Abstract

From an Islamic standpoint, economic development has to be founded on the ethical values of Islam. Islamic Economics stresses the responsibility of mankind in the utilization, allocation and preservation of natural resources, considered as a gift from God to the whole humanity. The moral economy of Islam has given important theoretical contributions about social justice, poverty eradication and the protection of the ecosystem. Islamic economics proposes new strategies of growth, often involving an integration between Islamic values and market economy. It aims at implementing a model of development that can be sustainable from an economic, social, environmental and spiritual point of view. This demonstrates how religion can still be, in the contemporary world, an important source of values that can inspire the social and economic life of mankind.