Why There Is No Economic History of Islam

Submitted by Carol Fuller (United States), Jan 30, 2009 at 14:12

After graduating from college I realized I did not know HOW THE WORLD WORKS. So I read ECONOMIC HISTORY of many civilizations and countries. Soon I could see that the creation and ownership of private property was related to improvements in government, that is, trends towards democracy, towards better treatment of citizens. For anyone interested I suggest they read a book by Richard Pipes (not Daniel) called Property and Freedom. It is interesting that Russia never had much in the way of private property and for centuries, even up to the present really does not have freedom.

I searched and searched for an economic history of Islam. I was very disappointed. I thought there would be some Muslims out there who would write an economic history of Islam. Now I understand. HOW COULD THERE BE A N ECONOMIC HISTORY OF ISLAM WHEN THERE IS NO REAL ISLAMIC ECONOMICS ?

I didn't give up. I read all sorts of other history and a good deal of the Qu'ran taking note of bits of information here and there in many books and articles having to do with economics or its history. I put the notes together and finally wrote a book called The Muslim Economic Trap.

I wish Muslims would read my book. I really have them in mind.

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