believer.
Therefore, the goal of a Muslim businessperson should be to ensure lawful earnings, honest transactions, and the protection of people’s rights, while simultaneously fulfilling their obligations to Allah. These Quranic teachings can help foster an equitable and harmonious environment within the individual, society, and the economy.
