Qur'anic Roots of the
Shari'a, 6
WHAT A MANAGER SHOULD KNOW
BEFORE CONCLUDING
A
BUSINESS CONTRACT
WITH A MUSLIM
Abd al-Masih
,
GRACE-AND-TRUTH
All Rights reserved
032 - Version 20.6.2003
English
Title: What a Manager should know before Concluding
a Business Contract with a Muslim
German Title: Was sollte ein
Unternehmer wissen, bevor er
einen Kaufvertrag mit einem Moslem abschließt?
GRACE-AND-TRUTH • P.O.Box
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Muhammad was a businessman. He understood
life with its obligations by his experience as an Arabic merchant. In Medina he
established a new social order with Bedouin wisdom and the cunning of a
merchant. He formed political contracts with friends and also enemies. He
planned wars and attacks to gain booty and he believed that even religion was a
business with Allah.
Those who rehearse the Book of Allah,
establish regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what we have provided
for them, secretly and openly, hope for a commerce that will never fail: For he
will pay them their need, nay, he will give them (even) more out of his bounty:
for he is forgiving, ready to appreciate (service). (Sura Fatir 35:29-30)
Allah himself appears in the Qur'an as a
merchant and as an omniscient dealer who calculates faster than the most
sophisticated computer (Suras Ibrahim 14:34; al-Nahl 16:18; Maryam 19:94;
al-Mujadila 58:6; al-Jinn 72:28 among others). He would account all deeds and
words of man (Suras al-Kahf 18:49; al-Naba' 78:27-29). In the Last Judgement
big "scales" would be erected on which the good and the bad
deeds of every person would be weighed against another (Suras al-A'raf 7:8-9;
al-Mu'minun 23:102-103; al-Shura 42:17 among others).
In the Qur'an we can read strange words: Truly,
Allah has bought the souls of the believers and their property, so that they
would gain paradise. Therefore they fight for Allah, they kill and will be
killed on the basis a promise in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who will
be more faithful in the fulfillment of his covenant (sales contract) than
Allah? Therefore rejoice over your sale, that you concluded with him (Allah).
That is the supreme achievement. (Sura al-Tawba 9:111).
This verse reveals Muhammad's thinking: He
understood faith, gifts and self-sacrifice of the Muslim's in the Holy War as
the fulfillment of a sales contract with Allah. To win paradise they have to
kill the enemies of the Muslims or be killed themselves. In this matter
Muhammad misunderstood the Gospel. In it we read that God redeemed sinners from
their slavery of sin by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. But in the Gospel
it is God who paid the price with the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23;
1 Peter 1:18-19 among others). In Islam the Muslims must pay with their own
blood or with foreign blood the entrance fee to paradise! The Qur'an proclaims
the opposite of the Gospel and offers only self-righteousness based on good
deeds.
Muhammad understood religion as a profitable
service for Allah: Anyone who pays will get something. But the one who pays
nothing will get nothing! Whoever works for Allah will receive a salary. But
the one who does not work for Allah will get nothing! The Islam calls people to
serve and sacrifice for Allah in order to win paradise through their own
activities. Grace only would seem to Muhammad as a mistake. For him mere
forgiveness would be unjust because every guilt must be revenged or atoned for.
He did not understand the never-ending peace offering of Christ that he
intentionally rejected.
Whoever wants to make a business contract
with Muslims today should realize that he enters into a strange culture in
which the principles of the Gospel are no longer valid. Heaven and earth seem
to be parts of a great loan from Allah to the Muslims.
1. The Obligatory Duty to Document all
Transactions
Because life in Muhammad's imagination was
nothing but a commercial transaction between the creator and his creation,
therefore each payment in this world appears to him as a part of this great
deal under Allah's supervision.
Each small or big transaction must be
written and countersigned by two male witnesses (Muslims). One generation ago
several Muslim businessmen could not read or write. They were unable to control
what was actually written in a contract. There was much uncertainty and
distrust in the atmosphere of such transactions. So it was and it is still
important to select a very reliable writer. Muhammad who in the beginning of
his religious service also could hardly read and write (Sura al-A'raf
7:157-158) gives a detailed obligation for trading in the Islamic world.
