Abstract

The concept of family economy in Islam has been addressed under various issues in classical sources though not extensively discussed in the classical literature. Islamic jurisprudence generally embraces pragmatical approach and pays attention to the needs of society. It is evident that economic relationship within the family is not addressed under a single heading in classical sources, but rather evaluated under numerous headings. From this perspective, it can be observed that each individual within the family concept enjoys distinct economic rights and responsibilities. The social, ethical and financial responsibilities in the family are carried out within the framework of maintenance. In this respect, the Islamic legal system approaches the concept of family economy with a balanced view between income and expenditure, lawful and unlawful, and blessing and burden, and does not evaluate the issue purely as an economic activity. However, in contemporary times, the term family economy is understood more in terms of the economic and legal statues of the individuals within the family, such as their handling and responsibilities concerning acquired properties and the nature and manner of property distribution. This approach significantly diverges from the individual and social responsibilities entailed by property ownership in Islamic law. In Islam, the possession of individual economic rights and freedoms does not imply that one has no responsibilities towards others and cannot act irresponsibly. Based on this fundamental paradigm difference, this article aims to analyze the concept of family economy from the standpoint of Islamic law, discussing what it is and is not. The study has revealed that, even today, economic interests and activities within the family sometimes lead to conflicts, causing the parties to abandon their ethical and religious responsibilities in favor of establishing definite lines solely based on legal grounds. This, in turn, significantly undermines the essence and continuity of being and remaining a family. Furthermore, when examining writings that attempt to explain the economic status of the family according to Islamic law, it is evident that the provisions found in classical fiqh books, which were arranged according to the human, Islamic, and customary structure of that period and were quite functional, are repeated without considering the contemporary societal structure and changing human character. Although these provisions are accurate and effective within their own context, they are deemed inapplicable by modern individuals, rendering them ineffective. The appropriate way to address this issue can be to emphasize that the rules concerning family economy in classical fiqh are not merely ethical and conscientious, but that legal intervention will ensue if they are not adhered to. The fundamental assertion of this article is based on this premise: the concept of family economy inherently exists in Islamic law, imposes various responsibilities on the parties, is structured on a balance of blessings and burdens, and entails legal, ethical and religious responsibilities.