The Quran is not a book to be touched only on Fridays; it is a living guide, a divine manual for every breath we take and every transaction we make.

The root for trade, tijārah (تِجَارَة), derived from the letters T-J-R (ت-ج-ر), appears in the Quran in different places. Allah acknowledges our worldly pursuits and provides us with a framework for success that is not just profitable, but blessed. It is a success that brings peace to the heart, not just wealth to the hands.

Today, let us walk together through some of these verses and Quranic quotes on business. Let’s not just read them; let’s understand them and intend to build our lives and businesses upon them.

1. A Quranic Verse on Fair Dealings in Business

Now, let’s move to the marketplace. Fairness is the bedrock of a blessed business. Allah is very clear about how we should conduct our transactions, big or small.

“وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ إِذَا كِلْتُمْ وَزِنُوا بِالْقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا”

“Wa ‘awful-kayla ‘idhā kiltum wa zinū bil-qisṭāsil-mustaqīm; dhālika khayrun wa ‘aḥsanu ta’wīlā”

“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is better and best in the end.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:35)

“Give full measure.” This isn’t just about using accurate scales for wheat or produce; it’s about giving full value in everything you do. 

Are you giving your clients the full time they paid for? Are you delivering the full quality you promised in your product? 

The word used for balance is الْقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ (al-qisṭās al-mustaqīm), the “straight” or “upright” scale. It implies perfect justice and integrity. 

Allah then tells us why: it is khayrun (better for you in this life) and ‘aḥsanu ta’wīlā (leads to the best outcome in the Hereafter). Honesty doesn’t cost you; it pays you in ways you cannot even measure.

2. A Stern Warning to the Deceitful Measurers in Business

This chapter in the Quran begins with such a powerful and direct warning about a specific business malpractice as this one. It does not just advise; it declares ruin upon a certain type of person.

“وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ”

“Waylun lil-muṭaffifīn. Alladhīna ‘idhak-tālū ‘alan-nāsi yastawfūn. Wa ‘idhā kālūhum ‘aw wazanūhum yukhsirūn.”

“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 by weight to them, they cause loss.” (Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:1-3)

Pay close attention to the word that opens this surah: وَيْلٌ (Wayl). The scholars of tafsir have explained it as meaning “utter destruction” or have even said it is the name of a fearsome valley in Jahannam (Hellfire). 

Why such a severe warning? 

Because the act of the Muṭaffifīn (the fraudulent measurers) is a cancer in society. It is the epitome of selfishness. 

Notice the psychology Allah exposes: when it is their right, when they are the customer, they demand it be fulfilled to the absolute last drop—yastawfūn (they take in full). But when they are the seller, they give less, they cheat, they cause loss—yukhsirūn.

This principle extends far beyond the marketplace scales. An employee who demands his full salary but does the bare minimum work is a muṭaffif. A contractor who uses the cheapest materials after being paid for the best is a muṭaffif. It is a mindset of injustice that corrupts every transaction it touches.

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3. A Quranic Verse on Comprehensive Integrity in Dealings

This is a comprehensive code of conduct that beautifully ties financial integrity, social responsibility, and verbal honesty all together.

“وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ ۖ وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ وَالْمِيزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۖ وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ ۖ وَبِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ أَوْفُوا ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ”

Wa lā taqrabū māl al-yatīmi illā bil-latī hiya aḥsanu ḥattā yablugha ashuddah; wa awful-kayla wal-mīzāna bil-qisṭ; lā nukallifu nafsan illā wus’ahā; wa ‘idhā qultum fa’dilū wa law kāna dhā qurbā; wa bi’ahdi-Llāhi awfū; dhālikum waṣṣākum bihi la’allakum tadhakkarūn.

“And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak, be just, even if it be against a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:152)

Just look at this blueprint for an honorable life! It begins by protecting the most vulnerable—the orphan. It doesn’t just say “do not take his wealth,” but “do not even approach his wealth” except to improve it for him. This sets the highest standard of trusteeship. 