O you who believe! When you deal with each
other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time,
reduce them to writing! Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the
parties; let not the scribe refuse to write; as God Has taught him (the art of
writing), so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, let him
fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish anything of what he owes. If the party
liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, let his
guardian dictate faithfully ... Disdain not to reduce to writing any amount for
a future period, whether it be small or big. In this way it is in better order
with Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts
among yourselves ... (Sura al-Baqara 2:282a+c)
This duty of documentation is valid for each
transaction of goods and money that will last longer than one day. Transactions
that will be fulfilled on the same day do not have to be documented. This
contractual duty includes goods, money, loans, testaments (Sura al-Ma'ida
5:106) and the possession of orphans (Sura al-Nisa' 4:2,6; al-An'am 6:152;
al-Isra' 17:34; Fussilat 41:10 among others). It includes also the distribution
of heritage (Sura al-Nisa' 4:2) and the payment of blood money instead of
revenge (Sura al-Nisa' 4:92). The ransom to free Muslim slaves (Sura al-Nur
24:33) and the distribution of war booty has also to be fixed in writing to
exclude later demands and conflicts (Sura al-Hashr 59:71). Even marriage
contracts must be documented and countersigned by two representatives of the
two clans, otherwise the marriage will not be legal. As long as there is no
written contract no promise or agreement will be binding. Also payments in case
of divorce or for widows must be documented legally (Sura al-Talaq 65:2-3).
2. Do not Betray in Trading on the Market
Muhammad said several times to his Muslims: Give
full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight; that
is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination. (Sura
al-Isra' 17:35; see also Suras al-A'raf 7:85; al-Shu'ara' 26:181-183; al-Rahman
55:8)
The quality of goods sold should correspond
to the amount paid. However, the buyer himself has to prove the quality of the
goods. Only modern shops offer their goods with fixed prices. On the market the
buyer should bargain with the sellers. He should inform himself about the
current prices. These methods are not fully fit to the prices of the super
markets, but it is useful to compare the prices of the different super markets
because the price difference can be high. There are in several Muslim countries
no controls on prices or goods except on bread, which in some states is
subsidized by the government. Competition only lowers the prices! The principle
of supply and demand sets the price. In times of severe crisis the prices can
rise up like skyrockets!
3. Do not Betray Each Other!
Muhammad knew his followers. He worked
longer than twenty years as a leading merchant in the old trading town Mecca.
Therefore he told his Muslims often not to take advantage of each other.
O you who believe! Do not eat up your reciprocal
property in an unjust manner, except it be business that you concluded in
mutual agreement. And do not kill (or destroy) yourselves. Truly Allah has been
merciful to you! Whoever does this in rancor and injustice, we shall burn (or
barbecue) him on fire. For Allah this is an easy matter. (Sura al-Nisa'
4:29-30; see Sura al-Baqara 2:188)
However, this repeated order for honest
dealing is only valid in connection with other Muslims! Animists, Jews and
Christians are not under Allah's protection. Especially foreigners are welcomed
victims of Muslim merchants. In the morning when a European looked fascinated
to the pyramids of Gizeh a tourist guide whispers: Allah, I thank you for
giving me a foreigner! This visitor did not know anything about the prices and
the local habits, so the tourist guide could take advantage of him. In many
shops and boutiques will be found two price classes: the lower one for the
local people and the higher one for the foreigners. The Muslims contemplate:
These tourists spend a lot of money for their flights, there should also some
of their money come to me! When a foreign guest visits for the first time a
Muslim country, a local Christian should accompany him so he is not cheated if
he goes shopping.
For many Muslims the principles of the Holy
War also apply for dealing with foreigners. Muhammad said sometimes: "War
is betrayal!" Since the Muslims are in war with all non-Muslims –
according to their Shari'a - they also consider trade as a part of this
religious conflict. In the Holy War lying is legal. Muslims can sell bad goods
for high prices with a very good conscience. The buyer by himself is guilty if
he pays the high prices. Cunning can be a service for Allah! With good reason
is written in the Qur'an:
They were deceitful and Allah was deceitful
and Allah is the best deceiver! (Suras Al 'Imran 3:54; al-Anfal 8:30)
This verse means: The Jews planned to kill
'Isa, the son of Mary. But Allah would ward off them by cunning and rescued him
out of the Jew's hands! In Islam, Allah is the most tricky one who saved Jesus
from dying on the cross! Here we see the source of all cunning and lying in the
Islam: You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you
want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the
truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from
his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell
the truth, you do not believe Me (John 8:44-45). The Qur'an outbids this
statement and says: The pretenders deceive Allah and he also deceives them! (Sura
al-Nisa' 4:142) We should not wonder if those who devoted themselves to Allah
will be filled by his spirit!
