The Role of the Prophetic Biography (Sīrah) in Addressing the Economic Challenges of Youth and Promoting Business Ethics: A Research Review

Abstract

Contemporary youth are confronted with a wide range of economic challenges, including unemployment, financial insecurity, inflation, limited entrepreneurial opportunities, and a gradual decline in ethical standards within commercial activities. These challenges not only hinder economic stability but also weaken moral values and responsible business conduct. The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides a comprehensive and practical model for addressing such issues through the promotion of lawful earning, honesty, trustworthiness, justice, transparency, and social responsibility. This study aims to examine the role of the Prophetic Seerah in addressing the economic challenges faced by youth and in promoting business ethics from an Islamic perspective. Employing a qualitative and analytical research methodology, the study analyzes relevant Qur'anic injunctions, Prophetic traditions, and classical as well as contemporary scholarly literature. The findings reveal that the Prophetic model of commerce offers sustainable principles for ethical entrepreneurship, financial responsibility, and economic self-reliance. The study concludes that reviving the commercial values embodied in the Prophetic Seerah can significantly contribute to empowering youth, strengthening ethical business practices, and fostering a just and socially responsible economic environment.

Keywords: Youth, Economic Challenges, Prophetic Seerah, Business Ethics, Islamic Commercial Principles, Ethical Entrepreneurship.