How can one act with piety (Taqwa) in today's competitive market?

Acting with piety (Taqwa) in every aspect of life, including today's highly competitive market, is not only possible but also the key to sustainable success and divine blessings. Taqwa means self-restraint, God-consciousness, and adherence to divine limits – doing what Allah has commanded and refraining from what He has forbidden. In the world of commerce and economics, which is often driven by profit motives, fierce competition, and sometimes temptations to disregard ethics, maintaining taqwa might seem challenging. However, the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provide clear guidance in this regard, which leads not only to individual well-being but also to societal welfare and economic stability. The first and most fundamental principle is 'Honesty and Trustworthiness.' In the market, honesty in speech and action, not concealing defects of goods, avoiding deception in transactions, and observing trust in any deposit or information, are pillars of taqwa. The Holy Quran severely condemns those who give short measure and weight; this condemnation does not merely encompass physical under-weighing but includes any form of depriving people of their due. In a highly competitive environment where some might resort to lying or exaggeration to attract more customers, a pious merchant remains committed to honesty. They know that while honesty might lead to losing some short-term opportunities, in the long run, it brings credibility, trust, and divine blessings. The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said: 'The truthful and trustworthy merchant will be with the Prophets, the truthful ones, and the martyrs.' This illustrates how much lawful and honest trade is valued by Allah. The second principle is 'Justice and Fairness.' In dealings, fair pricing, non-exploitation of customers or employees, and respecting the rights of all parties involved in a transaction must be considered. A competitive market might tempt some to take advantage of others' weaknesses or ignorance, or to engage in unjust actions to defeat competitors. However, a pious merchant not only avoids all forms of injustice and oppression but also strives to establish justice and equity in all their interactions. This includes timely payment of workers' wages, observing workplace safety conditions, and not hoarding wealth in ways that harm society. Quranic verses emphasize the necessity of observing justice in all matters and consider it the closest trait to piety. This approach fosters more stable relationships with customers and colleagues and earns divine pleasure. The third principle is 'Abstaining from Prohibitions and Doubts.' In today's market, various complex contracts and transaction methods exist. A pious merchant must always seek to avoid usurious transactions (riba), gambling, bribery, and any form of illicit gain. Riba is severely condemned in the Quran and is described as declaring war against Allah and His Messenger. Furthermore, buying and selling prohibited goods or engaging in businesses fundamentally contradicting Islamic principles are instances of violating taqwa. Some of these transactions might seem profitable on the surface, but blessings depart from them, ultimately leading to worldly and otherworldly losses. In a highly competitive market, precise knowledge of Islamic rulings and adherence to them requires high knowledge and commitment. The fourth principle is 'Remembrance of Allah and aiming for His Pleasure.' In the hustle and bustle of the market and materialistic struggles, a pious merchant never forgets the remembrance of Allah. They know that the main provider is Allah, and their successes are not solely dependent on their own efforts. They establish their prayers on time, pay their Zakat, and abstain from excessive greed and covetousness. The Holy Quran praises merchants whom neither commerce nor selling distracts from the remembrance of Allah, performing prayer, and giving Zakat. This brings spiritual peace to the individual and keeps them away from anxieties arising from unhealthy competition. Having an eschatological (hereafter-focused) perspective prevents one from clinging to fleeting and unlawful gains, instead prioritizing the attainment of divine pleasure as their main goal. The fifth principle is 'Benevolence and Philanthropy for Society.' A pious merchant does not only think of their personal interests but strives for their business to be a source of good for society. This can include providing quality products and services, creating jobs, helping the needy through charity and Zakat, and observing social responsibilities. Ultimately, acting with taqwa in today's competitive market requires a strong will, religious knowledge, and reliance on Allah. Such an individual not only benefits from peace of mind and blessings in this world but also secures their success in the Hereafter. This approach transforms business into an act of worship, elevating it beyond a mere materialistic activity.