By Mustafa Makumba

The recent misconduct in Malawi’s trading industry has left many struggling to afford essential commodities such as sugar, cement, and other basic goods. The unethical practice of hoarding these items to create artificial shortages and inflate prices for profit maximization is not only a direct exploitation of consumers but also a grave violation of Islamic economic principles. Islam strongly upholds justice, fairness, and transparency in all financial transactions, and any form of dishonesty in trade—whether price manipulation, fraud, or exploitation—goes against the ethical standards prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly warned against hoarding and unnecessary price inflation. He said, “Whoever hoards food (and keeps it from the people) has sinned.” (Muslim) This Hadith highlights the serious nature of economic injustice, as such practices harm the poor and make life more difficult for the vulnerable in society.

The recent closure of several supermarkets in Malawi due to unethical trading practices, with some being penalized with hefty fines, serves as a reminder that dishonest business dealings bring both worldly and spiritual consequences. Islam encourages business owners to prioritize fairness over excessive profit, as true success lies in ethical dealings and the blessings of Allah.

The exploitation of employees through unjust labor conditions is another issue that contradicts Islamic teachings. Some businesses in Malawi have faced closure due to the mistreatment of their workers, including failure to adhere to labor laws and subjecting employees to harsh working conditions. Islam places a strong emphasis on workers’ rights, ensuring they are treated with dignity and fairness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Ibn Majah) This Hadith underscores the urgency of paying workers fairly and promptly, ensuring that laborers are not oppressed or taken advantage of. Exploiting workers for personal gain is a grave sin, and employers who engage in such practices risk both divine punishment and the downfall of their businesses.

The Quran clearly commands people to conduct business with integrity. Allah says: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].” (Quran 2:188) This verse serves as a strong reminder that economic prosperity should never come at the expense of justice. Wealth acquired through exploitation and fraud is devoid of blessings and ultimately leads to failure.

Islam calls for an economic system based on social justice, honesty, and responsibility. Business owners must recognize that their success should not be built on the suffering of others.