Ahmad Syahni, Muhammad Syafi'i Budi Santoso, Zakiyyah Ilma Ahmad, Muhammad Nasiruddin, Dimyati

ABU YUSUF AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC ECONOMIC THOUGHT

Introduction

Abu yusuf and the development of islamic economic thought. Explore Abu Yusuf's classical Islamic economic thought from Kitab al-Kharaj. Discover his ideas on public finance, taxation, and state intervention for social welfare and justice, highly relevant today.

Abstract

This study examines the contribution of the classical Islamic economic thought of Abu Yusuf as presented in his monumental work, Kitab al-Kharaj. The primary objective of this study is to explore his concepts of public finance, taxation, and state intervention in market mechanisms to achieve social welfare. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research. The findings indicate that Abu Yusuf’s economic thought is grounded in the principles of justice, governmental accountability, and public welfare. The study reveals that Abu Yusuf pioneered the transition from a fixed tax system (misahah) to a proportional taxation system (muqasamah) based on taxpayers’ actual ability to pay. He also emphasized the state's responsibility to develop public infrastructure and regulate markets to prevent monopolistic practices (ihtikar). In conclusion, Abu Yusuf’s economic thought laid the foundation for a fiscal policy framework oriented toward public welfare, transparent management of the state treasury (Bayt al-Mal), and social justice. These ideas remain highly relevant and applicable to contemporary economic systems.

Review

This study offers a timely and important examination of Abu Yusuf's contributions to classical Islamic economic thought, specifically through the lens of his seminal work, *Kitab al-Kharaj*. The paper's stated objective to explore his concepts of public finance, taxation, and state intervention for social welfare is highly relevant, particularly given the growing interest in historical perspectives on economic policy and the enduring quest for economic systems rooted in justice and equitable distribution. By focusing on a foundational figure like Abu Yusuf, the study promises to shed light on early sophisticated economic reasoning that predates much of Western economic discourse. Employing a qualitative library research approach, the study effectively highlights several significant aspects of Abu Yusuf's thought. It commendably identifies his principles of justice, governmental accountability, and public welfare as core tenets. A key finding emphasized is Abu Yusuf's pioneering role in advocating for a proportional taxation system (muqasamah) over a fixed tax system (misahah), aligning taxation with the actual ability to pay – a remarkably progressive stance for his era. Furthermore, the abstract notes his emphasis on state responsibility for public infrastructure development and market regulation to combat monopolistic practices (ihtikar), demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of state functions beyond mere revenue collection. In conclusion, the study successfully argues that Abu Yusuf's economic thought provided a robust foundation for a public welfare-oriented fiscal policy framework, advocating for transparent management of the state treasury and social justice. The abstract effectively conveys the argument that these historical ideas possess enduring relevance, offering valuable insights that can inform contemporary economic systems grappling with issues of equity, governance, and market efficiency. This makes the research not just an academic exploration but a contribution with potential practical implications for modern economic policy discourse.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.