Al amanah in al qur’an vs trust: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to find out the similarities and differences in meaning between the word “al amanah” and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

As a qualitative research, a content analysis is used in three stages. First, to elaborate the exegesis of the related Qur’anic verses together with the background narration or asbab un-nuzul if any and the Prophetic hadith where the word amanah is and to analyse and conclude its meanings. Second, the word “trust” is analysed based on the discussions in the literature which will lead to its specific meanings. Third, the concluded meanings of amanah and trust are to be compared to find out their similarities and differences.

Findings

Amanah and trust have the similar meanings: safe, confident, ability to fulfil the expectation of the person who trust, having competence or expertise to perform duty, deliver commitments, keep promises, work with a full of responsibility, integrity or obedient to moral principles. Differences: Amanah is not only oriented to humanity and responsibility in human’s relations but also, more importantly, to God Allah the Almighty, obeying His commands to make it as ibadah or acts of worshipping Allah the Almighty for maslahah or welfare for society.

Practical implications

The findings are considered important for companies or organisations. Before doing a commercial transaction or entering a contract or hiring an employee, they must study the quality of the counterparty whether they are capable to do the job as expected or not. In addition, the findings indicate that Islamic teachings concerning muamalat or Islamic rules for social dealings is universal in nature.

Originality/value

Being the first time to compare the word al amanah to trust, the findings point out the important elements to be evaluated when assigning a certain duty to an agent.

Citation

Herijanto, H. (2022), "Al amanah in al qur’an vs trust: a comparative study", International Journal of Ethics and Systems, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 549-575. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-03-2021-0064