احتکار اور قیمتوں کی روک تھام کا شریعت اسلامی کی روشنی میں تحقیقی مطالعہ

Hoarding and Price Control in the Light of Islamic Shariah: A Research Study

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Islamic perspectives on hoarding and price control, two pivotal issues in economic systems. Hoarding, defined as the deliberate stockpiling of essential goods to create artificial shortages and inflate prices, is unequivocally prohibited in Islam due to its adverse effects on social justice, economic stability, and moral integrity. Grounded in Islamic teachings, particularly Hadith, the prohibition emphasizes the detrimental consequences of hoarding, including its disproportionate impact on the poor, disruption of market equilibrium, and contribution to moral decay. The study further explores the roles of the government, traders, and public awareness in curbing hoarding practices to foster a fair and equitable economic environment.Regarding price control, the paper acknowledges the absence of explicit Islamic rulings on government intervention in setting prices. However, it underscores the necessity of such measures in cases of market distortions, such as hoarding or unfair competition. While price control can offer significant benefits, such as enhancing the affordability of essential goods for vulnerable populations, it may also lead to unintended consequences, including artificial shortages and reduced market efficiency. The paper concludes that while hoarding must be rigorously addressed, the economic system should strive to balance social justice and economic stability. Government intervention, when applied judiciously, can play a critical role in mitigating market disorders and ensuring equitable access to resources. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic economics by highlighting the ethical and practical dimensions of hoarding and price control, offering insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.