Analysis of the Application of Islamic Business Ethics Principles Among Traders at PD Pasar Tradisional Singaparna, Tasikmalaya

Abstract

This research examines the application of Islamic business ethics principles in PD Pasar Tradisional Singaparna, Tasikmalaya, focusing on the five fundamental principles: tawhid (unity), balance ('adl), free will (ikhtiyar), responsibility (mas'uliyyah), and ihsan (benevolence). Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 traders, 10 buyers, and 1 market manager, as well as observation and documentation during October 2024. The results showed that the application of Islamic business ethics has not been consistent across all principles. The principle of tawhid is reflected in traders' intention of worship and prayers before starting business activities, but is hampered by the negligence of obligatory prayers due to the limited capacity of the prayer room (musala) and economic pressures during peak hours. The principle of balance is disrupted by price and measurement manipulation practices, including non-standard scales reducing weight by 10-15% and price increases up to IDR 50,000 per kilogram for chicken meat ahead of Eid al-Fitr, as reported by the food task force. The principle of free will is supported by flexible bargaining practices but hampered by usury-based loans (riba) due to limited access to Islamic financing, with approximately 20% of traders relying on such loans. The principles of responsibility and ihsan are demonstrated by traders with regular customers, but remain weak among general traders due to economic pressures and aggressive bargaining culture. This research recommends ethics training, price monitoring, adequate provision of prayer rooms, sharia cooperatives, and a friendly market culture to create a fair and blessed trading ecosystem.