Consumer Rights and Modern Market Regulation in the Light of Prophetic Teachings: A Jurisprudential and Applied Study

Abstract

 Consumer protection is an essential component of a just and ethical economic system. The expansion of modern markets, e    commerce, digital advertising, and complex commercial practices has created new challenges concerning product quality, price transparency, misleading advertisements, concealment of defects, and the effective enforcement of consumer rights. Islamic teachings provide comprehensive ethical and jurisprudential principles for commercial transactions, emphasizing honesty, trustworthiness, mutual consent, transparency, fairness, and the prohibition of fraud and deception. This study aims to examine consumer rights in the light of the Prophetic teachings and analyze their practical relevance to modern market regulation. Employing a qualitative, documentary, and analytical research methodology, the study draws upon the Qur’an, the Sunnah, classical and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, and relevant Pakistani consumer protection and competition laws. Particular attention is given to the jurisprudential concepts of ghish (fraud), tadlis (deceptive concealment), khiyar al-‘ayb (the option to rescind a transaction due to a defect), ihtikar (prohibited hoarding under relevant circumstances), and hisbah (market supervision and public accountability). The study examines how these principles can inform contemporary regulatory measures concerning product safety, disclosure of defects, price transparency, misleading marketing, online transactions, and consumer redress mechanisms. It argues that Prophetic teachings provide a significant normative foundation for consumer protection, while their effective implementation requires appropriate legal frameworks, institutional oversight, accessible complaint mechanisms, and accountability in commercial practices. The study further highlights the importance of balancing legitimate commercial freedom with the protection of consumer interests and the prevention of market abuses. It concludes by proposing practical recommendations for strengthening consumer protection and promoting a transparent, fair, and socially responsible market system in accordance with Islamic jurisprudential principles.

Keywords: Prophetic Teachings, Consumer Rights, Market Regulation, Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence, Consumer Protection, Hisbah, Misleading Advertising, Khiyar al-‘Ayb.