[Extract from Preface of Islam and Business Ethics by Dr S M Hasanuzzaman,
published by the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance, London, UK 2003]

Islam discards self-abnegation and monasticism. It does not try to suppress human instincts that motivate one to work hard, organise one's economic activities efficiently and profitably and discover new methods of exploiting resources and multiplying wealth. It does, however, control, regulate and discipline them, so as to stop injustice and exploitation of any sort due to man's love of wealth and his desire to maximise his earnings and get rich overnight. Islam seeks to control and discipline these instincts by instilling in man a firm belief in a One and Only Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient God and all His Attributes, in man's resurrection and accountability for his actions and in reward and punishment in the Hereafter. It is this firm belief that induces man to act upon the injunctions regarding physical and financial sacrifice and turns him from undesirable consumption and forbidden earnings. With this firm belief, it is well nigh impossible for a believer to be misguided by his instincts and to cross the limits of ethical guidelines laid down by God and His Prophet. The manmade laws and regulations act as a secondary support and help suppress any digression by those who have become weak in their belief.



Source : islamic-banking.com