Then, it expands to cover all business dealings: “give full measure and weight in justice (bil-qisṭ).” 

Then, it moves to verbal honesty including in business: “when you speak, be just, even if it is against a near relative.” 

4. A Quranic Verse on Ethical Finance Through The Prohibition of Riba (Interest)

The Quran does not merely state that interest is forbidden. In His profound wisdom, Allah paints a terrifying picture for us of the spiritual and physical state of one who deals in it. This is not just a prohibition; it is a divine warning of the utmost gravity.

“الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا ۗ وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا ۚ فَمَنْ جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِ فَانْتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ”

Alladhīna ya’kulūnar-ribā lā yaqūmūna ‘illā kamā yaqūmul-ladhī yatakhabbaṭuhush-shayṭānu minal-mass; dhālika bi’annahum qālū ‘innamal-bay’u mithlur-ribā, wa ‘aḥallal-Lāhul-bay’a wa ḥarramar-ribā. Faman jā’ahū maw’iẓatun min Rabbihi fantahā falahū mā salafa wa ‘amruhū ‘ilal-Lāh, wa man ‘āda fa’ulā’ika ‘aṣḥābun-nār, hum fīhā khālidūn.

“Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, ‘Trade is just like interest.’ But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns [to dealing in interest] – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275)

Let us pause and reflect on this imagery. Allah says the one who consumes Riba will stand on the Day of Judgment in a state of utter chaos and confusion. 

This is not a metaphor to be taken lightly. It is a spiritual reality. Their greed and their consumption of this haram wealth has so corrupted their soul that they are unable to stand upright like normal human beings. 

Their pursuit of “increase” in this world leads to a state of complete imbalance in the next. 

The verse then exposes their flawed logic: “Trade is just like interest.” And Allah provides the definitive, unchallengeable answer: “But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.” 

The argument is over. One is pure, based on mutual consent and risk; the other is impure, based on exploitation.

5. A Quranic Quote on Mutual Consent in Trade

The relationship between buyer and seller, employer and employee, must be built on clarity and mutual agreement. The Quran sanctifies business that is transparent and consensual.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلَّا أَن تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ”

Yā ‘ayyuhal-ladhīna ‘āmanū lā ta’kulū ‘amwālakum baynakum bil-bāṭili ‘illā ‘an takūna tijāratan ‘an tarāḍin minkum

“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)

The principle is تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ (tarāḍin minkum)—”mutual consent from you.” This verse forbids consuming wealth bil-bāṭil (unjustly, falsely). This includes theft, deception, exploitation, and hidden clauses in contracts. Business must be a win-win situation, built on trust and clarity. 

Both parties must be happy and satisfied with the terms. This verse elevates business dealings from a mere exchange of goods to an act of community building based on trust and respect. 

6. A Quranic Quote on Documentation in Financial Dealings

In its profound care for our well-being, the Quran gives us the most detailed and practical advice for financial dealings. The longest verse in the entire Book of Allah is dedicated to this very topic, which shows its immense importance.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيْنٍ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ ۚ وَلْيَكْتُب بَّيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ…”

Yā ‘ayyuhal-ladhīna ‘āmanū ‘idhā tadāyantum bidaynin ‘ilā ‘ajalin musamman faktubūh, walyaktub baynakum kātibun bil-‘adl…

“O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282)

Allah commands us to document our financial agreements to prevent disputes, protect relationships, and ensure justice. 

Writing things down—contracts, loans, terms of service—is a prophetic practice encouraged by our Creator Himself. 

In your business, make clarity your cornerstone. Document everything, not to be rigid, but to be just and to preserve harmony between people.

Read more about: Quranic verses

7. A Quranic Quote on Fulfilling Your Word  In Business and All Aspects of Life

What is the currency of a good business? It is not money; it is trust. And trust is built upon fulfilling one’s word. In Islam, a promise is not a casual statement; it is a sacred covenant.

