The concept of kesb in the fiqh tradition within the framework of Ebu Bakr el-Hallal's work el-Hassü alat-Ticâra ve's-Sinâ'at ve'l-'Amel

In Islamic thought, economic life is not solely aimed at material gain but is also directly related to the fulfillment of religious obligations, assuming social responsibilities, and attaining spiritual maturity. Abū Bakr al-Hallāl, one of the early representatives of this understanding, contributed significantly to Islamic economic thought through his work al-Hass 'ala al-Tijārah wa al-Ṣināʿah wa al-ʿAmal. As part of an effort to systematize the views of Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal, this work evaluates labor not only as an economic necessity but also as a moral and religious duty. Hallāl encourages activities such as trade, industry, and agriculture while harshly criticizing the misinterpretation of tawakkul (trust in God). Drawing from the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the practices of the Companions and the Followers, the work elaborates on the importance of lawful earnings, the value of labor, and the contribution of production to social welfare. In this context, al-Hass stands out as a significant work in Islamic economic thought with its theoretical depth and practical guidance. This study explores the concept of kasb (acquisition) — a core concept in Islamic theology — from the perspectives of kalām, fiqh, and economics. The first part introduces the life, scholarly personality, and works of Abū Bakr al-Hallāl, a prominent figure in the Ḥanbalī tradition, and examines the historical and social context shaping his thought. The second part analyzes the lexical and terminological meanings of kasb, its usage in the Qur'an and hadith literature, and its moral, theological, and social implications. The third part analyzes Hallāl's economic perspective in his work al-Hass and its position within Islamic economic thought. His emphasis on work, effort, and lawful gain illustrates his approach of interpreting economic activity within a framework of religious and moral responsibility.