Not all Muslims live as the Qur'an says.
Many are honest and reliable persons. If we meet them we should recognize what
their attitude is. Muslim managers often trust foreign Christians more than
their own people. They know that these foreigners will not betray them. They
keep their promises. The Muslims examine the foreigners who come to them and
notice quickly who are trustworthy businessman and who are not. In Islam
commercial contacts need mutual trust too! But fancy offers with untrue
suspicions on other firms and unfair competition of speculating companies from
west and east create a skeptical restraint. The distrust of the Islamic
merchants to westerners and easterners is already great and increases by
ruthless methods of foreign companies. However, Christian managers have an
invisible plus which the world does not know: The Spirit of truth (John
16:13-15). In the long run truth and solid work will overcome distrust and
suspicions also in the countries of deserts and sands.
4. The Institution of the Two
Witnesses by Concluding Contract
After such a background information it is obvious
why Muhammad wanted that every transaction of money and goods has to be signed
by two witnesses. The choice of the witnesses and their service represent an
institution and an affair of honor in the Islamic society. In an already quoted
verse of the Qur'an we can read:
... And get two witnesses, out of your own
men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as you
choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her.
The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). ...
Take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract; and neither scribe nor
witness should be harassed. If you do (such harassment), it would be wickedness
for you. So fear Allah! Allah teaches you what is right. ... Do not conceal
evidence; for whoever conceals it, his heart is full of wickedness. Allah knows
what you do. (Sura al-Baqara 2:282b and 282d and 283)
From another commandment of Allah we can see
how dangerous the witness' service can be:
Those who launch a charge (of adultery)
against chaste women and cannot produce four witnesses (to support their
allegations): Flog them with eighty lashes and reject their evidence ever
after. Such men are wicked transgressors. (Sura al-Nur 24:4, 13-16)
In the Islam a testimony should be always
real and true. For Allah's sake the witnesses shall advocate justice. Their
testimony may not be influenced by hate or aversion.
O you who believe! Be strict in details
(concerning what really happened) as witnesses to Allah, even when (your
witness) is (directed) against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.
Whether it be (against) rich or poor, Allah is more important than both. Do not
follow your own inclination (opinion) instead of the just testimony. If you
distort (justice) or decline to do justice, then, indeed, Allah is well
acquainted with all that you do. (Sura al-Nisa' 4:135)
According to the Qur'an pious witnesses will
stand in the day of the Last Judgement on a higher level than other believers
(Sura al-Baqara 2:212). They may be attacked sometimes by heirs or business
partners who feel handicapped so that the witnesses can be oppressed or
threatened with death.
5. Faithfulness and the Breach of Contracts
Believing Muslims value a contract for sale
or about marriage high if it is confirmed by two acknowledged Muslims. In the
Qur'an the covenant of Allah with people is the Old and the New Testament
called by the same word ('ahd) as every sales contract.
Islam considers those as pious people who
believe in the six articles of faith (Allah, his angels, his books, his
ambassadors, his predestination and the resurrection for judgement), who spend
their money for Allah and if necessary give it away (to relatives, the poor,
guests, soldiers and beggars or to free Muslim slaves). Also the five daily
prayers, the religious tax and keeping contracts and obligations belong to the
basic duties of a believer (Sura al-Baqara 2:177).
In this list of Islamic duties ranges
faithfulness in keeping contracts equally with the other laws and ethics. This
shows again that Muhammad was a merchant and in his understanding of heaven and
hell Allah was a merchant who considered people as his slaves or as partners in
contract. This appears in the following words:
Fulfil the covenant ('ahd) of Allah
when you have concluded a contract (in his name). And do not break your oaths
after you have (officially) confirmed them; You have set Allah as a guarantor
against yourselves. Truly, Allah knows what you do. (Sura al-Nahl 16:91)
The Qur'an also says:
And proclaim a painful torture to those who
are infidels, except those of the pagans (polytheists) with whom you have
concluded contracts, who have not subsequently failed you in anything nor aided
any one against you. So fulfil your obligations towards them to the end of the
term (of the agreement). Allah loves the righteous (who fulfill their contracts
with precision). (Sura al-Tawba 9:3c and 4)
This verse is a passage in Muhammad's
declaration of war against the animistic merchants of Mecca (Sura al-Tawba
9:1-6). He declared them a merciless fight, except to such partners who
fulfilled exactly their obligations towards the Muslims: Kill the pagans
wherever you find them, seize them, beleaguer them, and set up every
(conceivable) ambush against them! (Sura al-Tawba 9:5b) Muhammad said that
in case of keeping their contracts polytheists could be tolerated! Faithfulness
in business appears in the Qur'an as a good deed for justification!
