Ethics and economics

Economics, having arisen and developed originally in the ground of ethics, was put forth as a branch of philosophy. Islam as a complete divine religion, however, from its beginning has considered all economical activities to be in full harmony with ethical norms. It, therefore, has opposed one’s dependence on earthly world and at the same time, has considered economical activities as a Muslim’s duty and worship. In this way, arguing against unfair distribution of wealth, Islam has known it as an effect of one’s rebellion and ingratitude and has given many teachings to oppose it. Among the teachings, the followings can be referred to: declaring treasures to be unlawful, chiding the mutual rivalry for piling up the good things of this world, chiding any trick in interactions and any case of hoarding and insisting on equality and charity. Furthermore Islam has also laid down some effective teachings in the area of consumption. Among them can be counted: forbidding wastefulness, profligacy and sinful luxury, chiding redundant needs, insisting on subsistence’s Divinely being destined, moderation, contentment and spending in charity what is in excess of income.