Role of the Muhtasib in Protecting Consumers in the Islamic West Through al-Saqati's Book Adab al-Hisbah: Flour and Bread as a Model

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the institution of hisbah in protecting consumers in the Islamic West from fraud by flour and bread workers through the book Adab al-Hisbah by its author, the jurist Abu Abd Allah Muhammad al-Saqati al-Malaqi, who practised the profession of muhtasib in al-Andalus. Al-Saqati revealed and clarified many types of fraud committed by these workers and described methods for detecting the deception and fraud of mill owners in flour and bakers in the making of bread and bread sellers. In addition, he disclosed the tools used to detect fraud and the penalties imposed on them when the charge of fraud was proven. To achieve the objectives established for the study, several methods were followed, including descriptive, historical and analytical methods. The study concluded that the institution of hisbah was one of the principal functions in the state, owing to its concern with the affairs of society and its commitment to organising economic affairs and preserving social relations.