May 15, 2023

What is Sunnah Currency? What are the prerequisites for it to qualify as such?

 

Definition of Currency

Currency is defined as a system of money in general use within a particular country or region. It serves as a medium for exchanging goods and services and holds value within an economy. 

History of Currency

The history of currency dates back thousands of years, with civilisations adopting various mediums of exchange to facilitate trade. From the use of shells and beads to precious metals like gold and silver, different societies embraced different forms of currency. Over time, paper money and electronic currency emerged, revolutionising the way transactions were conducted.

What is Sunnah Currency?

In Islamic finance, Sunnah currency refers to a type of currency that conforms to specific prerequisites based on the teachings of the Quran & Hadith. Sunnah currency aims to align financial transactions with Islamic principles, ensuring fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Qualifications for Sunnah Currency

To qualify as Sunnah currency, a currency must fulfil certain prerequisites. These qualifications include:

  1. Stability: Sunnah currency should possess stability in value, protecting individuals from the volatility often associated with unstable currencies.

  2. Tangibility: Sunnah currency must have a physical form, whether in the form of coins or other shapes, allowing for easy and tangible transactions.

  3. Intrinsic Value: Sunnah currency should have intrinsic value derived from precious metals or other tangible assets, ensuring its worth beyond mere fiat currency.

  4. Shariah Compliance: Sunnah currency must adhere to the principles of Shariah law, which prohibits interest (usury) and promotes ethical financial practices.

  5. Legal Status: Sunnah currency should have legal recognition within the jurisdiction where it is being used, ensuring its acceptance and enforceability, ideally by a khilafah state.

  6. Acceptance and Usage: Sunnah currency should be widely accepted and have utility within an economy, providing a viable alternative to conventional currencies.

  7. Functionality: Sunnah currency should fulfil the economic functions of money, primarily being a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value. It should facilitate transactions, enable price comparisons, and maintain its value over time...

  8. If the Sunnah Currency is in Gold or Silver, they would have to be a specific weight and of a certain purity to conform with the edict of Umar Farooq (R.A) regarding the minting of such coins.

Examples of Sunnah Currency

Historically, gold and silver are primary examples of chief Sunnah currency, the Prophet ﷺ used them both for the exchange of goods and services and as chief money amongst a subset of other commodities.

 

Outline of the Article
1. Introduction
2. Understanding Sunnah Currency
2.1 Definition of Sunnah Currency
2.2 Importance of Sunnah Currency
3. Historical Perspective
3.1 Currency in Pre-Islamic Arabia
3.2 Currency during the Time of the Prophet Muhammad
3.3 Currency during the Rightly Guided Khalifahs
4. Characteristics of Sunnah Currency
4.1 Stability and Durability
4.2 Intrinsic Value
4.3 Prohibition of Interest (Riba)
5. Examples of Sunnah Currency
5.1 Gold and Silver Coins
5.2 Bartering and Commodity Exchange
6. Lessons from Sunnah Currency
6.1 Importance of Economic Justice
6.2 Ethical Dimensions of Currency
7. Contemporary Implications
7.1 Modern-Day Currency Systems
7.2 Exploring Alternatives
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs
9.1 Is Sunnah currency still relevant today?
9.2 How did the introduction of paper money change the concept of Sunnah currency?
9.3 Did Sunnah currency have any impact on the economy during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs?
9.4 Are there any countries or communities that still use Sunnah currency?
9.5 How can we incorporate the principles of Sunnah currency in our modern financial systems?

What Was Sunnah Currency in the Time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs?

Introduction

In the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs, a unique monetary system known as Sunnah currency existed. This system played a crucial role in the economic affairs of the Muslim community. Understanding what Sunnah currency was and its significance can shed light on the principles and values underlying Islamic economics. This article explores the concept of Sunnah currency, its historical context, characteristics, examples, lessons, and contemporary implications.

Understanding Sunnah Currency

  1. Definition of Sunnah Currency

Sunnah currency refers to the monetary practices and principles derived from the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs. It embodies the economic values and ethical guidelines outlined in the Quran and the Hadith.

  1. Importance of Sunnah Currency

Sunnah currency holds immense importance as it provides guidance on how Muslims should conduct their economic transactions. It promotes economic justice, ethical conduct, and financial stability within society.

Historical Perspective

  1. Currency in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Before the advent of Islam, various forms of currency were used in the Arabian Peninsula. These included coins made of gold, silver, and other metals, as well as bartering and commodity exchange.

  1. Currency during the Time of the Prophet Muhammad

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, gold and silver coins were widely used as currency. These coins were minted with specific weights and purity. The Prophet emphasised the importance of using just weights and measures in economic transactions.

