critique of the origins of Islamic economic thought, A

By Yassine Essid

Book Description

This scholarly exploration invites readers to discover a forgotten chapter in the development of economic thinking, one that bridges ancient wisdom with spiritual principles. Yassine Essid examines how Islamic civilization contributed to economic thought in ways that have been largely overlooked by contemporary scholarship.

The book investigates whether a distinctly Arab school of economic thinking emerged, or if Islamic scholars successfully wove together Greek philosophical traditions with Eastern spiritual currents. Through careful analysis, Essid reveals how Muslim thinkers enriched classical Greek economic concepts across three fundamental levels: the governance of kingdoms under caliphal leadership, urban community organization, and household management. Central to this examination is the Arab concept of tadbir, which the author explores as it applies to each of these spheres.

What emerges is a portrait of an economic philosophy deeply rooted in spiritual values. Islamic economic thought championed moderation over excess, altruism over selfishness, and fair pricing over exploitation. By rejecting profit-driven motives, usury, egoism, and monopolistic practices, this tradition established an economic framework that transcended purely material concerns.

For readers interested in how spiritual principles can inform practical life, this work offers insights into an alternative economic vision that prioritized ethical conduct and community welfare. The book demonstrates how Islamic thought laid crucial groundwork for pre-capitalist economic systems while maintaining its distinctive spiritual character.