Universalism (Shumūliyah) as a Foundational Principle in the Architecture of Islamic Economics

Abstract

The principle of shumūliyah—universalism—is central to understanding Islamic economics as a holistic and integrated system rooted in divine guidance. Unlike secular paradigms, Islamic economics emphasizes the inseparability of ethics, law, and economic behavior. This study investigates shumūliyah as both a theological and practical framework that unites various components of Islamic economics, from jurisprudence and institutional design to policymaking and human development. Employing a conceptual-theoretical methodology grounded in classical Islamic texts and academic literature, the article articulates shumūliyah as a unifying paradigm that distinguishes Islamic economics from conventional models. Findings reveal that shumūliyah promotes systemic coherence by aligning individual, institutional, and policy actions with divine objectives. The study contributes theoretically by defining shumūliyah as an explicit economic principle, and practically by proposing integrated institutional and policy strategies rooted in Islamic values. It calls for a shift from fragmented applications toward a comprehensive ethical-economic system, offering guidance for future academic inquiry and public policy in Islamic contexts.