Islamic Economy and Prophetic Teachings: Guiding Principles for Poverty Alleviation in the Contemporary Era

عصر حاضر میں غربت و افلاس کے تدارک کے لیے راہنما اصول اُسوہ نبوی کی روشنی میں

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his noble see rah (biography) are a perfect model (Uswah Hasanah) for every Muslim in all spheres of life. There is no aspect of human existence—whether individual, collective, domestic, or social—where guidance cannot be sought from his ﷺ exemplary life. Indeed, the see rah remains a source of guidance for mankind until the Day of Judgment. The Shariah of Muhammad ﷺ provides commandments that encompass both national laws and individual affairs, and the Prophet ﷺ practically embodied these injunctions in his own life, leaving behind a perfect example for his followers in particular and for humanity in general. Therefore, whether dealing with personal matters, societal issues, or domestic concerns, it is essential to keep the Prophetic life before us alongside the Qur’anic injunctions, as only then can we truly comprehend the divine will. Islam, while addressing economic challenges, has provided comprehensive guidance by considering all their dimensions. It has not only emphasized the eradication of poverty, destitution, and unemployment, but has also outlined preventive and remedial measures to resolve such issues before they become widespread. Poverty and unemployment are among the fundamental ailments that not only hinder societal progress but also leave deep impacts on the morality and beliefs of the affected individuals. Today, poverty has become one of the most urgent and alarming problems facing the entire world in general, and our homeland in particular. It is a grave issue that has suffocated countless lives and even driven many to the verge of suicide. As Muslims, we firmly believe that there is no problem in this world for which the greatest Prophet ﷺ has not provided us with a model, guidance, and fundamental principles. Hence, the present study seeks to examine and explore solutions for the eradication of poverty and deprivation in the light of the Prophetic See rah.