Kasta: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): April

Ethical Trade and Moral Integrity: The Crisis of Ethics and Morality in Contemporary Indonesian Commerce and Its Relevance to Al-Ghazali, Ibn Khaldun, and Classical Islamic Thought

Hikam Muhtadi Zuhdi (Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon)
Dewi Fatmasari (Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon)
Abdul Aziz (Universitas Islam Negeri Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Apr 2026

Abstract

This article examines the crisis of ethical, moral, and virtuous values in contemporary economic and trade practices, which are still prevalent in many regions of Indonesia. This crisis is marked by the neglect of public rights, deceptive and manipulative investment schemes based on speculation, and the commercialization that erodes the spiritual dimensions of economic actors. Phenomena such as the unilateral and coercive use of public spaces and facilities without regard for public access, economic and trading activities that neglect religious obligations, and the proliferation of investment schemes promising instant profits all indicate a significant moral and ethical degradation in economic (muamalah) practices. This study employs a qualitative method with a normative-philosophical approach, examining the thoughts of Al-Ghazali, Ibn Khaldun, and classical Islamic scholars (salaf) concerning ethics, morality, and virtuous conduct in economic activities. The findings reveal that trade in Islam is not merely about ensuring the smooth functioning of economic transactions or pursuing profit by any means necessary. Rather, it serves as a domain for moral and ethical formation, reflecting the ideals of Maqasid al-Shariah, particularly in the preservation of wealth (hifz al-mal), life (hifz al-nafs), and religion (hifz al-din). This article strongly emphasizes the urgency of reconstructing ethical economic and trade practices grounded in moral values and Islamic teachings as a foundation for sustainable economic development and social stability, both globally and particularly within the Indonesian contex.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kasta

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

KASTA adalah Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan dibawah lembaga Bale Literasi . Jurnal ini terbit tiga kali setahun, yaitu bulan April,Agustus dan Desember, ini memuat tentang ilmu-ilmu sosial, keagamaan, baik dalam pemikiran Islam,dan kajian Islam lainnya, kajian tetang budaya serta ilmu ...