A Research Review of the Effects of The Prohibition of Hoarding and Hoarding in islam on The Economy

Abstract

This research review examines the economic and ethical implications of Islam’s prohibition of hoarding (ihtikār) and excessive accumulation of wealth (kanz) in both classical Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary economic contexts. Rooted in Qur'anic commandments (e.g., Surah At-Tawbah 9:34-35) and Prophetic traditions (e.g., "Whoever hoards is a sinner" – Sahih Muslim), Islamic teachings strongly condemn practices that restrict the circulation of wealth and exploit market needs.The paper analyzes the core rationale behind the prohibition of hoarding: preventing artificial scarcity, price manipulation, monopolistic behavior, and socioeconomic inequality. The study reviews the legal definitions and conditions of ihtikār in classical fiqh across different madhāhib (schools of law), and evaluates their relevance in modern supply chain and financial systems.Furthermore, the review explores empirical and theoretical studies on how anti-hoarding principles align with Islamic economic objectives such as risk-sharing, wealth circulation (tadāwul al-tharwa), and communal welfare (maṣlaḥah ‘āmmah). It also assesses the influence of these values on market stabilization, ethical entrepreneurship, and social justice.The paper concludes that the Islamic prohibition of hoarding promotes economic balance, deters exploitation, and contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable economic model. However, effective implementation in modern capitalist systems requires adaptation through policy instruments, regulatory frameworks, and Islamic financial models.