Ghulūl (غلول)
Definition and Context
Ghulūl (غلول) refers to the act of defrauding or purloining any part of the lawful plunder in a jihād or religious war. It is a serious ethical violation within Islam, condemned by both the Qurʾān and the Hadith. Committing ghulūl is considered a severe breach of trust and integrity, as it involves embezzling or misappropriating communal or rightful war spoils for personal gain.
Etymology
The term “Ghulūl” (غلول) stems from the Arabic root “gh-l-l” (غ-ل-ل), which indicates deceit or dishonesty. The nuance of the word also taps into the broader connotations of corruption and moral turpitude.
Quranic Prohibition
The prohibition of ghulūl is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, providing a divine injunction against such unethical behavior. The relevant verse is found in Sūrah Āl ʿImrān (3:155):
<p>“But he who shall defraud, shall come forth with his defraudings on the day of the resurrection: then shall every soul be paid what it hath merited, and they shall not be treated with injustice.”</p>
This verse underscores the gravity of the act and the accountability it entails on the Day of Judgment. The ethical dimensions here emphasize that no deceit shall remain hidden, and all fraudulent actions will be brought to light and judged accordingly.
Ethical and Theological Significance
In Islamic theology, ghulūl is not merely viewed as a criminal act but also as a profound moral failing. It betrays communal trust and dishonors the principles of justice and fairness that are central to Islamic values. This perspective reinforces the broader ethical maxim within Islam that communities and individuals must adhere to higher standards of honesty and integrity, especially in matters involving communal assets or warfare spoils.
Cultural and Historical Context
Historically, the concept of ghulūl has shaped Islamic legal discourse and ethical considerations regarding the treatment of war assets. It is important to note that the condemnation of ghulūl goes beyond its literal context; it is often generalized to any form of corruption or theft from public resources.
Arabic Translation
- Arabic: غلول (Ghulūl)
- Turkish: Yolsuzluk (with a broader meaning encompassing general corruption).
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Ethical Dimensions of Muslim Community Life” by Leonard Swidler
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr (Editor)
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ghulūl is a significant concept in Islamic ethical and legal thought, emphasizing the importance of transparency, honesty, and communal responsibility. Its explicit prohibition in the Qur’an underlines the strong ethical stance Islam takes against fraud and corruption. Understanding ghulūl in its historical and theological context helps appreciate the broader Islamic values of justice and moral integrity.
Ghulūl serves as a reminder to uphold ethical values, avoid deceitful conduct, and ensure that communal trust is not betrayed, highlighting the perpetual relevance of these principles in both historical and contemporary contexts.
