THE MUSLIM PROFESSIONAL AND THE ETHICS OF WORK: HONESTY, FAIRNESS, AND AMĀNAH IN THE WORKPLACE. WHAT ISLAM SAYS ABOUT CAREERS, MONEY, AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY IN MODERN LIFE

Abstract

The questions of professional life and work ethics, and financial integrity in modern context are discussed in this paper in the light of Islam. From mundane matters like how to apply Islamic values at work, to challenging situations with colleagues who may be unethical, pressure to compromise at the workplace, issues concerning salaries, money matters, work pressures and more, Muslims find themselves with answers to questions every day of their working lives. Based on the teachings of the Qur'an, the Prophetic traditions and the Islamic notion of Amānah (trust and responsibility), this paper aims to show that Islam provides a comprehensive, practical and very relevant set of principles for professional conduct, which are not separate from the life of a Muslim, but rather a core part of it. According to the Islamic vision, work may be a form of worship ('ibādah') when performed with honesty, effort and care and the Muslim professional is not just a good worker and a good employer, he is a living expression of Islamic values in the world.