Islam In The Modern World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Islam In The Modern World - Essay ExampleAs Michalopoulos, Naghavi and Prarolo (2010) writes, there were several scattered oasis in the desert where vine, frankincense, myrrh, and spices were produced however, the remaining hoi polloi led nomadic life. In addition, the angiotensin-converting enzymes in and around Mecca were benefiting from their location as Mecca was located along the route connecting Europe to Yemen. Thus, people who traded and cultivated accumulated wealth while the remaining had a pathetic entity and as a result of this unequal distribution of wealth, robberies and attacks were very common. It was during this social unbalance that Muhammad had his birth in 570 AD. Muhammad too was a Meccan merchant and was well aware of the social inequalities that existed in Arabia. At this juncture, it seems quite natural that Islamic principles stress severely on income redistribution, limiting capital accumulation, and incentives for religious endowments as the basic princi ples of Quran thus showing that the religion was mainly against the unwanted commercial practices. One cannot charm a blind eye to the importance Muhammad has given to business ethics and the way he has changed the very concept of maximum profit at every cost. He showed how ethical perspectives can be included in business. In the story of Shuaib, people are advised to give just step and weight and are directed that one should not withhold others due (Hud 1184-88). In addition, there is warning that ones worship will not be accepted if he earns haram (forbidden). There are a number of basic principles put forward by the Hadith regarding business dealings they will not lie, will not misappropriate the trust when they are entrusted something, will give reasonable bell for the things they buy, will not lie to get better price for the things they sell, and will not delay payments. In addition, the crimes in business dealings according to the Islamic principles involve interest on loan s, gambling, prostitution, bribe, alcohol and drugs, torturing, selling defected items, and sour witnesses. Another interesting directive from the prophet is the suggestion that one should not borrow money if he has enough to survive. In addition, the Prophet gives warning that one who charges interest for the money lent will be deprived of all blessings and it will lead to a war with Allah and His Messenger. Thus, it becomes evident that Muhammad was very much concerned about the existing commercialism in the Arabian land and wanted to have a total reform. Taking note of the increasing commercialism, he introduced zakat (legal alms giving) oddly to kins, poor, and travelers. However, it was the teachings on poverty that helped Quran achieve great success. Protesting the construction of buildings in markets, and opposing tax or rent, he promoted sadaga (giving based on compassion). Kuran andTimur (2004) opine that it is this strategy of strict equality suggested by the Prophet t hat kept the Middle East economically backward while the western world made great strides. However, it is inexpedient to conclude that Commercialism was the only component that led to the origin of Islamism. Instead, Islamism was a fight against all