The Perception of Resources in Islam

1
The Perception of Resources in Islam

• Prof. Dr. Azhar Kazmi
• Department of Business Administration
• International Islamic University Malaysia

2
Meaning of resource in conventional management

• Resources are
• Naturally available
• Scarce and limited
• Perishable
• Shared on the basis of self-interest
• Sharing on the basis of competitive rivalry

3
The many facets of resources in Islamic sources -
I

• All resources come from Allah
• Living resources created in pairs for growth in
  number
• Resources created in a variety
• Resources to be shared with the needy
• Resources are not meant to be hoarded
• Resources created in proper proportion and
  measure

4
The many facets of resources in Islamic sources -
II

• Multiple usage of resources
• Resources are created of which human beings have
  no knowledge
• Resources to be consumed and to be thanked for
  and appreciated as gift from Allah
• Usage of resources regulated through the divine
  laws
• There are some forbidden resources or forbidden
  usage of some resources

5
The many facets of resources in Islamic sources -
III

• No creation of Allah has exclusive right over
  resources
• Resources have a finite life and will be
  destroyed at the command of Allah on the Day of
  Judgment
• Human beings are likely to be greedy and to covet
  resources

6
The many facets of resources in Islamic sources -
IV

• The nature of resources is ephemeral
• Resources are made desirable for human beings
• Unethical acts to devour others resources is
  illegal