A Redefinition of the Productive Debt Concept in Halal Lifestyle Framework

Productive debt is usually understood as debt that generates financial benefits and is able to increase assets. This understanding leads to the marginalization of important dimensions that are analysed according to Islamic worldview and epistemology. This paper argues about the inaccuracy of the contemporary definition and adduces a new definition of productive debt that is consistent with the aspirations of Muslim lifestyle. Hence, a library study is conducted and guided by the main sources of reference in Islam, which are the alQur’an and Hadith as well as the Muktabar scriptures. The findings show that the contemporary definition of productive debt has marginalised the time value of life and the Islamic-based hierarchical consumption.