Compare And Contrast Christian And Islamic Attitude Towards Merchants

The attitudes of Christians and Muslims towards merchants change over time. Eventually, both of the religions once believed that trading was sinful, trading was okay as long as the merchants are giving equality, and by following god in trade the merchants would be blessed. In 70-80 C.E. Christians and Muslims around the 16th century, both believed trading was unacceptable because trading didn’t follow their religious laws. Christians said it is difficult for a rich man to get into heaven “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kind of god” (Document 1). Muslims believed that traders were greedy and selfish and hurt others which was why they didn’t believe in trade, and in Document 7 it says “When cotton yarn comes once more he should not buy it alone…it should be distributed among all… [He] took it upon himself in the manner said.” Where both religions believed the characteristics of a merchant were sinful and shouldn’t be allowed into heaven. …show more content…
In the 14th century Muslims believed as long as the merchants were fair in the market is was okay, “Although [trade] be a natural means of livelihood, most of the methods it employs are tricks and aimed at making profit...by appropriating the surplus… Religious Law allows the use of such methods, although [it is gambling] it does not constitute the taking without return of others’ goods” (Document 5). In 1273, Christians stated if merchants sell something for more than its value it is wrong because one wouldn’t want it done to them. “No man wishes to buy a thing for more than its worth. Therefore no man should sell a thing for more than it’s worth… it is sinful to have recourse deceit to sell a thing for more than it’s just priced” (Document