CSS 2011 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Importance of Akle-Halal from Islamic Point of View
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2011 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
This question requires discussing the importance of Akle-Halal (lawful earnings) in Islam, focusing on its spiritual, ethical, and social significance. The answer should highlight how lawful earnings are linked to accepted worship, moral development, and social justice. The second part asks how Islam addresses unfair resources, emphasising Islamic measures such as prohibiting haram income, promoting fairness, and ensuring accountability in society. Relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith should be cited to support these points.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Understanding Akle-Halal in Islam
3-Significance of Akle-Halal in Islamic Teachings
- Spiritual significance
- Acceptance of worship, linked with Halal income
- Ethical and moral development
- Social and economic justice
4-Consequences of Consuming Unfair or Haram Resources
- Spiritual and moral degradation
- Corruption in society and the economy
- Loss of blessings (barakah)
- Punishment in the Hereafter
5-Islamic Measures to Prevent Unfair Means of Earning
- Clear prohibition of haram earnings in the Qur’an
- Legal framework in Islamic governance to curb unfair accumulation
- Accountability and Islamic principles of business ethics
- Zakat and charity as tools to purify wealth
6-Contemporary Relevance of Akle-Halal
- Challenges in today’s global economy
- Revival of Islamic financial ethics as a solution
- Need for Muslim societies to uphold Akle-Halal for social justice and sustainable development
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
In Islam, Akle-Halal, earning through lawful and ethical means, is a core principle of faith. The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasise that a believer’s income must be pure for their worship to be accepted and their soul to remain upright. Unlawful earnings, on the other hand, corrupt individuals and society, leading to injustice and divine displeasure. In today’s world of economic exploitation and corruption, Islamic teachings on fair and honest sustenance offer a timeless solution to promote social justice and moral integrity.
Understanding Akle-Halal in Islam
The term Akle-Halal refers to consuming and earning through sources that are lawful (halal) and wholesome (tayyib) according to Islamic law. Islam does not separate spiritual and economic life; rather, it integrates both, making lawful earning an essential act of worship. The Qur’an commands believers, “O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:172), highlighting that sustenance must be both permitted and pure. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this by stating, “The best earning is what a man earns with his own hands and from a permissible business” (Musnad Ahmad). Thus, Islam views Akle-Halal as a means of maintaining spiritual purity, earning Allah’s pleasure, and contributing positively to society. It serves as a moral boundary that shapes a Muslim’s character, promotes social justice, and ensures ethical economic practices.
Significance of Akle-Halal in Islamic Teachings
Spiritual Significance
First of all, Akle-Halal holds deep spiritual value in Islam, as it directly affects the purity of the soul and one’s relationship with Allah. Lawful sustenance serves as a source of spiritual nourishment, strengthening the believer’s inner self and fostering humility, gratitude, and sincerity. Allah commands in the Qur’an, “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:168). This verse connects lawful consumption with staying away from Satan’s path, emphasising the spiritual danger of haram income. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasised this connection when he said, “Verily, Allah is pure and accepts only that which is pure” (Sahih Muslim). Thus, Akle-Halal is not just material—it is the foundation of spiritual integrity and righteousness.
Acceptance of Worship Linked with Halal Income
Moreover, in Islam, the purity of one’s income has a direct impact on the acceptance of their worship. No matter how outwardly righteous a person appears, their acts of worship lose value in the sight of Allah if their earnings are tainted with haram. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated the case of a man who makes lengthy supplications, raising his hands to the heavens while his food, drink, and clothing are all acquired through unlawful means. The Prophet remarked, “How can his supplication be accepted?” (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith powerfully illustrates that even sincere worship is rejected when fueled by haram sustenance. The Qur’an, too, emphasises this connection, stating, “O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:172), reminding believers that gratitude and worship begin with lawful consumption.
Ethical and Moral Development
Furthermore, earning through lawful means shapes a Muslim’s character by instilling values such as honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness. It trains a person to refrain from deceit, fraud, and exploitation in both personal and professional dealings. Allah says in the Qur’an, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers so that [they might aid] you to consume a portion of the wealth of others while you know [it is unlawful]” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188). This command promotes ethical conduct by forbidding corruption and injustice in financial matters. The Prophet (PBUH) also upheld this moral ideal, stating, “The honest merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs on the Day of Resurrection” (Tirmidhi). Thus, Akle-Halal is a training ground for moral excellence and ethical behaviour in all areas of life.
