The Limits of Hoarding and Trade in Foodstuffs
Imam Ghazali’s works contain important evaluations regarding the ethical dimension of storing and trading food items, especially during times of scarcity. As stated in the source text, the primary goal is to avoid harming others. Whether hoarding is forbidden depends on its impact on society. However, for an honest merchant, the most important thing to consider is being beneficial to humanity rather than pursuing profit. Foodstuffs are essential elements that meet the basic needs of humankind; therefore, priority in commerce should be honesty and transparency in meeting this need rather than making a profit.
An Apprenticeship Suggestion from the Tabi’un: The Cornerstone of Ethics
The will quoted from a Tabi’un scholar in Ghazali’s work emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical responsibility. The professions that children are asked to be apprenticed to are directly related to the essential elements of human life: selling food and sewing shrouds. The recommendation against choosing these two professions expresses that it is morally unacceptable for those working in these areas to constantly justify negative situations such as scarcity and death. Similarly, the slaughterhouse hardening the heart and goldsmithing focusing on worldly pleasures are criticized; this indicates the presence of elements hindering spiritual development.
Heart Money and the Chain of Sin: New Innovations (Bid’ahs)
Ghazali explains how new innovations arise and spread in society through the example of heart money. Intentionally circulating invalid currency is oppression, and this carries the potential to harm others. The responsibility of the first person to act is great because they open the door to a bad practice and lead others into the same error. Therefore, not compromising on honesty is the most important way to prevent new innovations from arising. Imam Ghazali’s sensitivity in this regard reminds us of the necessity of adhering to moral values even in today’s complex financial systems.