A Comparative Study of Trade Etiquette (Adab al-Tijarah) in Islamic Jurisprudence and Business Ethics of Successful Companies: A Solution for Sustainable Trade Development

Etemad Shafee, Mostafa; Dadmarzi, Seyed Mahdi

doi:10.48308/eclr.2025.238405.1128

A Comparative Study of Trade Etiquette (Adab al-Tijarah) in Islamic Jurisprudence and Business Ethics of Successful Companies: A Solution for Sustainable Trade Development

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mostafa Etemad Shafee ¹

Seyed Mahdi Dadmarzi ²

¹ Ph.D. Student in Private Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

https://doi.org/10.48308/eclr.2025.238405.1128

Abstract

Adab al-Tijarah (Trade Etiquette) in Islamic jurisprudence comprises a codified set of ethical guidelines and principles that emphasize honesty, fairness, transparency, and trust-building. In the modern global marketplace, many successful multinational corporations likewise adopt analogous ethical norms, particularly in branding and customer trust maintenance. A fundamental distinction is that Islamic teachings frame these principles as oriented toward divine proximity (qurb il-Ḥaqq), whereas liberal frameworks regard them as instruments for profit realization. Moreover, these ethical principles significantly influence the formation and implementation of legal rules. This article analyzes these principles across fourteen key dimensions, including leniency in transactions, good faith, security and trust, the right to quality, and social responsibility. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of these principles in Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary ethical models, illustrating how they can contribute to sustainable trade and healthy competition. The conclusion underscores the importance of implementing a comprehensive ethical code for long-term corporate success and provides actionable recommendations for integrating these principles into business strategy.

Keywords

Law

Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Business Ethics

Commercial Law

Development

Trade Etiquette (Adab al-Tijarah)

Corporation

Books
1. Al-Ameli, Syed Jawad, Key to Dignity in Explaining the Rules of al-Allamah, vol. 12, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, 1419 AH (in Arabic).
2. Al-Ardabili, Al-Muhaqqiq, Collection of Benefit and Proof in Explaining Guidance of Minds, vol. 8, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, n.d. (in Arabic).
3. Al-Esfahani, Abu al-Hasan, Means of Salvation with the Marginal Notes of Imam Khomeini, Tehran: Institute for Organizing and Publishing the Works of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), 1392 (in Arabic).
4. Al-Hilli, Al-Allamah Hassan bin Yusuf, Differences of the Shia in Legal Rulings, vol. 5, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, 1374 (in Arabic).
5. Al-Hilli, Al-Allamah Hassan bin Yusuf, Editing the Legal Rulings According to the Imami School, vol. 2, Qom: Imam Al-Sadiq Institute (peace be upon him), 1420 AH (in Arabic).
6. Al-Hilli, Al-Allamah Hassan bin Yusuf, Guidance of Minds to the Rulings of Faith, vol. 1, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
7. Al-Hilli, Al-Allamah Hassan bin Yusuf, Reminder for Learners in Religious Rulings, Tehran: Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Printing and Publishing Organization, 1411 AH (in Arabic).
8. Al-Hilli, Al-Allamah Hassan bin Yusuf, Rules of Rulings, vol. 2, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, 1413 AH (in Arabic).
9. Al-Hilli, Al-Muhaqqiq Jafar bin Hassan, The Conclusion and Its Points, vol. 2, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publications Office (Researcher), 1412 AH (in Arabic).
10. Al-Hilli, Ibn Idris, The Comprehensive Secrets for the Compilation of Legal Opinions, vol. 2, Qom: Islamic Publishing Institution affiliated to the Society of Teachers, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
11. Al-Karaki, Al-Muhaqqiq Ali bin Hussein, Comprehensive Intentions in Explaining the Rules, vol. 4, Qom: Al al-Bayt Institute (peace be upon them) for Reviving Heritage, 1414 AH (in Arabic).
12. Al-Khomeini, Syed Mustafa, Documented Commentary on Tahrir al-Wasilah, vol. 1, Qom: Institute for Organizing and Publishing the Works of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), 1376 (in Arabic).
13. Al-Khoei, Syed Abu al-Qasim, Path of the Righteous, vol. 2, Qom: City of Knowledge, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
14. Al-Mufid, Sheikh Mohammad, The Convincing, Qom: Society of Teachers in the Seminary of Qom, Islamic Publishing Institution, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
15. Al-Najafi, Hassan, Jewels of Speech in Explaining the Laws of Islam, vol. 22, Beirut: House for Reviving Arab Heritage, n.d. (in Arabic).
16. Al-Rouhani, Mohammad Sadiq, Path of Jurisprudence, vol. 5, Qom: Anwar al-Huda, 1429 AH (in Arabic).
17. Al-Sabzawari, Abd al-A'la, Refined Rulings in Explaining the Lawful and the Unlawful, vol. 16, Qom: Syed Abd al-A'la al-Sabzawari, 1413 AH (in Arabic).
18. Al-Sadr, Syed Mohammad Baqir, Encyclopedia of Martyr Syed Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, vol. 14, Qom: Dar al-Sadr, 1434 AH (in Arabic).
19. Al-Saduq, Sheikh Mohammad Ibn Babawayh, The Convincing, Qom: Message of Imam Hadi (peace be upon him), 1415 AH (in Arabic).
20. Al-Saduq the First, Ali Ibn Babawayh, Two Collected Treatises from the Fatwas of the Two Scholars, Qom: Ikhlas, 1406 AH (in Arabic).
21. Al-Safi, Lotfollah, Guidance of the Worshippers, vol. 1, Qom: House of the Holy Quran, 1416 AH (in Arabic).
22. Al-Shahid al-Awwal, Mohammad bin Makki, The Damascus Glimmer in Imami Jurisprudence, Beirut: House of Heritage, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
23. Al-Shahid al-Awwal, Mohammad bin Makki, The Ultimate Desire in Explaining the Points of Guidance, vol. 2, Qom: Islamic Propagation Office of the Seminary of Qom, 1414 AH (in Arabic).
24. Al-Shahid al-Thani, Zayn al-Din bin Ali, Benefits of the Rules, Qom: Islamic Propagation Office of the Seminary of Qom, n.d. (in Arabic).
25. Al-Shahid al-Thani, Zayn al-Din bin Ali, Marginal Notes on Guidance, vol. 2, Qom: Islamic Propagation Office of the Seminary of Qom, 1414 AH (in Arabic).
26. Al-Shahid al-Thani, Zayn al-Din bin Ali, The Splendid Garden in Explaining the Damascus Glimmer, vol. 3, Qom: Al-Dawari Library, 1410 AH (in Arabic).
27. Al-Tusi, Sheikh, The Conclusion in Pure Jurisprudence and Legal Opinions, Beirut: Arab Book House, 1400 AH (in Arabic).
28. Lankarani, Mohammad Fazel, Detail of the Sharia in Explaining Tahrir al-Wasilah (Prohibited Gains), vol. 17, Tehran: Institute for Organizing and Publishing the Works of Imam Khomeini (may God have mercy on him), 1390 (in Arabic).
Articles
1. Javid, Mohammad Javad and A. Rangchian, "A Comparison between Codes of Conducts-Ethics of Multinational Companies in International Law and Islamic Law", Public Law Studies Quarterly, Vol 50, No 1, 2020: 159-179. (in Persian),
https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2018.255081.1706
1. Arshadi, Vahid, "Ethical Teachings of Buying and Selling (Transactions) in Islamic Society and Its Impact on Accumulation of Social Capital and Strengthening Other Productive Economic Sectors", Islamic Economics and Banking, Vol 2, No 4-5, 2013: 123-160. (in Persian)
2. Shiravi, Abdolhossein and Mohammad Hosein Vakili Moghadam, "Soft Law", Comparative Law Review, Vol 6, No 1, 2015: 251-276. (in Persian) https://doi.org/10.22059/jcl.2015.54412,
3. Shiravi, Abdolhossein and Mohammad Hosein Vakili Moghadam, "Non-Legal Sanctions in Soft Law", Encyclopedia of Economic Law Journal, Vol 21, No 5, 2014: 1-27. (in Persian)
https://doi.org/10.22067/le.v21i5.48139 .

