The Effect of Islamic Accountability System in Modern Era

نظام الحسبة في الإسلام و فائدته في العصر الراهن

Abstract

Hisbah is one of the main Islamic institutions. It is meant to play an important role in the control and orientation of social activities so as to lead to a gradual Islamization of all aspects of economic life. The ultimate goal is to discourage the informal growth of corruptive mechanisms existing in most Islamic countries. The system of accountability has started from the age of Prophet (S.A.W) but it has got an administrative form in the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (R.A). In the later periods of Islamic dynasty, it was promoted to a great extent and has played a key role in eliminating the evils from the society. The purpose of accountability is the establishment of a noble society. Thus it includes obliging and urging the public to perform the prayer, paying Zakah, elimination of corruption, vulgarity and nudity, cruelty and injustice, stopping of illegal affairs and drugs, supervision of different departments and accountability beyond any distinction. It has become necessary to institutionalize "Ḥisbah" activities and enlarge its scope to touch all aspects of social and economic life. "Ḥisbah" should be regarded as one of the main institutions which will have a vital role in preparing the "Ummah" to face the challenges for the forthcoming events.