Islamic Business Ethics vs. Profit Maximization: Are They Truly Compatible?

Abstract

The development of contemporary business has demonstrated an increasingly strong orientation toward profitability, market growth, efficiency, and the enhancement of economic value. In practice, pressure to maximize profits can create ethical problems when companies prioritize financial interests at the expense of fairness, transparency, employee welfare, consumer protection, and societal interests. From an Islamic perspective, profit is not rejected; rather, its pursuit must operate within the framework of Shariah and moral values. This study aims to analyze the compatibility between Islamic business ethics and profit maximization and to identify the conditions under which the two can operate harmoniously. The study employs a literature review method using a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach. The literature reviewed includes discussions of Islamic business ethics, profit maximization, maqashid al-shariah, maslahah, justice, trustworthiness, honesty, social responsibility, governance, and business sustainability. The analysis was conducted through the identification, classification, comparison, interpretation, and synthesis of various conceptual findings. The results indicate that Islamic business ethics and profit maximization are not inherently contradictory. Conflict arises when profit is treated as an absolute objective without moral limitations. Conversely, profit can be compatible with Islamic ethics when it is generated through halal activities, value creation, fairness, transparency, and stakeholder responsibility. Therefore, the more appropriate paradigm is not to choose between ethics and profit, but to establish profitability based on Shariah principles, maslahah, and sustainability.