Business Ethics: The Consciousness of Worship and Justice
In Islam, earning a livelihood through work is considered an act of worship, provided the intention is pure. A Muslim entering into trade must first pay attention to the halal nature of their earnings, adhere to the religious rules (fiqh) of commerce, and stay away from prohibitions. Business life is a great test that reveals a person’s spiritual color. The seller should not cheat in weighing, hide the defects of the goods, and never deviate from justice to ensure fairness. A merchant who fulfills justice completely becomes one of the righteous.
Benevolence: Going Beyond Justice
Islamic ethics in business commands not only justice but also “benevolence.” Benevolence is doing extra kindness to the person you are trading with, even when it is not obligatory upon them, and acting in a way that benefits them. Being lenient with customers, giving grace to those struggling to pay their debts, or accepting the repurchase (ikale) of someone’s goods at a loss are branches of benevolence. For indeed, Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and benevolence” (Nahl, 5). Those who are content with justice are saved, but those who deal with benevolence become servants who draw closer to Allah (mukarreb).
Not Forgetting That True Capital is Religion
A person chasing profit in the world market should not forget the eternal marketplace of the hereafter. The merchant’s true capital is not goods, but religion. Earlier scholars said: “The wise person is one who invests in that which will yield the most beautiful result in the Hereafter.” A person earning their worldly wealth through lawful means in their shop should not enslave their heart to the love of gold and silver. After working within the halal boundaries to earn what they need, they should dedicate their effort and time to spirituality and the hereafter. That is true commerce itself.