FINANCIAL FITRAH: RE-EVALUATING SPIRITUALITY IN THE METHODOLOGY OF ISLAMIC FINANCE AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR OF MUSLIMS

Abstract

The research looks to explore the rupture between the spiritual reality and the religious application of Islamic Financial services and the Consumer Behaviour of Muslims, through the concept of the Fitrah. The research has found that there is much significance in the fitrah in facilitating a sound Islamic worldview and by extension all structures, institutions, and behaviours, including that of Islamic Finance. The research looked through scripture to evaluate the importance of a spiritual outlook on the contemporary issues pertaining to wealth, wealth acquisition, belief, and vicegerency. The paper argues that necessitating an Islamic worldview requires a sound fitrah. The fitrah, is the starting point for all human obligation, and the foundation for all responsibilities that the Muslim must fulfil. The pursuit of the fitrah in turn will allow for methodological reform of Islamic Finance and Muslim consumer behaviour, grounding it in a spiritual ethics and ultimately allowing it to serve as a means to fulfil the ultimate obligation of the Muslim – to worship Allah ﷻ.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies