Islamic Economics

Book Description

Discover how spiritual principles have shaped economic thinking across fourteen centuries of Islamic civilization. Rodney Wilson traces the evolution of Muslim economic thought from its origins in ancient Arabia through the rise and fall of great empires, revealing how faith and commerce have intertwined throughout history.

This comprehensive exploration begins with the economic landscape that gave birth to Islam, examining how the Qur'an and Sunnah established foundational concepts that would influence trade, finance, and social justice for generations. Wilson guides readers through the intellectual contributions of early Caliphs and Islamic jurists who grappled with practical questions of wealth, distribution, and ethical business practices.

The journey continues through the transformative periods of the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, where administrative and economic reforms reflected deeper spiritual values. Wilson also illuminates later developments under the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mogul empires, showing how Islamic economic principles adapted to changing times while maintaining their core ethical foundation.

Particularly valuable for modern seekers is the examination of Islamic revivalist movements that preceded today's renewed interest in faith-based economics. Wilson reviews the works of leading contemporary thinkers who are reimagining how spiritual wisdom can address current economic challenges.

For anyone interested in understanding how religious values can inform economic life, this scholarly yet accessible work offers profound insights into a tradition that views prosperity and justice as inseparable spiritual goals.