Commerce Before Revelation: Exploring Muhammad’s Business Model Prior to Prophethood

Abstract

In the socio-economic matrix of 6th-century Arabia, commerce functioned not merely as a livelihood but as a cornerstone of identity and influence. Among the Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emerged as a remarkably ethical and effective trader long before his prophetic mission began. His involvement in long-distance trade, particularly with regions like Syria and Yemen, marked him as a formidable figure in Meccan economic life. This study explores the commercial strategies and moral principles that defined Muhammad’s (pbuh) business practices during the pre-revelation period. The objective of this research is to reconstruct the business model employed by Muhammad (pbuh) before prophethood, investigating its ethical foundations, contractual forms, and socio-economic significance. Using a historical-literary method, this study integrates classical Islamic sources with modern economic theory, examining themes such as am?nah (trust), ?idq (truthfulness), and partnership models like mu??rabah. Data is drawn from verified texts, including classical Arabic s?rah literature, and contemporary academic journals. Findings indicate that Muhammad’s (pbuh) commerce was governed by a proto-Islamic ethical system emphasizing integrity, reciprocity, and communal welfare. His reputation as al-Am?n and his business dealings with figures like Khadijah bint Khuwaylid provide insight into a model of commercial ethics that prefigured Islamic economic norms. This research contributes significantly to both historical Islamic studies and contemporary discourse on ethical business conduct. By highlighting a lived model of economic morality, it underscores how commerce served as both preparation for prophethood and a platform for moral leadership.