Trade in Islam: From Divine Teachings to Civilizational Expansion


Trade holds a uniquely lofty position in Islam. Unlike many other religions and schools of thought that view wealth and its acquisition with suspicion or even disdain, Islam considers trade not only permissible but a great form of worship and a path to self-sufficiency for the Muslim community. This positive and constructive outlook became the foundation for a massive movement that established Muslims as pioneers of global trade during the Middle Ages, building an entire civilization on the backs of merchant ships and trade caravans.


The Foundations of Trade in Islamic Teachings


The basis of Islam's perspective on trade can be found in its core sources. The Holy Quran contains numerous verses that explicitly address trade and economic matters. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275), it states: "But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest." This verse clearly permits and legitimizes trade (bayʿ) while contrasting it with usury (riba*). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was himself a successful and trustworthy merchant, always emphasized business ethics. He said: "The truthful and trustworthy merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs on the Day of Judgment." This saying shows the high status of a merchant who operates on honesty and trustworthiness.


Islam defined an ethical framework for trade by establishing precise laws. Prohibiting interest (riba), fraud in transactions, hoarding essential goods, giving short measure, and deceiving the buyer are clear examples of this framework. The goal of these laws is to guarantee justice, prevent exploitation, and create public trust in the marketplace—trust which is itself the greatest capital for prospering trade.


Muslims and the Expansion of Global Trade Networks


Inspired by these teachings, Muslims from the first Islamic century onwards began to ride the waves of trade history. The geographical location of Islamic lands, which acted as a bridge connecting the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, gave them a significant advantage. They were not merely middlemen; they were producers, consumers, and innovators.


1. Land and Sea Routes: The main land route was the "Silk Road," which carried valuable Chinese goods like silk, porcelain, and spices through important cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Baghdad, and Damascus to the Mediterranean coast. At sea, Muslims dominated the Indian Ocean. Ports like Basra, Siraf, Hormuz, and later Aden and Kilwa were major centers of maritime trade. Muslim ships sailed from the Persian Gulf all the way to the coast of China, moving goods like ivory, gold, slaves, and timber from Africa, and spices from India and the Indonesian islands.


2. Goods and Innovations: Muslims did not just transport goods; they were also major producers themselves. Iranian and Egyptian textiles, Samarkandi glass and paper, Arabian perfumes, metalwork, pottery, and agricultural products like saffron and cotton were important exports.They also introduced major financial innovations. The creation of the "bill of exchange" or "check" (the English word derives from the Arabic sakk) reduced the need to carry cash on dangerous routes. Additionally, developing advanced accounting systems and partnership contracts (company or sharika) were among their other initiatives.


3. Cultural and Civilizational Impact: This commercial expansion was not limited to the transfer of goods. Trade caravans were carriers of culture, science, and ideas. Muslim merchants spread Islam to the eastern coasts of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Malay Archipelago. Furthermore, the translation of Greek, Persian, and Indian scientific works into Arabic and their transfer to the West was largely made possible through these same trade networks. Trading cities like Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Palermo became the scientific and cultural centers of the world.


Lessons for Today

Today, the Islamic world can regain its role in the global economy by returning to the authentic principles of Islamic trade, which are based on justice, honesty, and the rejection of monopoly. Focusing on domestic production, creating economic unions among Muslim countries, observing professional ethics, and using modern technology while preserving an Islamic identity can promise a revival of that golden age.


In conclusion, it can be said that trade in Islam is not just a simple economic activity. It is a tool for achieving justice, spreading culture and civilization, and strengthening brotherhood and cooperation among people. The brilliant Islamic civilization is largely indebted to the tireless efforts of merchants who, relying on faith and ethics, made the world a smaller and wealthier place.