Business in Islam: Ethics and Guidance

From among the innumerable favours of Allah Ta'aala, one of the greatest favours is the blessed system of prophethood which He has brought forth for the purpose of guidance and success of mankind.

Whenever man needed guidance, a person was divinely chosen and sent among the people as a guide and living example. This system carried on for thousands of years until finally the seal of prophethood, Sayyidina Mohammed (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam), was sent with a complete Divine law and guidance which will not need to be replaced till the end of time.

The guidance which he has presented to the Ummah is divided into two parts: the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. This guidance encompasses all aspects of life, and no aspect has been left out or excluded. When a person needs guidance on any aspect of his life, he will find the answer and the solution in the Qur'aan and Sunnah.

From among these aspects is the subject of business and commerce.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) himself was a trader, and many of his companions (Radhiyallaahu Anhum) were businessmen. If a person runs his business according to the Sunnah, not only will he be successful in his endeavors and receive divine blessings, but he will also be successful in the hereafter.

On the other hand, if his business makes him neglectful of Allah and the Deen, and he is unmindful of the Islamic business ethics, it will become a burden on him when he is presented in the Divine court.

The Qur'aan says:
MEN WHOM NEITHER TRADE NOR SALE DIVERTS THEM FROM THE REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH, NOR FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF PRAYERS AND THE GIVING OF ZAKAAT. THEY FEAR A DAY WHEN THE HEARTS AND EYES WILL BE OVERTURNED.
THAT ALLAH MAY REWARD THEM THE BEST OF THEIR DEEDS AND WILL GIVE THEM MORE THAN THAT FROM HIS BOUNTY, AND ALLAH PROVIDES WITHOUT MEASURE TO WHOM HE WILLS. (Surah An Noor)

Praising the trader who is conscious of Islamic business ethics, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

"The honest trustworthy businessman will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs (on Qiyaamah)" (Tirmidhi).

"The honest businessman will be under the shade of the Throne on the day of Qiyaamah." (Kanzul Ummaal).

The Hadeeth also warns those who earn and consume Haraam:

"That body and blood which has been nourished with Haraam will not enter Jannah. The fire is more rightful of every body and blood which has been nourished with Haraam." (Shu'abul Imaan)

There are many Ahaadeeth warning against fraud and deceit, interest, gambling, decrease in weight and measure, etc.

It is the incumbent duty of every Muslim involved in business—whether trader, employer, employee, partner, etc.—to learn the necessary laws and Islamic ethics related to his field so that he may conduct his business affairs in accordance with the pleasure of Allah and His Rasool (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to ensure success and safety in both worlds.

May Allah Ta'aala guide us towards His pleasure, Aameen.