Al-Hisbah in Islamic Economics

Islamic Economics Term Paper

Al-Hisbah in Islamic Economics

Table of Contents:

What is the Al-Hisbah Institution?

Al-Hisbah objectives

Who are Rijal-al-Hisbah?

Qualifications of a Hisbah Official

How Al-Hisbah differs than Anti-corruption

Procedures of Al-Hisbah

References

I- What is the Al-Hisbah Institution?

The Hisbah is a religious institution under the authority of the state that appoints people to carry out the responsibility of enjoining what is right, whenever people start to neglect it, and forbidding what is wrong, whenever people start to engage in it. The purpose of this is to safeguard society from deviance, protect the faith, and ensure the welfare of the people in both religious and worldly manners according to the Law of Allah. Allah has made it obligatory upon all Muslims to enjoin good and forbid wrongdoing to the extent of their knowledge and abilities.

Allah says:

"Let there arise from you a group calling to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It is these who are successful."(Q.3:104)

Allah's Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whosoever among you sees an act of wrong should change it with his hands. If he is not able to do so, then he should change it with his tongue. If he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and this is the weakest of faith."

We have already mentioned that the Hisbah is a religious institution, meaning that it is one of the official offices of a Muslim state, one that specializes in fulfilling the obligatory task of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. The Hisbah is the official means of carrying out this duty.

The Hisbah is essentially organized around safeguarding the limits of Allah from being violated, protecting the honor of the people, and ensuring public safety. It also includes monitoring the marketplace, craftsmanship, and manufacturing concerns to make sure that the laws of Islam are upheld by these entities. It must also