The holy Quran, the primary source of guidance for Muslims, provides comprehensive instructions not only on matters of the hereafter but also on various aspects of worldly life, including business, trade and financial transactions.

The Quran mainly uses the Arabic term tijarah to refer to trade and commerce, while bay’ (sale or transaction) and shira’ (purchase) are also used to describe financial dealings.

According to QuranPedia, tijarah appears in eight verses across four surahs, including five verses in Surah Al-Baqarah. The terms bay’ and shira’ occur 19 times in four verses across seven surahs, with the highest number of references found in Surah Al-Baqarah.

The Quran lays down several key principles governing business and financial transactions.

Trade is lawful

Allah has declared trade lawful as a means of earning a livelihood, while prohibiting interest.

“Those who consume interest cannot stand except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, ‘Trade is just like interest.’ But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275)

Transactions must be based on consent

The Quran requires mutual consent in financial dealings and prohibits taking another person’s property unjustly.

“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only in lawful business by mutual consent. And do not kill one another. Indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)

Financial dealings should be documented

The Quran advises believers to put deferred financial transactions in writing, particularly debts with a fixed repayment period.

“O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write it between you in justice. Let no scribe refuse to write.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282)

Profit must not lead to dishonesty

The Quran strongly condemns traders who cheat customers by giving short measure or weight.

“Woe to those who give less [than due], who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or weight to them, they cause loss. Do they not think that they will be resurrected?” (Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:1-4)

Trade journeys and maritime commerce

The Quran also refers to travelling in search of livelihood, with scholars explaining that journeys undertaken for lawful sustenance are among the beneficial forms of travel.

Allah says: “He knows that there will be among you those who are ill and others travelling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah, and others fighting for the cause of Allah.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:20)

The Quran also highlights the importance of maritime trade, referring to ships sailing through the sea in search of Allah’s bounty.

“And you see the ships ploughing through it that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Surah Fatir, 35:12)

Business requires awareness of time and seasons

The Quran also refers to the seasonal trading journeys of the Quraysh, who travelled to Syria in summer and Yemen in winter.

“For the accustomed security of the Quraysh — their accustomed security [in] the caravan of winter and summer.” (Surah Quraysh, 106:1-2)

According to Quranic commentators, the reference highlights the importance of seasonal awareness in commerce, as different regions offered favourable trading opportunities at different times of the year.

Balancing business with religious obligations

The Quran also establishes principles for maintaining a balance between commerce and religious commitment.

In one passage, Allah describes faith and striving in His cause as a form of “trade” that saves believers from painful punishment:

“O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? [It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you should know.” (Surah As-Saff, 61:10-11)

The Quran also indicates that seeking lawful livelihood and worship can coexist when commercial activity does not undermine religious obligations.

“There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:198)

Imam Al-Qurtubi, in his Tafsir, explained that the phrase “seeking bounty” in this context includes engaging in trade, indicating that commerce is permissible alongside the performance of Hajj.

At the same time, believers are warned against allowing business to distract them from worship.

“But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, ‘What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.’” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:11)

The Quran therefore makes clear that commercial success cannot come at the expense of religious duties.

On Friday, for example, believers are explicitly instructed to suspend business when the call to prayer is made:

“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:9)

The Quran’s guidance thus encourages lawful and honest commerce while requiring believers to maintain mutual consent, transparency and integrity and, above all, to ensure that business does not take precedence over faith and religious obligations.

May Allah enable all Muslims to benefit from the guidance and knowledge of the Quran.