About the Book

This “treatise”, compiled and composed over many years, is in response to the identified need to look at the combined worth of history, religion and economics, with particular interest in the ethical, moral and philosophical aspects. With unreserved deference to experts on each of these individual subjects, the book presents the “layman’s” opinion that some simplified understanding of these issues, so critical to our everyday lives, will help maintain a balanced appreciation of the vital interaction between history, religion and economics, and will indicate that looking at only one aspect at a time could miss out on dimensions that give greater meaning and usefulness to the other/s.

The book demonstrates that many of the religious “scriptures” are, in fact, also economic principles. Many are applicable even now, although their origin may not be appreciated. In addition, much of the economic thought was, and probably still is, intertwined with, or may even originate in part from, ethics and philosophy. The book describes the need for a re-think of many of the principles of economics, and how modern economics should be part of a “New World Order”, that can give greater meaning to religion and greater appreciation of history, and help shape a more wholesome future society. While the major Faiths of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahá’í are discussed, others such as Hinduism and Buddhism have similar tenets.

Only authentic original religious texts and references from renowned authors are used. The reference list at the end will be appreciated by anyone wishing to delve deeper into any subject presented.

About the Author

BIOGRAPHY AND SYNOPSIS

Nabil M Mustapha was born in Egypt, and brought up in an English school in Cairo. Father was of Egyptian Muslim stock and mother of Maronite Christian (Lebanese) stock. They both embraced the Bahá’í Religion independently.

The author’s formative years was in a post World War II era of intense cultural, political, economic and social resurgence in Egypt, blessed by a multi-racial, multi-faith, and multi-cultural society. An interest in economics, history and religion developed. A medical career and consultant appointments in surgery and in rehabilitation medicine, still allowed space for economics and religion, enhanced by the extensive medical work in Sudan, Malaysia, the Middle East and England.

The author was frequently asked to give talks on economics from the point of view of the “lay” person with some understanding of the economics and economic principles in religions in general and the Bahá’í Faith in particular. This generated the urge to produce this book, in an attempt to present a simplified account summarising the historical flow of economic thought, and the economic principles embedded in religious scriptures.

The book looks to the future after witnessing the great achievements of the past. The author’s opinion is that the advances in science, technology, communications and lifestyle demand a very distinctive parallel rise in the ethical and moral standards so as to provide even greater safeguards than what was required in the past. The Bahá’í concepts of the “New World Order” with its economic and administrative principles, enwrapped within a spiritual and a practical environment, is one such look to the future. As a model, it can be forged by the experts into a truly novel system.