Photo: Collected
Allah has made the Quran the source of guidance for mankind and has made it the storehouse of all knowledge.
This knowledge is not limited only to matters of the hereafter; it also contains the knowledge and guidance needed for worldly life. So the Quran has extensive guidance on trade and commerce as well.
Trade and commerce in the Quran
In the Quran, the word ‘tijara’ is mainly used to mean trade and commerce. However, the two words ‘bai’ (buying and selling or transaction) and ‘shira’ (to purchase) also denote financial transactions, both together and separately.
The word tijara has come in eight verses at six places in four surahs of the Quran. Of these, five verses are in Surah Baqarah alone. And the two words bai and shira have come in 19 verses at four places in seven surahs of the Holy Quran. Of these, they have come the highest nine times in Surah Baqarah. (Quran Pedia)
The Quran’s main directives
The main directives of the Holy Quran on trade, commerce and financial transactions are presented below –
1. Trade is lawful: Almighty Allah has made trade and commerce lawful as a means of earning. It is stated in the Holy Quran, ‘Those who consume usury will stand just like the person whom Satan has driven mad by his touch. That is because they say, buying and selling is just like usury. Yet Allah has made buying and selling halal and usury haram.’ (Surah Baqarah, verse 275)
2. Trade must be by consent: In the view of Islam, the condition for any financial transaction to be acceptable is that it must have the satisfaction and consent of both parties.
Trade and commerce imposed by force is not acceptable in Islam. Allah says, ‘O believers! Do not devour one another’s property unjustly; but it is lawful for you to trade by mutual consent. Do not kill one another; surely Allah is Most Merciful to you.’ (Surah Nisa, verse 29)
3. Transactions must be in writing: Islam has advised carrying out trade, commerce and financial transactions in writing. In particular, it is better to write down a financial transaction in which a liability remains outstanding. It is essential to maintain the honesty of both parties at the time of writing. It is stated, ‘O believers! When you deal with one another in debt for a fixed term, have it written down. Let a scribe among you write it down justly. The scribe shall not refuse to write.’ (Surah Baqarah, verse 282)
4. No dishonesty out of greed for profit: The Shariah does not permit anyone to resort to dishonesty in trade and commerce out of greed for profit. Cursing the dishonest trader, Allah has said, ‘Woe to those who give short measure, who take in full when they receive by measure from people, and give less when they measure or weigh for them. Do they not think that they will be resurrected?’ (Surah Mutaffifin, verses 1-4)
5. Greater abundance in distant trade: Allah grants special barakah to those who travel to distant lands for trade and commerce. That idea can be found in a verse of the Holy Quran. Allah the Exalted says about the Companions, ‘Allah knows that some of you will fall ill, some will travel the land in search of Allah’s bounty (livelihood) and some will be engaged in struggle in the way of Allah.’ (Surah Muzzammil, verse 20)
In explaining the verse, learned scholars say the most blessed journey is the one made to acquire religious knowledge; then the one made to protect faith (that is, hijrah); then the one made in search of livelihood.
6. No neglect of maritime trade: Allah has spoken of maritime trade in more than one verse of the Holy Quran. This proves that maritime trade is an important means of business and Muslims should pay attention to this sector. Allah says, ‘You see vessels sailing, cleaving through its (the sea’s) bosom, so that you may seek His bounty (livelihood) and so that you may give thanks.’ (Surah Fatir, verse 12)
7. Time and season are important in business: Those who want to devote themselves to trade and commerce must remember that almost every sector of trade has a suitable time and season, and it is essential to make use of that time. It is stated, ‘Since the Quraysh have an attachment, an attachment to their winter and summer journeys.’ (Surah Quraysh, verses 1-2)
The commentators of the Quran say the Quraysh were traders by profession. They used to go to Sham in summer and to Yemen in winter to trade. That is because the best goods of both regions were available at those times. By mentioning the two journeys in the Quran, Allah has directed traders to be aware of seasons.
The relationship between religiosity and business
The Quran also has guidance on what the nature of trade and commerce should be in a believer’s life and how he should maintain a balance with religiosity. It is presented in brief below –
1. Faith and deeds are just like trade: In the Holy Quran, Allah has expressed faith and deeds with the words tijara and bai, which has not been done in the case of any other profession. Allah says, ‘O believers! Shall I show you a trade that will save you from a painful punishment? It is that you believe in Allah and His Messenger and fight in the way of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if only you knew.’ (Surah Saff, verses 10-11)
2. Worship and business can also go together: If trade and commerce do not become an obstacle in the path of faith and Islam, then practising religion and doing business can go together. Allah says, ‘There is no sin on you in seeking the bounty of your Lord. When you return from Arafat, remember Allah on reaching Mashar al-Haram, and remember Him as He has directed.’ (Surah Baqarah, verse 198)
In explaining this verse, Imam Qurtubi (RA) writes that in the Holy Quran the phrase seeking bounty has come in the sense of trade…. So the verse contains proof that trade is lawful for a pilgrim alongside performing worship during Hajj. (Tafsir al-Qurtubi)
3. Business must not harm religiosity: Islam has encouraged trade and commerce. However, it has also cautioned believers so that business does not become a hindrance to practising religion. Those who have abandoned worship for business have been condemned in the Holy Quran. It is stated, ‘When they saw merchandise and amusement, they rushed towards it, leaving you standing. Say, what is with Allah is better than sport, amusement and trade. Allah is the best of providers.’ (Surah Jumuah, verse 11)
4. Giving priority to religion: When a believer’s trade, commerce and means of livelihood come face to face with religiosity, he gives priority to religiosity. Allah’s command is, ‘O believers! When the call is made for prayer on the day of Jumuah, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off buying and selling; that is better for you, if you only realise.’ (Surah Jumuah, verse 9)
May Allah benefit all Muslims through the knowledge of the Quran. Ameen.
