Beware of Illicit Gains: Recognising the Hidden Dangers

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Many sins originate from human weaknesses. Some arise from ignorance, some from poverty, and others from desperation. However, there is one type of sin that often arises from intelligence, power, and the ability to exploit loopholes. This sin is not committed in dark alleys, but in meeting rooms, in grand offices, at negotiating tables, and even in courtrooms. This sin is taking something that does not belong to you and making it appear as if it is legitimate. This is why Allah SWT gives a very stern warning in the Quran: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or by means of bribery, nor seek to destroy one another, for Allah is ever aware of what you do.” (QS Al-Baqarah: 188). The word that is the focus of attention in this verse is “batil.” Many people think that batil simply means stealing or robbing. However, the meaning of batil is much broader than that. Batil is any way of acquiring wealth that is not permitted by Allah, even if that way seems neat, legal, or acceptable to humans. Batil is when a person takes something that does not belong to them, gains profit by deceiving, or abuses their position to enrich themselves. It also includes concealing facts in order to obtain rights that do not belong to them, exploiting the weaknesses of others for personal gain, and winning a case with clever arguments even though they know they are on the wrong side. Therefore, scholars explain that the meaning of “do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” is not just a prohibition against theft. This prohibition includes all forms of transfer of wealth that are not based on legitimate rights according to Sharia. Interestingly, Allah uses the word “consume” (ta’kulu). In fact, wealth is not always used to buy food. Why did the Quran choose that word? Because consuming is the most obvious form of utilization. It is as if Allah wants to say: do not let the pleasure that enters your body come from the rights of others. Do not let the blood that flows in your body grow from something that does not belong to you. Do not let your children enjoy sustenance that is built on injustice towards others.