  1. Currency during the Rightly Guided Khalifahs

The Rightly Guided Khalifahs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (R.A), continued to use gold and silver coins as the primary form of currency. They ensured that the coins maintained their purity and weight, thereby establishing a stable monetary system. Umar Farooq (R.A.) on the other hand was granted the tawfiq to standardise the dinar & dirham in as much as he was granted the sharf of compiling the mushaf of the Qur'an.

Characteristics of Sunnah Currency

  1. Stability and Durability

Sunnah currency emphasised stability and durability. Gold and silver coins, being tangible and long-lasting, were considered ideal forms of currency. They held their value over time, providing economic stability and confidence in transactions.

  1. Intrinsic Value

Unlike fiat currency, which derives its value from government decree, Sunnah currency had intrinsic value. Gold and silver coins were valued for their inherent worth and could be exchanged for goods and services based on their weight and purity.

  1. Prohibition of Interest (Riba)

Sunnah currency adhered to the Islamic principle of prohibiting interest (riba). The Prophet Muhammad explicitly forbade usury in any economic transaction, ensuring fairness and preventing exploitation.

Examples of Sunnah Currency

  1. Gold and Silver Coins

Gold dinars and silver dirhams were the primary examples of Sunnah currency. These coins were widely accepted and used for trade and commerce during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs.

  1. Bartering and Commodity Exchange

In addition to coins, bartering and commodity exchange were common forms of Sunnah currency. People would exchange goods and services directly, without the need for traditional currency. This system fostered community cooperation and self-sufficiency.

Lessons from Sunnah Currency

  1. Importance of Economic Justice

Sunnah currency emphasised economic justice by promoting fair trade, honesty, and transparency in financial transactions. It discouraged hoarding wealth and encouraged the equitable distribution of resources.

  1. Ethical Dimensions of Currency

Sunnah currency highlighted the ethical dimensions of currency. It emphasised the need for individuals and societies to use money responsibly, avoiding extravagance, greed, and exploitation.

Contemporary Implications

  1. Modern-Day Currency Systems

In the modern world, most countries use fiat currency backed by central banks. Understanding the principles of Sunnah currency can encourage critical evaluation and reform of existing financial systems to align them with ethical and just practices.

  1. Exploring Alternatives

Some individuals and communities are exploring alternative currencies to the prevailing fiat currencies, such as Islamic digital currencies backed by gold & silver, that incorporate the shar'ee principles of Sunnah currency. These initiatives aim to foster economic stability, ethical conduct, and community well-being.

Conclusion

The concept of Sunnah currency, as practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs, holds valuable lessons for contemporary society. It emphasises stability, intrinsic value, and ethical conduct in financial transactions. By incorporating the principles of Sunnah currency, we can strive for a more just and equitable economic system that benefits individuals and communities.

FAQs

  1. Is Sunnah currency still relevant today?

Sunnah currency provides timeless principles that are relevant in any era. While the specific forms may have changed, the underlying values of stability, intrinsic value, and ethical conduct can guide us in modern financial systems.

  1. How did the introduction of paper money change the concept of Sunnah currency?

The introduction of paper money shifted the focus from tangible, intrinsic-value-based currency to a system based on trust and faith in the issuing authority. However, the principles of stability, fairness, and ethical conduct can still be applied to modern monetary systems.

  1. Did Sunnah currency have any impact on the economy during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs?

Yes, Sunnah currency played a significant role in establishing a stable economic system that promoted fairness, justice, and ethical conduct. It provided a solid foundation for economic transactions and fostered prosperity within the Muslim community.

  1. Are there any countries or communities that still use Sunnah currency?

While the use of Sunnah currency in its traditional form is limited today, there are communities exploring alternative currencies that align with the principles of Sunnah currency. These initiatives aim to create localised economies and promote ethical financial practices.

  1. How can we incorporate the principles of Sunnah currency in our modern financial systems?

Incorporating the principles of Sunnah currency in modern financial systems requires a comprehensive approach. It involves promoting stability, transparency, ethical conduct, and economic justice. Implementing regulations that discourage interest-based transactions and promote fair trade can be a step towards aligning our financial systems with the values of Sunnah currency.

In conclusion, Sunnah currency, as practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Khalifahs, offers valuable insights into creating an economic system based on stability, intrinsic value, and ethical conduct. While the specific forms of Sunnah currency may have evolved, the underlying principles can guide us in fostering a just and equitable financial system. By understanding and incorporating these principles, we can strive for economic justice, ethical conduct, and the well-being of individuals and communities.

Written by Sunnah Currency