But woe to all whom break their contracts!
Muhammad used impossible phrases when he spoke about non-Muslims who broke
their contracts:
Truly, the worst of beasts in the sight of
Allah are the infidels, for they do not believe (in Islam), especially those
with whom you concluded a contract, but they break their contract ('ahd)
every time! They do not fear God. If you capture them in war, then either
disperse, with them, those who come after them (by treating with great cruelty)
- perhaps they will be warned - or, if you fear treachery from a group, throw
back (their contract) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms. Truly, Allah does
not love the treacherous. (Sura al-Anfal 8:55-58)
The interpreters write that defaulters of
contracts should be punished and if they repeatedly default they must be
eradicated by torture. However, if a Muslim feels or notices that his contract
partner intends to break the contract he should ward him off and break
immediately the contract himself! This rule depends not on concrete breaking of
a contract, but on the supposition that the contract partner maybe could intent
to break the contract! The supposition alone gives a Muslim the right to break
his legally signed contract.
Muhammad comprehends the Qur'anic opinion
about breaking of contract in the following words:
Those who tear down the covenant of Allah,
after having concluded it, and those who break what Allah has commanded and
work mischief in the land, on them rests the curse (al Allah). The worst abode
(in Hell) awaits them! (Sura al-Ra'd 13:25)
Their punishment is described in detail in
Sura al-Ma'ida 5:33.
6. The Inflation of Oaths in Islam
In the Islamic world oaths and vows are
important for all business arrangements, marriage contracts, testaments, last
will cases and orphan payments.
However, oaths are often an indication that
no one trusts the other fully. So the oath should overcome the doubts.
Sometimes the one who swears is in himself
not sure about his own standpoint. So he wants to overcome his uncertainty by
swearing. In the Islamic world an oath is often a sign for a suspect matter.
However, in the Qur'an Muhammad speaks about positive real oaths, but fights
against hasty oaths. Several times he forbids swearing emotionally by Allah. In
case of disputes a hasty oath should not avoid the possibility of
reconciliation (Sura al-Baqara 2:224).
In agreement with all Islamic teachers he
asserts: Allah will not call you to account for the empty talk in your
oaths, but he will call you to account for that which your hearts have gained.
And Allah is forgiving and forbearing. (Sura al-Baqara 2:225)
Here we see a week point in many Muslims. In
excitement they swear quickly never to do again, what they afterwards regret,
but hesitate to do it again, for they are bound by their oath. Muhammad said
that Allah will not take hasty oaths serious, but searches the heart's
intention.
But Jesus commanded: Again you have heard
that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform
your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by
heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor
by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your
head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be
'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil
one. (Matthew 5:33-37)
Also it is written: But above all, my
brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath.
But let your 'Yes,' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' lest you fall into judgment.
(James 5:12)
Further on Jesus said: But I say to you
that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day
of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you
will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)
Such commandments are totally unknown in the
Islamic world. There is no spirit of truth. Muslims try to substitute him by
their many oaths.
Muhammad dictated that at the opening of a
last will not only the blood-relatives should be paid off, but also those who
had received a promise based on an oath should be paid off! Allah would be the
witness over all (Sura al-Nisa' 4:33).
The Qur'an distinguishes between emotional
hasty oaths concerning the future and conscious oaths about facts in the past
or concerning contracts which were concluded in Allah's name.
Fulfil the contract ('ahd) of Allah,
that you have concluded, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed
them, since you have made Allah your guarantor. Allah knows what you do. (Sura al-Nahl 16:91)
All Islamic Shari'a-schools see in this
verse the corner-stone of the Islamic commercial law and a base of all
religious, commercial, social and political contracts - if they were concluded
in the name of Allah! In this case Allah would be the witness, guarantor and
judge over the contract partners! Only treaties that were concluded between
Muslims fall under this religious guarantee because non-Muslims do not believe
in Allah nor can they swear in his name, except if they become Muslims too.