Online Sources
1. https://codeofconduct.mazda-brochures.com/en/conducting-business-lawfully.html (last visited 22/01/2025).
2. https://group.mercedes-benz.com/company/strategy (last visited 22/01/2025).
3. https://group.mercedes-benz.com/sustainability/digital-trust/data/data-compliance-management.html (last visited 22/01/2025).
4. https://group.mercedes-benz.com/sustainability/society-governance/ compliance-integrity/no-corruption.html (last visited 22/01/2025).
5. https://group.mercedes-benz.com/sustainability/society-governance/compliance-integrity (last visited 22/01/2025).
6. https://group.mercedes-benz.com/sustainability/society-governance/ compliance-integrity/integrity-code.html (last visited 22/01/2025).
7. https://media.mercedes-benz.ca/releases/release-928f67967f4cedab2990503347109616-mercedes-benz-unveils-new-global-brand-strategy-the-best-or-nothing (last visited 22/01/2025).
8. https://sarayeirani.com (last visited 22/01/2025) (in Persian).
9. https://www.alibaba.com (last visited 22/01/2025).
10. https://www.amazon.com (last visited 22/01/2025).
11. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GKM69DUUYKQWKWX7 (last visited 22/01/2025).
12. https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in (last visited 22/01/2025).
13. https://www.digikala.com (last visited 22/01/2025) (in Persian).
14. https://www.forms.mercedes-benz.com.au/hr/ConflictofInterest (last visited 22/01/2025).
15. https://www.mazda.com/en/sustainability/governance/compliance (last visited 22/01/2025).
16. https://www.mazda.eu/en/code-of-conduct/ (last visited 22/01/2025).
17. https://www.mercedes-benz-consulting.de/en/cases/ecommerce-solution-flexibility-in-spite-of-standardization (last visited 22/01/2025).
18. https://www.mercedes-benz-mobility.com/en/what-we-do/financing (last visited 22/01/2025).
19. https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy (last visited 22/01/2025).
20. https://www.samsung.com/uk/samsung-upgrade (last visited 22/01/2025).
21. https://www.volvocars.com/images/v/-/media/market-assets/intl/applications/dotcom/pdf/ethical-business/ourcode-howweact.pdf (last visited 22/01/2025).
22. https://www.volvogroup.com/content/dam/volvo-group/markets/global/classic/investors/corporate-governance/volvo-groups-code-of-conduct.pdf (last visited 22/01/2025).
23. https://www.volvogroup.com/content/dam/volvo-group/markets/master/about-us/company-values/code-of-conduct-other-policies/English-Quality-Policy-PROOF.pdf.coredownload.pdf (last visited 22/01/2025).