Al- Khallâl’s Concept of Islamic Work Ethic: (Study on the treatise al-Haththth alâ al-Tijârah)

Abstract

Religion as a social institution has the authority to disseminate ethical values within the society, including its economic ethos. It creates a work ethic that encourages socio-economic development to a higher level. Thus, Islam, with its complete worldview that pervades every sphere of human life, also regulates a work ethic, namely the Islamic work ethic. Al-Khallâl is one of the classical Islamic scholars who discussed the Islamic work ethic. His treatise entitled al-Hathth alâ al-Tijârah mainly discussed the concept of Islamic work ethic. This article aims to discuss al-Khallâl’s concept of Islamic work ethic in his treatise al-Hathth alâ al-Tijârah. This article employs a content analysis method that is based on qualitative research. The result shows that according to al-Khallâl, working is an integral part of religion. Attainment of the state of self-reliance by working contributes significantly to Islamic spiritual life. Specifically, the concepts of al-Khallâl’s Islamic work ethic are mentioned as follows: 1) Work is both as a form and means of worship; 2) Engaging in meritorious livelihood; 3) Attainment of the state of self-reliance; 4) Prudence in expenditure; 5) Family commitment; 6) Social obligation; 7) Spiritual activity in leisure time; 8) and Realization of Falah.