However, if a conscious oath will be broken,
Muhammad in the Qur'an has already prepared a way for expiation: Allah will
not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but he will call you
to account for (contracts that you concluded with) your deliberate oaths. (He
who breaks such a contract must offer the following) as an expiation: feed ten
indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or
clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast
for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths you have sworn. But keep to
your oaths. In this way Allah will show you his signs. Maybe you will be
grateful. (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:89)
In Islam not only emotional oaths are
excusable; also broken conscious oaths can be excused by expiation. Conscious
feeling of guilt towards Allah or the contract partner is not considered. Also
reparation for the contract partner is not mentioned. The expiation of the one
who broke his oath will calm his conscience.
Some Muslims claim that such expiation would
only be necessary if they broke their oath towards a Muslim contract partner,
but never towards an unbeliever! He is already cursed by Allah who had decided
Holy War against him. A broken contract towards an unbeliever can be considered
as a part of the punishment that he deserves because of his rejecting Islam.
Another example for the inflation of oaths
in the Islamic world is given in the following verses of the Qur'an:
O you who believe! When death approaches any
of you, (take) witnesses among yourselves when making a testament: two just men
of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying through
the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If you doubt (their
truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah:
"We wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary)
be our near relation; we shall hide not the evidence before Allah. If we do,
then behold, the sin be upon us!" - But if it gets known that these two
were guilty of the sin (of perjury), let two others stand forth in their
places: nearest in kin from among those who claim a lawful right. Let them
swear by Allah: "We affirm that our witness is truer than that of those
two, and that we have not trespassed (beyond the truth). If we did, behold, the
wrong be upon us!" - That is most suitable, that they may give the
evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths
would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to his counsel),
for Allah does not guide a people rebellious. (Sura al-Ma'ida
5:106-108)
After this waterfall of oaths another
example from the Qur'an can show the little value of oaths in Islam:
And for those who launch a charge against
their spouses, and do not have (in support) the evidence of (four)
eyewitnesses: their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness
four times (with an oath) by Allah that they are solemnly telling the truth. -
And the fifth (oath) (should be) that they solemnly invoke the curse of Allah
on themselves if they tell a lie. - But it would avert the punishment from the
wife, if she bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allah, that (her
husband) is telling a lie; - and the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly
invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth. (Sura al-Nur 24:6-9)
Whoever contemplates in these attempts to
prove lies as truth before Allah can get sick! The inflation of oaths in Islam
only tries to cover an abyss of lies and deception. No doubt, there are honest
Muslims, but the Qur'an itself witnesses against the spirit of their society
and prepares the way for hypocrites to forge their own kind of justice. In this
attempt they carelessly use the method of cursing themselves. There is no call
for repentance as by Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5-7) and no mentioning of the sinner's
reconciliation with Allah! All will go on as it was. In Islam there is no
spiritual renewal of head and limbs through the Holy Spirit with his truth and
grace.
How could such a conversion come when
Muhammad himself broke his oath after a special command of Allah to define this
perfidious method as a legal way for all Muslims?
O Prophet! Why do you hold to be forbidden
that which Allah has made lawful to you? You (only) seek to please your
consorts. But Allah is forgiving and merciful. - Allah has ordained for you, (O
men), the dissolution of your oaths. Allah is your protector. He is the one who
has knowledge and wisdom. (Sura al-Tahrim 66:1-2)
While Hafsa, one of the wives of Muhammad,
was absent, he had sexual intercourse in her room with one of his slave girls.
But Hafsa came back earlier and found her husband and her slave in her bed.
Hafsa wept bitterly. Aisha, Muhammad's youngest wife, supported Hafsa. These
two teenage-women of Muhammad waited outside until their husband came out. Then
they tried to persuade him never to do this again. Muhammad wanted to silence them
and have peace in his harem. So he swore in front of them never to do this
again.
Later Muhammad regretted his hasty oath,
which he had uttered because of their urging. So Allah "revealed" to
him that he was not entitled to give up his right to his slave girls, because a
change in the law of slavery would have caused a riot in his Islamic society.
For this principle "Allah" commanded him - and all other Muslims - to
break all their emotional hasty oaths, which deal with future happenings!
In this text we read nothing about
sanctions. But the Islamic jurists inserted them in their laws according to
other Suras and traditions of Muhammad.
It remains a reality that even for Muhammad
himself an oath was not binding basically. What then should be expected from
his followers? A river does not rise higher than the source of its spring.
However, not all faithfulness and
reliability of Muslims has ended! From former times there still exist
principles of hospitality. Out of pre-Islamic Bedouin customs originate faithfulness,
kindness and boldness which sometimes amaze or embarrass us. These customs
shimmer also in the Qur'an.
