March-April. 2025 | @ Halal
COLUMN 21
Guidelines for collectors
cal means and respecting the rights of others. A collector should strive to acquire items through legitimate channels, avoiding theft, fraud, or exploitation. They should also be mindful of fair-trade practices and consider the impact of their purchasing decisions on artisans, craftsmen, or communities involved in producing collectable items.
Benevolence in sharing: Benevolence encourages generosity and sharing with others. A collector can practice benevolence by sharing their collection with family, friends, or community members, fostering bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation. They may also consider donating duplicate items or items of lesser importance to those in need, thereby contributing to charitable causes and fulfilling the Islamic principles of charity.
THE ETHICAL QUANDARY
Navigating the ethical terrain of hobby collecting demands introspection and mindfulness. One of the primary ethical concerns is the potential for exploitation, whether of human labour, natural resources, or cultural heritage.
Collectors must be vigilant to avoid contributing to practices that perpetuate injustice, exploitation, or environmental degradation. This may involve research into the provenance of items, eschewing products derived from unethical practices, and advocating for responsible collecting practices within the community( Ethics of Collecting, 2022).
Another ethical quandary in collecting as a hobby is the propensity for excessive accumulation, which can lead to hoarding, waste, and inefficiency. Islam advocates moderation and stewardship in all aspects of life, including the use of resources and possessions.
Collectors must, therefore, strike a balance between their passion for acquisition and the responsibility to avoid excess. As stated in Surah Al-A’ raf( 7:31),“ O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”( Quran, Al-A’ raf, 7:31). This verse underscores the importance of moderation and temperance in all aspects of life, including the pursuit of hobbies. Islam teaches the value of moderation and responsible stewardship over resources. This principle extends to hobby collecting, urging collectors to assess their acquisitions thoughtfully and avoid accumulating more than they need or can reasonably manage. In Surah Al’ An’ am, Allah SWT says
“… Eat of the fruit they bear and pay the dues at harvest, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.”( Quran, Al-An’ am, 6:141).
Collectors are encouraged to strike a balance between their passion for collecting and their responsibility to avoid excess. It may involve periodically reassessing collections, divesting surplus items, and prioritising quality over quantity in acquisitions.
Collectors are also encouraged to engage themselves in practices that promote sustainability and resource conservation. It can include supporting eco-friendly brands, recycling or repurposing items, and minimising waste in collection management.
By adhering to these principles of moderation, balance, and sustainability, collectors can cultivate a hobby that brings joy and fulfilment while also respecting ethical considerations and Islamic values.
DO YOUR research: Begin by researching the types of items you are interested in collecting. Understand the market trends and common practices within the hobby collecting community. Make sure the items are not haram to possess.
Is this authentic?: Always verify the authenticity of the items you are considering purchasing. Look for reputable sellers who are known for their honesty and transparency. Ensure that the items adhere to halal standards and are ethically sourced.
Check its origins: Investigate the history and roots of each item. Ensure that they come from reputable sources and have not been obtained ������������������������������������������������ the production and distribution processes align with halal principles.
Support ethical businesses: Choose to support enterprises that uphold ethical standards and halal practices. Look for companies that prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability in their operations. By patronising these businesses, you contribute to a more ethical and halal-centric collecting community.
����������������������������������������������� such as unusually low prices, vague or evasive responses from sellers, or inconsistencies in the item descriptions. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and seek out a more trustworthy source.
MARKET AWARENESS
In the realm of collecting hobby, the market plays a pivotal role in shaping collecting practices and ethical considerations. Collectors must navigate a landscape rife with counterfeit items, fake origins, and inflated prices. In such a circumstance, adherence to Islamic principles becomes paramount.
Collectors are enjoined to conduct due diligence, seek reputable sellers, and verify the authenticity and legitimacy of items before making acquisitions. Additionally, collectors are encouraged to support ethical businesses and initiatives that uphold values of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
ETHICAL PRACTICES
Education and community engagement are indispensable tools for fostering ethical collecting practices within the community.
In the pursuit of spreading awareness, collectors can leverage platforms such as social media, workshops, and seminars to share knowledge, raise awareness about ethical considerations, and promote responsible collecting behaviours.
By building networks of like-minded individuals and organisations, one can cultivate a culture of integrity, empathy, and social responsibility within the collecting community. –