MUḤTAKIR (محتكر)
Definition
Muḥtakir (Arabic: محتكر) refers to an individual who engages in hoarding or monopolizing essential commodities such as grain, food, or other necessities of life in order to sell them at higher prices. This practice is explicitly deemed unlawful (haram) in Islamic law due to its detrimental impact on society, particularly the poor and needy.
Etymology and Translation
- Etymology: The term “Muḥtakir” is derived from the Arabic root word ḥ-k-r (حكر), which relates to the actions of hoarding or withholding goods.
- Arabic: محتكر
- Turkish: İhtikarci
Islamic Context and Legal Perspective
In Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), the practice of monopolizing essential commodities is strongly condemned. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly stated that hoarding goods with the intention of causing artificial scarcity and inflating prices is sinful and harmful to societal welfare.
Relevant Hadith:
One hadith narrated by Imam Muslim states:
<p>“Whoever withholds goods until the prices rise, is a sinner.”<br> This hadith emphasizes the ethical prohibition against such economic practices.</p>
Ethical Implications
Islamic ethical principles advocate for social justice and the welfare of the community. Practices that lead to undue hardship, exploitation, or suffering of others are considered contrary to the spirit of Islamic teaching. The concept of Muḥtakir, therefore, underscores Islam’s commitment to fairness, equity, and the distribution of resources in a manner that benefits all members of society.
Modern Applications
- Economic Policies: Contemporary Islamic economic practices continue to regard monopolizing as contrary to ethical conduct. Islamic financial institutions often include clauses against such practices in their operational guidelines.
- Regulatory Measures: There may be community-based and governmental regulatory measures within Muslim-majority countries to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.
Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to Islamic Economics: Theory and Application” by Hossein Askari, Zamir Iqbal, and Abbas Mirakhor.
- “Islamic Economics: Principles and Analysis” by Moutaz Abojeib, Munawar Iqbal.
- “Economic Doctrines of Islam” by Yūsuf Abdullah Al-Qaraḍāwī.
Takeaways
- The term Muḥtakir is used to identify individuals who hoard essential commodities for unlawful financial gain.
- Both Islamic ethical teachings and jurisprudence strongly condemn this practice.
- Ensuring fair distribution and accessibility of essential commodities aligns with the broader goals of Islamic economic justice and social welfare.
Conclusion
Understanding the concept of Muḥtakir within Islam underscores the importance of ethical business practices that protect society’s most vulnerable members. It highlights Islam’s emphasis on preventing exploitation and ensuring equitable economic practices. This principle remains relevant in contemporary economic contexts, reflecting the enduring applicability of Islamic teachings on justice and fairness.
By following this structured approach, we gain a comprehensive view of the term Muḥtakir and its implications, as well as how it aligns with broader Islamic ethical and legal principles.