Allah commands you to give back your
deposits (amānāt) to those to whom they are due. When you
judge between man and man, then judge with justice. How excellent is what Allah
preaches to you. He hears and sees all things. (Suras al-Nisa' 4:58; al-Baqara
2:283)
In a dark oracle Allah himself (apparently)
offers the Qur'an, Islam, the Shari'a and everything else as a deposit with
dramatic words to man. Allah is supposed to have said:
Indeed we have offered the Deposit (al-amāna)
to the heavens and the earth and the mountains; but they refused to carry it,
being afraid thereof. But man shouldered it; indeed he is unjust and foolish. -
Thus Allah punishes the hypocrites, men and women, and the polytheists, men and
women, and Allah turns to the believers, men and women. Allah is forgiving and
merciful. (Sura al-Ahzab 33:72, 73)
Also these mysterious words were put forward
in a merchant's language.
Two important verses of the Qur'an (Sura
al-Baqara 2:282-283) which sum up all transactions in the business activities
of the Muslims say that also loans and debts must be documented, countersigned
by two witnesses and paid back after the expiration of the term without
interests. In place of interest offers the Shari'a the moneylender a
participation in the profit or the deficit. This order was not yet developed
fully in the time of Muhammad. It was specified later by the Qur'an jurists.
However, in the book of the Muslims we can read:
280 If a debtor is in a difficulty, grant
him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of
charity, that is best for you if you only knew. 281 And fear the Day when you
will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul shall be paid what it earned
(through donations), and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. (Sura al-Baqara
2:280-281)
8. Muhammad's Fight against Compound
Interest
Muhammad was an experienced merchant and
knew from his time in Mecca all rules, traps and problems of money matter. In
Medina he met rich Jews and knew everyone who lent money on high interest.
Muslims, too, participated in this bad habit. Without own work they extracted
money from those who lent it. Muhammad noticed that by this way the rich became
richer and the poor became poorer. Even the poor utilized the poorest in order
to pay their compound interest. Therefore Muhammad declared his Holy War
against all who lent money on interest!
275 Those who devour (the money of others
with compounded) interest will not stand (at the day of judgement) except as
those stand whom Satan has beaten to madness. That is because they say:
"Trading (with a profit) is like taking interest!" However, Allah has
permitted trade (with a profit) and forbidden taking interest (on capital).
Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned
for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (the
offence) are companions of (Hell-) fire. They will abide therein (forever). 276
Allah will stamp out interest (on earthly capital), but will accord interest on
(the capital of) donations (given by way of charity). Indeed Allah does not
love any guilty infidel. 277 Those who believe, perform good deeds, observe
prayers and donate, will have their wage with their Lord. No fear shall be on
them, nor shall they be sad. 278 O you who believe! Fear Allah, and give up
what still is among you from taking interest, if indeed you are believers. 279
If you do not do this, then war from Allah and his Messenger is declared
against you. But if you repent, your capital sums are still yours. (Thus) you
do not deal unjustly, and you are not dealt with unjustly. (Sura al-Baqara
2:275-279)
Muhammad continued his preaching against
compound interest:
O you who believe! Do not devour (the money
of others with) doubled and multiplied interest, but fear Allah. Maybe you will
prosper. (Sura Al 'Imran 3:130)
Do not mutually eat up your monies (by
taking compound interest), nor use it as bait for judges, with the intent of
wrongfully and knowingly eating up a part of (other) people's monies. (Sura al-Baqara
2:188)
9. The Call for Loans to the Bank of Heaven
Muhammad demanded a double somersault from
his Muslims. He forbade them to take or to pay interest on earth, but at the
same time he urged them to give a loan to the heaven's bank and promised them
to receive a multiplication of their money. On earth Muhammad prohibited
interest but claimed that Allah would increase it without limits!
In the beginning he declared: Allah would
pay back your gifts (Suras al-Baqara 2:272; Saba' 34:39), your money in heaven
is save (Sura al-Muzammil 73:20).
Later on he taught that anyone who will
often contribute on behalf of Allah's religion, would receive a regular salary
in heaven. This sounds similar to the conditions of a savings plan. As much as
you pay in as much you will get back in heaven by installments like pension
forever (Suras al-Baqara 2:262,274,277; al-Nisa' 4:124; al-Hadid 57:7;
al-Muzammil 73:20 among others).
Finally Muhammad wrote: Allah would double
each loan if he is satisfied with it's amount (Suras al-Baqara 2:265; al-Nisa'
4:39-40; al-Rum 30:39 among others).
