The Nature of Man in Islam: a Critique to the Challenge of Homo Economicus Concept
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38073/aijis.v4i2.5965Keywords:
Islamic Economics, Nature of Man, Islamic PhilosophyAbstract
Homo Economicus has become a prevailing framework for understanding human behaviour in modern economics. The advancement of mathematics has led to the assumption that humans possess perfect calculating abilities and comprehensive knowledge of market and economic mechanisms, resulting in the mechanization of human nature. Therefore, understanding humanity from the Islamic worldview, while removing secularized assumptions in economics, can provide a more complete conception of man. This study aims to formulate an alternative conception of man in economics based on the Islamic worldview. Major works by Western economic philosophers and Muslim scholars, particularly Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, were historically contextualized and analyzed using philosophical reasoning, historical investigation, and comparative analysis. The study finds that the Homo Economicus concept, initially developed as a tool for understanding human behaviour in economics, has evolved into an ontological conception of humanity oriented toward wealth accumulation. In contrast, the Islamic worldview considers man fundamentally good and unselfish, with the purpose of worshipping Allah SWT by spreading goodness to all creation. This understanding is manifested through a just economic system that considers individual and societal well-being to achieve true happiness in this world and the hereafter.
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