“وَأَوْفُوا بِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ إِذَا عَاهَدتُّمْ وَلَا تَنقُضُوا الْأَيْمَانَ بَعْدَ تَوْكِيدِهَا وَقَدْ جَعَلْتُمُ اللَّهَ عَلَيْكُمْ كَفِيلًا”

Wa ‘awfū bi’ahdil-Lāhi ‘idhā ‘āhattum wa lā tanquḍul-‘aymāna ba’da tawkīdihā wa qad ja’altumul-Lāha ‘alaykum kafīlā.

“And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah, over you, a witness.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:91)

Every verbal agreement, every signed contract, every business promise falls under this verse. 

When you give your word, you are not just speaking to a client or a partner; you are making Allah Himself your كَفِيلًا (kafīlā)—your guarantor, your witness. 

Can you imagine standing before a client and saying, “Allah is my witness that I will deliver this”? That is the level of seriousness we must bring to our commitments. 

Breaking a promise after confirming it is a betrayal not just of the other person, but of the trust you placed in Allah’s name. A business built on this principle will have a reputation that no marketing budget can buy.

This idea of a “covenant” is central to our faith. Our greatest covenant is with Allah Himself—to worship and obey Him. Understanding the depth of these covenants and concepts is a key part of deeper Quranic study. 

When you truly reflect on the meanings in a course like an Online Quran Tafseer Course, you begin to see how every verse about business ethics is also a reflection of our relationship with our Creator.

8.  A Quranic Verse on Fulfilling Your Amanah

Again, every business relationship, from the simplest transaction to the most complex partnership, is built on a single, vital principle: trust. In Arabic, this is known as Amānah, and Allah commands us to uphold it as a cornerstone of a just society.

“إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ”

‘Innal-Lāha ya’murukum ‘an tu’addul-‘amānāti ‘ilā ‘ahlihā wa ‘idhā ḥakamtum baynan-nāsi ‘an taḥkumū bil-‘adl.

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)

This is a command, direct and clear: “Indeed, Allah commands you…” What is the command? To render back the trusts to their rightful owners. 

In your business, this Amānah has many forms. It is the money your investors entrust you with. It is the confidential information a client shares with you. It is the responsibility you have to pay your employees their due wages on time. It is delivering the exact quality of product that you promised to your customer. 

Fulfilling these trusts is not just “good business practice”—it is a direct act of obedience to the King of all kings.

9. A Quranic Quote on Work-Life Balance

Islam is a complete way of life. It does not teach us to abandon the world for the mosque, nor to abandon the mosque for the world. It teaches a beautiful, divine balance. 

This verse, revealed in the context of the most important prayer of the week, shows us how worship and work are intertwined.

“فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ”

Fa-‘idhā quḍiyatiṣ-ṣalātu fantashirū fil-‘arḍi wabtaghū min faḍlil-Lāhi wadhkurul-Lāha kathīran la’allakum tufliḥūn.

“And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:10)

Right after the congregational Jumu’ah prayer, a peak spiritual moment, what does Allah command? He says فَانتَشِرُوا (fantashirū)—disperse, spread out! Go back to your work, your shops, your trade. 

And what are you to do there? وَابْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ (wabtaghū min faḍlil-Lāh)—seek from the bounty of Allah! Your work is reframed as a noble act of seeking God’s favor. 

Your livelihood is His faḍl, His grace. This verse demolishes the idea that being religious means being unproductive. Rather, it commands a dynamic, proactive engagement with the world, fueled and sanctified by prayer.

10. A Quranic Verse on Unjust Acquisition in Financial Dealings

Wealth can be a great test, and the temptation to increase it through dishonest means can be strong. 

The Quran draws a clear red line, forbidding us from consuming each other’s wealth unjustly and using it for bribery and corruption.

“وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ”

Wa lā ta’kulū ‘amwālakum baynakum bil-bāṭili wa tudlū bihā ‘ilal-ḥukkāmi lita’kulū farīqan min ‘amwālin-nāsi bil-‘ithmi wa ‘antum ta’lamūn.

“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order to consume a portion of the people’s wealth sinfully, while you know [it is wrong].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)

Here is a powerful warning against all forms of fraud, theft, and corruption. “Do not consume one another’s wealth bil-bāṭil (unjustly/falsely).” This includes everything from deceptive marketing and selling faulty goods to outright embezzlement. 

The verse then highlights a particularly sinister form of this: bribery. Giving money to those in authority to gain an unfair advantage or to wrongfully claim a right or property that belongs to someone else. 

Allah condemns this act of consuming others’ wealth “sinfully, while you know.” That last phrase is chilling. It speaks to the person who knows what they are doing is wrong but does it anyway, blinded by greed.

11. Those Whose Business Dealings Do Not Distract Them From Remembering Allah

Finally, in the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, it is easy to get distracted. The Quran praises those whose worldly dealings do not divert them from their ultimate purpose.

“رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ”

Rijālun lā tulhīhim tijāratun wa lā bay’un ‘an dhikril-Lāhi wa ‘iqāmiṣ-ṣalāti wa ‘ītā’iz-zakāh

“Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:37)

The verse mentions تِجَارَةٌ (tijāratun), which refers to general business or trade caravans, and بَيْعٌ (bay’un), which refers to a specific sale or transaction. Neither the long-term business plan nor the immediate sale should make you forget Allah. 

Notice the word رِجَالٌ (Rijālun), which translates to “men.” Tafsir scholars explain that this doesn’t just mean males, but people of substance, character, and spiritual fortitude. 

These are individuals whose hearts are so attached to Allah that the call to prayer outweighs the call of a customer. Their business doesn’t stop; it just pauses for what is more important. This is the definition of a truly successful entrepreneur in Islam.

12. Quranic Verse on The Ultimate Trade And Eternal Profit

Before we can master the trade of this world, we must first understand the ultimate trade—the one with Allah Himself. This verse lays the foundation for a believer’s entire mindset in business.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ تِجَارَةٍ تُنجِيكُم مِّنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ. تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَتُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ”

Yā ‘ayyuhal-ladhīna ‘āmanū hal ‘adullukum ‘alā tijāratin tunjīkum min ‘adhābin ‘alīm Tuminoona biAllahi warasoolihi watujahidoona fee sabeeli Allahi biamwalikum waanfusikum thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona

“O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? [It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you should know.” (Surah As-Saff, 61:10-11)

What is the profit? Not gold or silver, but salvation from the Fire. This verse teaches us that our primary business in this life is belief and striving in His cause. 

When your intention is pure, every honest deal you make, every product you sell with integrity, becomes an act of worship and part of this ultimate, profitable trade.

Read more about: Quranic Verses About Wife Rights

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My dear reader, these verses are just a glimpse into the ocean of wisdom the Quran holds for us. Integrating this guidance into your life and business is the key to achieving success that is not only profitable, but also blessed and spiritually fulfilling. The first and most important step is to connect with the Quran in its original, divine language.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Quran offers a comprehensive framework for ethical and successful business practices, emphasizing principles such as fair dealings, honesty, integrity, mutual consent, and fulfilling trusts. 

These Quranic verses about business, presented in both Arabic and English, serve as a timeless guide, demonstrating that financial pursuits can be both profitable and spiritually rewarding when aligned with divine teachings. Understanding these principles is crucial for anyone seeking to conduct business in a manner that is blessed and brings true peace.

By integrating these Quranic quotes on business into daily operations, individuals and enterprises can cultivate an environment of justice, transparency, and social responsibility. This not only fosters trust and a positive reputation but also aligns worldly endeavors with the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah, leading to prosperity in this life and the Hereafter. 

Further exploration of these verses can offer deeper insights into achieving a balanced and righteous approach to commerce.