When Muhammad needed more money for
increasing social needs in Medina, for battles and as supply for war widows and
orphans he promised that a loan given to Allah would be multiplied several
times (Suras al-Baqara 2:245,261; al-Hadid 57:10-11 and 18).
Muhammad asked even hypocrites and Jews for
donations. Their sacrifices would create for them forgiveness, expiation and
purification from sins (Suras al-Baqara 2:271; al-Tawba 9:103; al-Taghabun
64:17; al-Muzammil 73:20).
Muhammad played overtures on the piano of
righteousness by good deeds in the Islam! He was obligated to provide enough
money for his religious group. For this aim he used every means!
10. Booty and Profit
On the Arabic peninsula there had always
been much sand, stones and deserts, but only few soil, no industries and no
modern infrastructure. So the trading by camel caravans was the best way for
profit! However, sudden attacks on caravans were normal.
When Muhammad emigrated from Mecca he had to
provide everything for about 100 refugee families in Medina. The reserves they
brought with them were used up soon. His Muslims began to grumble. There was no
chance to find a job. Finally, Muhammad ordered his followers to attack the
caravans of the Mecca merchants since they had used or taken of the refugees'
property. However, the asylum seekers in Medina did not like to attack their
relatives from Mecca. But Muhammad realized – now or never! He outwitted and
drove his followers with cunning and brain washing to attacks, fights and
robberies so that booty, hostages and slaves became their sustenance.
After the first attacks the captured booty
was not much. Therefore Muhammad set the prisoners and hostages only free when
their kin paid a high ransom, sometimes the last dinar. He knew all influential
merchants in Mecca and their property, too. According to their wealth he
demanded the ransom.
Another source of revenue for the Muslims
was the Jewish clans in Medina who ridiculed and despised Muhammad more and
more. He played off one of these clans against the other. By this he drove them
away and eradicated around Medina one Jewish tribe after the other. By this way
the asylum seeker of Mecca got houses and fields in Medina. The Muslims became
rich by the eradication of the Jews!
Muhammad received twenty per cent (a fifth)
of all booty (Sura al-Anfal 8:41) to pay the obligations of his society and the
costs of his military expeditions. This part of the booty, which was assigned
for "Allah and his ambassador", is valid until today from the real
“profit" out of all mineral resources like pearls, petroleum and natural
gas. The Islamic oil exporting countries became relatively rich because the
price of petroleum climbed high since 1973. This fifth of the net profit from
the oil drilling pushes the renaissance of Islam forward in the whole world!
Muhammad's salesman principles have a powerful effect until today!
If Muslims are partners of great companies
like Daimler-Chrysler, Krupp, Fiat and Longhead they invest their surplus in
the west. For a certain time the excess of oil money seemed to create paradise
like a fairytale with Arabian nights. In the meantime the petrol prices sank so
that the fifth of the net win decreased too, but if a war would flare up, the
prices for oil will go up like skyrockets.
Many merchants from east and west and
likewise politicians from all countries of the world are visiting the oil
sheiks. They would be well advised if they studied the laws of the Islamic
trade and armed themselves with much patience. Responsible Muslims already have
recognized that they are considered world wide as notable lords. They do not
wait for beginners from Europe or the USA. The competition from east and west,
south and north has become fierce and regardless. High bribe money is paid. The market in the east has its own laws,
customs and principles. Happy he who finds a solid native partner.
11. You cannot serve God and Mammon!
Jesus Christ did not reveal neither a
commercial law nor a financial system to his congregation. He did not like to
divide the inherited property to the heirs (Luke 12:13-14). He
disregarded the power of money. He lived according to the word:
So he answered and said to me: 'This is the
word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,'
says the Lord of hosts' (Zechariah 4:6).
Jesus revolutionized mankind by his meekness
and his poverty. He did not introduce a religious tax. He reconciled men to God
by dying instead of them on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:19). He granted the Holy
Spirit to his followers and renewed them (2 Corinthians 5:17). He told them:
No one can serve two masters; for either he
will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and
despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew
6:24).
Jesus taught his disciples to be unconcerned
like children but in the same time hard working knowing that God the Almighty
will take care of them. The Lord's Prayer remains the precious stone in the
believer's shield of all times (Matthew 6:9-13).
When people tried Jesus for political topics
he answered:
Render therefore to Caesar the things that
are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Matthew
22:21).
But to Pilate he spoke openly:
My kingdom is not of this world. ... For
this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I
should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. (John
18:36a+37b).
