Photo: Messenger
In a rapidly changing world, the question of human existence and purpose remains as relevant as ever. As we look back on centuries of philosophical inquiry, it's clear that the quest to understand "why we exist" has been a driving force for thought leaders throughout history. However, the focus of philosophical discussions shifted dramatically after the Renaissance in Europe, as society's concerns took centre stage, relegating existential inquiries to the periphery.
René Descartes famously declared, "I think, therefore I am," reflecting a shift towards more individualistic perspectives. This change marked the beginning of an era where science and material progress gained momentum, and economics became the study of material prosperity and the means to attain it.
Fast forward to the twenty-first century, and we find ourselves living in an age of unparalleled abundance, enjoying luxuries that were once reserved for kings and monarchs. Despite these material advancements, numerous happiness studies consistently reveal that a significant portion of the population remains discontent. The root of this discontent often lies in the act of comparing one's material possessions with those of their peers, particularly in developed capitalist societies where glaring wealth disparities are the norm.
The notion that material progress and well-being could supersede concerns about fear and the meaning of existence has proven insufficient. Ignoring the purpose of existence and substituting it with the pursuit of material wealth has failed to address the fundamental human quest to understand "why we exist."
Religion, particularly Islam, offers an answer to this age-old question. Central to Islamic beliefs is the notion that humanity was created by the one and only Allah (SWT) with the purpose of obeying Him. In return for this obedience, believers are promised rewards in the afterlife. Religion provides a sense of deterministic and absolute justice that resonates with the innate human desire for fairness.
It is only the belief in an afterlife, with the promise of a place in heaven, that can offer the incentive to be free from the limitations of this world, to live without regrets of the past, and without concerns for the future. It is this belief in the afterlife that motivates individuals to perform good deeds in all situations and avoid bad deeds, as there is the promise of a just reward for righteous actions. Only Allah (SWT) is believed to possess the complete knowledge and authority to ensure justice in the afterlife.
From an economic perspective, the concept of opportunity cost, which entails trade-offs between different resource uses, is paramount. Some may argue that striving for success in the afterlife would require a significant trade-off between material pursuits and following Allah's will. While favouring material desires over Allah's will may result in a permanent loss in the afterlife, it does not necessarily preclude believers from benefiting from Allah's blessings in this world.
Islam does not discourage the pursuit of Allah’s blessings in the material world. In fact, the Qur'an addresses this by acknowledging that some people pray for both worldly and afterlife rewards, promoting a balanced approach to resource allocation.
In conclusion, the delicate balance between material pursuits and spiritual values is at the heart of the intersection of Islamic economics and consumer behavior. Islam's teachings emphasise that it is possible to pursue material well-being while also adhering to Allah's will and maintaining a sense of accountability for one's actions in the afterlife. This perspective underscores the significance of fairness, equity, and responsible resource allocation in both the material world and the spiritual realm.
The writer is the additional managing director and chief credit officer of The Premier Bank PLC. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) and the first Certified Sustainability Reporting Assurer (CSRA) in Bangladesh.
Messenger/Sajib
