ISLAM AND THE PROHIBITION OF AL-GAISH (DECEPTION) IN BUSINESS: THE ETHICAL MARKETING PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Islam considers business to be an acceptable and a dignified activity which should always be done
honestly with the fear of Allah. Islam strongly encourages lawful business undertakings but it
abhors cheating, dishonesty and economic exploitation in business and other social dealings. The
paper examines the issue of business ethics from the Islamic point of view so as to enable readers
to appreciate the concept and principles of Islamic business ethics. It is a conceptual paper that is
descriptive in nature. The study reviews the theory of marketing ethics with emphasis on Islamic
theology and the values of ethical marketing practice with a view to providing a concrete
conceptual discourse on business ethics in Islam. The study concludes that the root of all ethical
principles and practice in business and other fields of human endeavors can be traced to Islam
and its teachings. Therefore, the prohibition of Al-Gaish (deception) in business by Islam clearly
discourages swindlers and tricksters from engaging in business activities. To this end, Muslims
and non-Muslims alike are expected to conduct their affairs with piety, respect, honesty and
faithfulness.