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The Principles of Earning in Islamic Law: Lawful, Unlawful, and Doubtful
Aiman Jabeen, Dr. Muhammad Qasim Butt
Abstract:
This study explores the Islamic framework of earning by examining three interconnected categories: lawful (ḥalāl), unlawful (ḥarām), and doubtful (mushtabah) means of income. It argues that while earning a livelihood is a basic human need and right, Islam regulates economic activity through ethical and legal principles derived from the Qur’ān and Sunnah. Lawful earning is presented as an act of worship and a means of attaining personal dignity, social wellbeing, and divine acceptance. The study highlights Qur’ānic injunctions and Prophetic traditions that encourage honest labor, productive effort, and responsible use of wealth while emphasizing human accountability regarding both acquisition and expenditure of income. In contrast, unlawful earning is condemned due to its harmful moral, spiritual, and social consequences, including injustice and corruption. The study further discusses doubtful earning as an intermediate category and stresses avoidance of ambiguity as a sign of piety and moral discipline in Islamic economic life. Furthermore, the study examines the practical and ethical implications of these classifications in contemporary economic life, emphasizing that Islamic teachings seek not only to regulate financial transactions but also to cultivate moral consciousness and social justice. By analyzing the principles governing lawful, unlawful, and doubtful earnings, the research demonstrates how Islam establishes a comprehensive framework for economic conduct that balances individual rights with collective welfare. The study concludes that adherence to ethical earning practices contributes to the development of a just, transparent, and spiritually grounded economic order, while safeguarding individuals and societies from the adverse consequences of exploitation, uncertainty, and illegitimate financial practices.
Keywords:
Earning, Lawful, Unlawful, Doubtful, Islamic, Economic, Wealth, Accountability.
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