Greed, Commerce, and Legal Principles in the Koran

The Koran, the holy book of Islam, provides guidance on a wide range of ethical and legal issues, including greed, commerce, and the management of property and inheritance. These principles are crucial for understanding the Islamic approach to economic and social life. This article will explore these aspects as outlined in Surah Al-Baqarah.

Addressing Greed and Commercial Activity

One of the core verses addressing greed and commercial activity is found in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184. This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer, stating, ‘When the call to prayer is made, hasten to remember Allah, and leave your commercial activities, and pray until the call for prayer is made. After this, be back to your commerce, and by Allah's grace, seek His help; as for trade, it is a form of obedience to Allah. This verse encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual duties over their commercial activities.

Inheritance Dispositions

The rules regarding inheritance are specifically mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:180. According to Razi's commentary, the text emphasizes the importance of making a proper bequest to parents and close relatives. The verse states, When a male or female under a testator's will dies, and he leaves wealth, [he is commanded to] bequeath to his parents and relatives as he should. If someone alters this bequest without just cause, they would bear the responsibility for the alteration. However, if the person realizes a mistake and rectifies their actions, they would be regarded as blameless.

Property Law and Ethical Conduct

In matters concerning property, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188 sets a strong ethical standard. The text prohibits the unlawful use of property, stating, Do not consume your wealth using deception, nor present it to judges with the intention of appropriating some of your fellow believers' property unjustly. Be fair to orphans regarding their property; you are their guardians. This verse underscores the importance of fairness and honesty in all property dealings.

Ensuring Transparency in Contracts

When it comes to making contracts, the Koran provides detailed guidance. Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282 highlights the necessity of having a scribe for written contracts, stating When you promise something with a specified term, set it down in writing for yourself. Let the scribe write as God has taught him, and let the debtor dictate if he can read. Have 2 men as witnesses, or 2 women as witnesses. If there are no witnesses present, then any one man and 2 women. This verse stresses the importance of transparency and fairness in all business transactions.

Usury: Prohibited Practice in Islam

A significant portion of Surah Al-Baqarah focuses on the prohibition of usury. The text in Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275–276 states, Those who consume Riba will rise on the Day of Resurrection like those struck by the touch of Satan. Thus did We find their work nullified, while they did not know. Allah has allowed trade, but He has forbidden Riba. Those who, after this, receive admonition and desist, their offense shall be forgiven them. Those who do not turn from their practice, We shall, on the Day of Resurrection, encompass them with blazing fire. This passage clearly condemns usury as a corrupt practice and encourages its abandonment.

The Story of Adam and the Origins of Greed

The Koran's narrative of Adam and Eve provides a poignant example of human behavior, starting with the first act of disobedience and the subsequent rise of greed and desire. Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:30-38 mentions, When We taught Adam the names (of everything), then We said, 'Please tell Us the names of this (tree), if you are truthful'. Then Adam chose in himself all the names. And We said, 'Does it not suffice you that you confirm unto this Our command, and do not touch that tree, lest you become wrongdoers?' So Satan threw them out of that Garden, and down he caused them to descend to the earth. Verily, he is your enemy the open enemy. We said, ‘Get ye down, both of you, from the Garden, with enmity (among you) on each other; and thou, Adam, shall have dominion over the earth, and shall eat thereof from wherever you will. But lest you should eat of that tree (Of Knowledge of Good and Evil), and your knowledge be revealed, for your enemy is an open enemy.' This story illustrates how greed and disobedience can lead humans away from their true path.

The Koran's teachings on greed, commerce, and property rights provide a framework for ethical and just behavior in economic and social life. These principles are guided by a deep sense of spirituality and a commitment to fairness and honesty, emphasizing the role of every individual in upholding these values.