ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Jurisprudence Made Easy Dialogue on economic activity If you want to take to trade for a profession, get a clear picture of your religion. With these words, my father inaugurated today’s dialogue and carried on, quoting Imam Ja’far bin Mohammad as-Sadiq as saying: Whomsoever wants to make a living out of trading, must be conversant with matters of religion, so that they can draw the line between halal and haraam.

Whoever entered into the arena of trade without acquiring an insight into religious knowledge, could easily fall into the trap of judicial error (shubuhat). Many people may experience problems because of being either unaware of it, or choosing to ignore it; thus, committing error of judgement.

Since I am still not able to outline the relationship between fiqh (jurisprudence or religious knowledge) and trade, I asked my father: * What is the connection between acquiring religious knowledge and trade? - Well, The Lawgiver has catered for the handling of all aspects of our economic life, guaranteeing equity, the good utilization, distribution and transfer of wealth between all sections of society. The ultimate objective of this is the public good and welfare.

It is, therefore, quite natural that, in order for The Lawgiver to apply His economic principles, He to devise a number of parameters to permit or forbid certain economic activities at times, and make difficult or easy certain avenues at other times. The Lawgiver, thus, obligates the mukallaf to earn a living to maintain himself and his dependants, such as wife, children, and parents.

In so doing, The Legislator does not leave the door open for the bread winner to practise any work he chooses, for there are many economic activities that are forbidden. * For example? - Handling intoxicants is haraam. Selling dogs, except hunting dogs, is haraam. Selling pigs is haraam. Selling the carcasses of animals which have not been pausfully slaughtered, including their meat and leather, is haraam. Dealing with usurped property is haraam.

Selling gambling tools and equipments and instruments of forbidden amusement, such as violin, is haraam. Cheating is haraam. Usury is haraam. Commercial monopoly is haraam. For example the monopoly of staple food, and all that which goes into preparing it - fuel, salt, oil, etc. Hoarding such goods, while denying the public sale at reasonable prices, in anticipation of higher prices, is haraam.