In order to address the Economic System in Islam, we first of all need to clarify the position of Islam in relation to the quest for material well being. This is because the word dunya (life), which is associated with material wealth or worldly matters has become a dirty word for many Muslims.

The separation of deen from dunya (i.e. the manifestation of secularism) is a Western-Christian concept that has recently become widely internalised amongst Muslims. Consequently, seeking to increase in economic or worldly matters is frowned upon, while continuous engagement in prayer and other personal ibadat is regarded as rewardable. As such, many Muslims get confused and conduct a double life. On the one hand, money talks; it gives status and makes life comfortable, so they seek it vigorously. On the other, they feel guilty, thinking that their effort should be spent on ‘religious’ duties.

This is due to a misunderstanding of the position of the economic question in Islam. There is no doubt that Islam is opposed to monasticism and views the economic activities (based upon the Shari‘ah) of man as quite lawful and sometimes even obligatory and necessary. We find many injunctions in Islam that allude to this. For example, Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an: “Disperse through.

“Disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah.” [TMQ 62:10].

He also says,.

“Allah has permitted trade” [TMQ 2:275].

and even more directly, Allah (swt) says,.

“Seek the other world by means of that which Allah has bestowed upon you, and do not be negligent about your share in this world.” [].