CRS implementation from Western to the Islamic Perspective: Maqasid al-Shari‘ah and Maslahah

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) perspectives is a framework for the role of business in society which has emerged and developed rapidly as a field of study. It sets standards of behavior to which a company must subscribe in order to impact society in a positive and productive manner while abiding by values that exclude seeking profit at any cost. CSR initiative remains open to wide criticism for its inherent problems and justification, conceptual clarity, and possible inconsistency. Problems are more acute when it comes to implementing and operationalizing CSR on the ground, especially in a situation involves trade-off. This paper offers an instructive understanding of CSR from an Islamic perspective. In particular, the implication of maqasid al-Shari'ah (the Shari'ah's objectives) and the application of maslahah (the public good) to CSR are discussed to shed light on how Islam's perception of CSR take into consideration of the reality and ever-changing circumstances.