Muhammad’s Prophetic Economic Policies

I greatly admire Prophet Muhammad’s economic values. I believe if such policies were embraced and lived, they would help solve many current economic crises that are plaguing the world.

By Dallas Darling
First Published 2008-10-29,
Last Updated 2008-10-29 14:35:17
Courtesy Of Middle-East-Online

When former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan admitted that a belief in free-market economies is flawed, and when a 40-member Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) recognized the failures of emerging markets and called on nations to cooperate, and now that President George W. Bush finally understands the grave economic situation in suddenly announcing a global summit; instead of manipulating and militarizing Arab and Islamic Governments in the Middle East and launching pre-emptive oil wars, the US and Global Community would have better served their economic interests by attending the Hira Summit: A mountain outside of Mecca, Saudi Arabia where Prophet Muhammad received messages from God.

Since Mecca was along the Red Sea and the center of overland trade routes between Africa and Asia, it prospered and became an important commercial city. Great wealth unfortunately produced intense competition, tribal warfare, vigilantism, and a justice system based on revenge. It was here that Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE., was orphaned at an early age, and immediately experienced the harsh political and economic realities of Mecca. Through hard work and learning various skills Prophet Muhammad became a highly respected caravan trader and business manager, eventually marrying Khadijah. Although Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah enjoyed a loving marriage and a good business partnership, they were troubled with what they observed.

For years, hundreds of tribes brought idols to Ka’aba-an ancient shrine in Mecca. Even though fighting was banned from around the Ka’aba, Prophet Muhammad witnessed violence against the poor and oppression towards the weak. Due to greed and materialism, tribal wars were common. Prophet Muhammad, deeply concerned, prayed often around the surrounding hills of Mecca. On Mount Hira, Prophet Muhammad started receiving messages from God and began to sharply rebuke the Meccans for amassing great wealth at the expense of the poor and for taking advantage of the orphans and widows. Prophet Muhammad’s words resonated with many of the downtrodden and slaves, whom had little protection and were disenfranchised from Mecca‘s prosperity. He also proclaimed justice and equality by calling upon the expansion of women’s rights and their legal inheritance.

Since many Meccans resented this message and believing it would undermine their lucrative business practices and trade, they ridiculed, beat and attacked Prophet Muhammad and his followers. Severe economic sanctions destroyed Prophet Muhammad’s and Khadijah’s business and forced them into a ghetto-like existence. Khadijah, along with others, died of starvation. After learning of an assassination plot, Prophet Muhammad and his followers fled to Yathrib. Yathrib, much like Mecca, was experiencing tribal warfare. Prophet Muhammad proved to be not only a great religious leader, but also a tremendous statesmen by bringing peace and unity among the differing clans and their many faiths. He fashioned equitable agreements and stressed the importance of the Umma or community.

Prophet Muhammad also initiated a treaty with the Meccans and for a while, established a time of peaceful trade. He gained a large following and on his return to Mecca, the city leaders surrendered. Riding into the city with his head down (which signified humility) Prophet Muhammad rejected the cycle of retaliation and instead, pardoned the inhabitants of the entire city. He destroyed the false idols symbolizing greed, wealth, materialism, competition, and tribal allegiance and revenge. Many Meccans pledged loyalty Prophet Muhammad and converted to Islam-submission to the will of Allah [meaning ‘God’ in Arabic] , and became Muslims. While the Sharia Law regulated both private and public life in accordance to the Qur‘an, many pursued the Sunna-Prophet Muhammad’s example. Islamic literature, science, math, medicine, art, and philosophy experienced many great and spectacular achievements.

In no way do I consider myself an Islamic religious scholar. But as one who has lived in the West and has been socialized by decades of free market ideologies consisting of conspicuous consumption, excessive competition, extreme individualism, and endless resource wars-not to mention eight years of failed and deadly Bush economic policies; I greatly admire and welcome Prophet Muhammad’s economic values. I also believe if such policies were embraced and lived (as listed below), they would help solve many current economic crises that are plaguing the world.

First, develop a strong and honest work ethic like Prophet Muhammad.

Second, regulate oneself in the areas of personal and public economic issues. Think of Umma or the universal community. Prophet Muhammad said, “The law of life requires sincerity to God, severity to self, and justice to all people.” How will my work habits, purchasing behaviors, and consumption affect humankind?

Third, resist and reject the idols of materialism and wealth. Instead, pursue justice and equality for all peoples while challenging destructive economic structures. Prophet Muhammad said, “Be just: the unjust never prosper.”

Fourth, some things are sacred. If God created the heavens and the earth, then it should be cared for. Everything, which ultimately belongs to God, should be used for his loving purposes and to better humankind. Prophet Muhammad said, “Destroy neither fruit trees, grain, nor cattle.”

Fifth, economic sanctions and inequality are very dehumanizing and destructive. They produce cycles of poverty and violence, even for the perpetrators. Why did a former slave lead the first call to prayer before Prophet Muhammad entered Mecca?

Sixth, treaties of peace and demilitarization, versus spending billions on military weaponry, armies and wars, will create a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Seventh, altruism, or a belief in good works, an afterlife, or a judgment, are much better than no belief at all and living only for oneself and momentary pleasures.

Eighth, the Third Pillar of Faith-Alms or a religious tax for the poor-should be the most important priority for a free and secure society. Great civilizations can be judged on how they care for the poor, the orphaned, the elderly, and the widows. Prophet Muhammad said, “The law of life requires generosity to the poor.”

Ninth, continually reflect or pray. Prophet Muhammad said, “The law of life requires severity to self.” In doing this, one can perhaps resist the false gods of greed and self aggrandizement and instead, be compassionate for others as did Prophet Muhammad.

Tenth, practice and live economic forgiveness and pursue reparations for past wrongs. Prophet Muhammad said, “Be merciful.”

Finally, just in case you think these principles seem too difficult to live in today‘s world of international markets and economic challenges, recall the words of Prophet Muhammad: “Thou thinkest thou art but a small thing, whereas in thee is involved the whole universe.”

Dallas Darling is the author of “The Other Side Of Christianity: Reflections on Faith, Politics, Spirituality, History, and Faith”. He writes for World News and currently works with Pastors For Peace in delivering humanitarian aid to foreign countries. You can read more of his articles at BeverlyDarling.com.