Social and Economic Justice
Except to these, Islam promotes Akle-Halal as a means of ensuring social equity and economic fairness in society. When individuals earn their wealth lawfully and refrain from unjust practices like fraud, usury, bribery, and hoarding, wealth circulates justly and benefits all classes. The Qur’an says, “…so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you…” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:7), advocating for economic systems that prevent wealth from accumulating in a few hands. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also established principles of fairness in trade and market dealings. He once warned traders, “He who cheats is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim). These teachings emphasise that lawful earnings promote a balanced economic order where everyone’s rights are protected, and exploitation is eliminated.
Islamic Measures to Prevent Unfair Means of Earning
Spiritual and Moral Degradation
First, consuming haram earnings darkens the heart, weakens faith, and leads to spiritual and moral downfall. When a person becomes used to unlawful income, their conscience is dulled, and their sense of right and wrong becomes distorted. Allah warns in the Qur’an, “What is the matter with them that they do not believe? And when the Qur’an is recited to them, they do not prostrate?” (Surah Al-Inshiqaq, 84:20-21), alluding to the hardening of hearts due to persistent sin. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When a servant commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, it is removed, but if he persists, it grows until his heart is completely darkened” (Tirmidhi). Thus, haram consumption corrupts the soul and paves the way for moral and spiritual decay.
Corruption in Society and Economy
Second, unlawful earnings fuel widespread corruption and injustice, leading to an unstable and exploitative society. When individuals prioritise profit over principles, it results in fraud, bribery, manipulation, and exploitation of the poor. The Qur’an strongly condemns such practices: “Woe to those who give less [than due], who when they take a measure from people take in full. But if they give by measure or weight to them, they cause loss” (Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:1-3). The Prophet (PBUH) also warned against corrupt systems, stating, “If you see my Ummah afraid to say to the oppressor, ‘You are an oppressor,’ then know that Allah has forsaken them” (Musnad Ahmad). Hence, haram earnings undermine social justice and contribute to an unjust economic order.
Loss of Blessings (Barakah)
Third, wealth obtained through unfair means may appear abundant, but it is deprived of barakah (divine blessing). Such wealth brings anxiety, discontent, and instability, rather than peace and prosperity. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an, “Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charity” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:276), showing that unjust wealth, such as that gained through interest, leads to divine loss. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further said, “Indeed, unlawful earnings have no barakah, and they will only harm you” (Ibn Majah). Therefore, even if a person gains material success through haram means, it will not benefit them in this world or the next and will lack the tranquillity that accompanies lawful earnings.
Punishment in the Hereafter
One of the last grave consequences of consuming haram is the severe punishment promised in the Hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, individuals will be held accountable not only for what they earned but also for how they earned it. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “No one’s feet will move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about… his wealth—how he earned it and how he spent it” (Tirmidhi). Thus, haram consumption not only ruins this worldly life but also jeopardises one’s eternal success.
Contemporary Relevance of Akle-Halal
In today’s profit-driven world, Akle-Halal remains crucial as unethical practices, interest-based systems, and corruption dominate the global economy. Islamic financial ethics, rooted in fairness, transparency, and the prohibition of riba and fraud, offer a just alternative. The Qur’an states, “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and judge with justice…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58). Upholding Akle-Halal is essential for Muslim societies to achieve social justice, reduce inequality, and ensure sustainable development.
Conclusion
To conclude, Akle-Halal is not merely an economic guideline in Islam but a moral and spiritual obligation that ensures personal piety and collective justice. The Qur’an and Sunnah clearly emphasise earning through lawful means while condemning haram income for its destructive effects on individuals and society. In an age marked by financial corruption and moral decline, the revival of Akle-Halal and Islamic financial ethics offers a powerful framework for restoring social balance and spiritual integrity. Therefore, adopting halal means of earning is not only vital for acceptance in the Hereafter but also for building a fair, peaceful, and sustainable society in this world.
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