Economy and its Role in Protecting Homeland | Application in Prophetic Biography

Abstract

The economic system, or the policy of money in Islam, is an integral part of the Muslim faith. It emanates from it and is linked to it. The economic activity is ruled by the principle of rewards and sanctions. Money in Islam is a means to achieve a message, not as a stand-alone goal. It fulfils a social function. To act by earning and spending, depends on achieving that function for both the individual and the nation. Thus, any economic act or abstention from acting that harms the group is forbidden.The lawgiver has permitted the siege of the pagans and the use of their property even though their countries are still unconquered. The Messenger of Allah besieged the people of Taif when they used to be pagans.Successful economic policy protects homeland. That includes internal policy to fortify the home front, and the other external policy that weakens the enemy force and protect the country from the actions of the enemy. The economy was a tool to immunize the Muslim community in peace and war.The policy of the Prophet with the Jews in his first visit to Madeenah represented the stage of fortifying the Madeenah’s society, in all its forms, from the risk of external penetration of the opponents. At a later stage, the policy towards the Jews of Madeenah changed to immunize the Muslim community from the threat of Jewish hostility towards the Muslims. The economy was a tool to weaken the Jews and overcome them.One of the economic tasks of the state is to achieve social justice in providing decent living conditions for all categories of society and its classes, according to their needs.We do not suggest working according to the socialist theory in this axis of economic tasks. Rather, the state represents the role of the head of the family, legally charged with supporting his her children if they cannot support themselves.This role has been embodied in the practices of the Prophet towards the people of Suffah.