Economic Crimes and "Corruption on Earth": A Comparative Analysis of Criminal Approaches in Islamic Countries

Abstract

This article examines the criminal approaches in Islamic countries regarding economic crimes, with a focus on the concept of "corruption on earth" (ifsād fī al-arḍ) and its manifestations. Economic crime, which is one of the major challenges of the modern world, is a general term for a wide range of offenses. These offenses are defined and addressed in all Islamic countries according to their governing religious and jurisprudential principles, leading to distinct legal approaches. The present study, which is descriptive-analytical in nature and based on documentary and library research methods, shows that the concept of ifsād fī al-arḍ in Islam is considered one of the gravest sins, and combating it is deemed one of the primary duties of the Islamic government. An examination of the criminal approaches in Islamic countries reveals that they adopt diverse strategies for addressing economic crimes, influenced by various factors such as religious and jurisprudential foundations, culture, history, politics, and globalization. While these countries share certain commonalities, significant differences also exist. For example, traditional approaches are implemented more strictly in Saudi Arabia, whereas countries like Turkey and Malaysia apply more modern laws to combat financial corruption. Therefore, to improve coordinated efforts against such crimes, essential measures include enhancing international jurisprudential cooperation, exchanging specialized information, reforming laws, and strengthening regional joint oversight institutions.