Muhammad was a merchant. He wanted to
combine Allah and the power of money. His caliphs built mighty empires. But
Jesus sent out his apostles without weapons and money (Matthew 10:7-10), but
bestowed his spirit on them (Acts 1:8). His love changed the attitude and the
culture of a third of the world's population. But Muhammad won a fifth of the
world's population for Allah with money and booty! The power of Christ remains
in his precious blood and his Holy Spirit. Today both religions meet each other
in all continents. Who will be stronger: Christ's spirit of humility or
Muhammad's oil power? This question remains a challenge to everyone! Jesus
replies:
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit
the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Q U I Z
Dear
reader!
If you
have studied this booklet carefully, you can easily answer the following
questions. Whoever answers 90 percent of all questions in the different
booklets of this series correctly, can obtain a certificate from our center on
Advanced
Studies
in understanding the Qur'anic roots of the Shari'a of Islam
As an
encouragement for his/her future services for Christ. It will be appreciated if
you include the Qur'anic references in your answers.
Introduction:
1. What was the profession of Muhammad
before he began his religious services?
2. Who was Allah considered to be according
to Qur'an?
3. Where is it written in Qur'an, that
religion is a secure business?
4. How does the Holy War appear as a
business transaction with Allah?
Part one:
5. What is the obligatory duty for every
Muslim, if he starts a business transaction?
6. In which different sections of the
Islamic society must this duty be applied?
7. In which cases has this duty not to be
implied?
8. How remains this duty as a base for
business in the Islamic society (Umma)?
Part two:
9. Why did Muhammad demand in the Qur'an
several times that Muslims should not cheat (defraud) in their business?
10. What does it mean practically to be
cheated in the market?
11.
What should Muslim merchants do
to avoid to cheat (or defraud) in their business?
Part three:
12.
Why should Muslims not take
advantage of one another?
13.
Will non-Muslims be treated
differently in the market as the Muslims?
14.
What is the source of the spirit
of deceit in the Qur'an?
15.
How do honest Muslims cooperate
with faithful Christian merchants?
Part four:
16.
Why should always two Muslim
male witnesses countersign every contract?
17.
How did Muhammad suggest finding
faithful witnesses?
18.
Why can a male witness only be
replaced by two Muslim ladies as witnesses?
19.
What is the danger that can come
over a faithful witness?
Part five:
20.
What is the attitude of a pious
Muslim towards his signed contract?
21.
What does it mean that he took
Allah as guarantor for his signed contract?
22.
Why did Muhammad call the
unbelievers who break their contracts "the worst animals"?
23.
In which case a Muslim has the
right to break his signed contract immediately?
Part six:
24.
What do the many oaths cover in
the Islamic society?
25.
Why does Allah not care about
the empty talks in the swearing of Muslims?
26.
What is the difference between a
hasty oath and a binding oath?
27.
Which atonement should every
Muslim fulfill who breaks his oath
28.
In which case did Allah command
Muhammad and all other Muslims to annul their oaths?
Parts seven and eight:
29.
What is the basic duty for
everyone who receives a loan or a deposit?
30.
Why did Muhammad fight severely
against every kind of interest and especially against compound interest?
31.
How can an Islamic Bank
function?
32.
Why did Muhammad understand
Islam as a deposit from Allah?
Part nine:
33.
Why did Muhammad encourage his
followers to give good loans to Allah?
34.
What did he promise the donators
as their reward for their donations?
35.
Why did Muhammad ask even
hypocrites and Jews for essential gifts to Allah?
Part ten:
36.
Why did Muhammad attack the
caravans of the merchants of Mecca?
37.
How did he distribute the bounty
of his raids?
38.
How can Islam justify the taking
of hostages?
39.
What did the elimination of the
Jewish settlements in Medina bring to the Muslim refugees from Mecca?
Part eleven:
40.
Which principle can we find in
the book of Zechariah?
41.
Why did Jesus say: "You
shall not swear!"?
42.
What does his statement mean:
"You cannot serve God and money!"?
43.
Why did Jesus not introduce
religious taxes
44.
Who will inherit the earth?
Every participant in this quiz is allowed to use any book at
his disposition and to ask any trustworthy person known to him when answering
these questions. We wait for your written answers including your full address
on the papers or in your e-mail. We pray for you to Jesus, the living Lord,
that He will call, send, guide, strengthen, protect and be with you every day
of your life!
Yours in His service,
Servants of the Lord
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