FROM FIELD TO FABRIC: ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF TEXTILE TRADE IN ISLAMIC HISTORY

Abstract

In Islamic civilization, the journey from farm to fabric has long reflected a rich relationship between agriculture and textile production. This paper explores how crops like cotton, flax, and silk, cultivated in early Muslim societies, contributed not only to economic growth but were also embedded within religious values and ethical principles. Drawing from Qur'anic teachings, prophetic traditions, and historical records, the study shows how textile-related agriculture was managed in ways that respected environmental balance, encouraged fairness in trade, and supported community well-being. It also highlights how markets, craftsmanship, and state policies in Muslim regions like the Abbasid and Fatimid empires were closely linked to agricultural cycles and textile demand. It also connects these historical insights to present-day sustainability concerns in the fashion and textile industries. With the rise of environmental challenges and ethical dilemmas in global supply chains, the paper argues that Islamic perspectives on moderation, management, and social justice offer timeless guidance. By revisiting the past, this research invites both scholars and industry professionals to rethink how traditional Islamic ethics can shape a more responsible and eco-friendly future for textiles.