Methods to Counter the Negative Effects of Economic Trends In The Light Of the Quran and Sunnah
Abstract
This article examines the negative impacts of prevailing economic tendencies and the contemporary economic crisis in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It argues that the root cause of economic disorder, social injustice, and systemic crises lies in human greed, love of wealth, and the resulting concentration and stagnation of capital (hoarding of wealth). Drawing upon Qur’anic injunctions, Prophetic traditions, and classical Islamic jurisprudence, the study presents Islam’s comprehensive framework for preventing wealth concentration and ensuring continuous economic circulation.The paper identifies three core Islamic mechanisms for eliminating hoarding and revitalizing wealth: voluntary spending (Infaq), obligatory redistribution through Zakat, charity and endowments (Sadaqat and Awqaf), and the laws of inheritance and bequest (Tawreeth and Wasiyyah). It further highlights three prohibited economic practices—interest-based transactions, gambling and speculative practices, and invalid commercial dealings—as primary drivers of unjust wealth accumulation.Special emphasis is placed on Infaq fi Sabilillah as a moral, social, and economic instrument that encompasses personal, familial, communal, and state-level expenditures. The study elaborates on the concept of surplus wealth (‘afw), basic human needs, and the wide spectrum of legitimate beneficiaries of voluntary spending as outlined in the Qur’an. It demonstrates that Islam prioritizes moral persuasion, spiritual accountability, and ethical motivation over coercive economic measures, while still granting the Islamic state authority to intervene during crises, emergencies, or structural injustices.The article concludes that sincere implementation of Islamic economic principles—particularly regular circulation of surplus wealth—can effectively prevent economic stagnation, reduce inequality, stabilize societies, and offer sustainable solutions to modern economic crises.Methods to counter the negative effects of economic trends in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.
Keyword: Economics, economic problems, effects, Islamic economics, problem solving, methods of the Quran and Sunnah.
