Islamic Economics Essay by Ben

This paper demonstrates that Islamic economics, like alternative economic systems, reflects a unique historical experience, and is dependent upon that historical experience for its success. Islamic economics, in particular, the paper argues, has historically produced successful outcomes, but those successful outcomes are dependent upon the historical Islamic context. The shift away from this Islamic context inherent in modernization, however, nullifies the historical conditions that an effective Islamic economic system requires. The paper's main points include but are not limited to: the historical origin of the Islamic economic system is rooted in the caravan trade routes, the mercantile wealth that began to define the culture, and that Islamic economics replaces the free-market imperative of maximization of individual utility with a social justice imperative of cooperation and equality.