Konsep Self-Interest dan Maslahah dalam Rasionalitas Ekonomi Islam
Abstract: Two important
concepts in economics represent the main ideas that this paper is concerned
with, namely the concept of self-interest and mas lah ah. These two concepts
will be analyzed in the light of what is commonly known as the economic
rationality. The rational dimension of economy is about the individual act in
consumption and production. An act in consumption and production—like in any
other acts—is called rational as long as it is line with one’s logic. When an
act is done not in a proper concordance with logic, then the act is not
rational. Pure Capitalism in which one would justify his/her acts of oppressing
others economi cally for example, cannot be called rational because it is not
logical and is not in a proper consonance with the ethical values. We argue
therefore that the rational dimension coupled with its ethical apparatus must
represent the heart of all economic activities if a healthy economic foundation
is to be established. Here we contend that self-interest—as opposed to
maslahah—hasno place whatsoever in the whole schemata of rational economy. On
the contrary, mas lahah is an alternative for the already hegemonic system of
global economy in which self-interest is its core. Maslahah ah is to do with
society-interest and not self-interest. At the end, this paper is a critique
against the global capitalistic economy that has failed to establish justice
and equality for all.
Keywords: economic rationality,
self-interest, maslahah
Penulis: Dede Nurohman
Kode Jurnal: jpperadabanislamdd100038
