In this introductory chapter of the highly acclaimed volume Readings in Islamic Economic Thought, Professor Dr. Abul Hasan M. Sadeq provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual heritage of Islamic economics. He traces the origin of Islamic economic ideas from the primary sources—the Quran and Sunnah—through the classical contributions of medieval jurists and philosophers like Al-Ghazali, Ibn Taimiyah, and Ibn Khaldun.

Professor Sadeq argues that Islamic economic thought is not merely a reaction to modern systems, but a robust, independent discipline with its own epistemological foundations. The research highlights how historical Islamic perspectives on market behavior, public finance, and social justice provide a critical ethical dimension that is often missing in secular economic theories. By bridging historical wisdom with contemporary economic challenges, this work sets the stage for a holistic understanding of how Islamic principles can be applied to foster equitable development and moral responsibility in today’s global financial landscape.

Core Concepts: Economic Thought, Epistemology, Classical Scholars, Market Behavior, Social Justice, Ethical Finance, Development History, AUB.