Islamic Paradigm of Money: Interconnected Dimensions

Abstract

In Islam, money is viewed as a means to measure value and a tool for transactions. This study explains other dimensions of money while also examining its use in the interconnected social and religious phases of human life. Since money is perceived differently across cultures, we conducted a literature review to identify dimensions other than the one considered by Western culture. For this purpose, we used scientific articles, book chapters, and books as the primary sources, which allowed us to obtain a complete and coherent description of the phenomenon under study. According to the results, money not only has a transactional dimension that seeks to maximize profit (as it is mainly conceived by Western culture) but also a social and religious dimension. Giving money can be more satisfying than giving in-kind. In Islam, the money collected is freely spent based on individual needs. In addition, money (dinar and dirham) serves to measure pious deeds when employed as a unit of account in zakat and qurban, as well as in inheritances. In Islam, a proper management of monetary assets can help to link the social and religious dimensions in a coherent manner.