Research on Positive Economic Framework in the Quran: A Case Study on the Positive Statements of Material and Spiritual Progress)

Abstract

The distinction between positive and normative has long history in economics methodology and some economists considered the separation of facts and values as criteria to science and non-science. In the case of Islamic economists, it was also claimed that Islamic economists is a set of values Therefore, it cannot be considered as a science. So exploration of the positive aspects of economy in religious sources is necessary. This paper uses a descriptive analytical method to extract positive economic texts (in material and spiritual progress) that suggest a causal link between external phenomena, as "if A then B". Findings showed that in the Quran there are positive economic statements. According to different epistemological foundations of conventional economics and Islamic economics, some positive statements can be justified on the basis of non-material causes and it cannot be justified by purely material attitude. According to the verses of the Quranic economy, material causes such as physical capital, Charity, avoidance of corruption, and immaterial factors such as human resources, the implementation of the law in the society, appreciate the blessings, faith and piety, forgiveness, perseverance in the right way, immigration, and pray to God are the causes of material and spiritual progress in the Quran.

Keywords

• positive economics
• normative economics
• the quran
• progress