Spending Efficiency and Financial Sustainability: A Qur'anic Study

Abstract

This study aims to establish the concept of spending efficiency in the Holy Qur’an, analyze its value-based and economic foundations, and clarify its impact on achieving financial sustainability, as one of the core themes that integrate Islamic normative values with modern economic concepts. The study adopts inductive and analytical approaches by tracing Qur’anic texts and the interpretations of classical exegetes, and linking them to contemporary financial applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in light of its Vision 2030.

The study arrives at several key findings, most notably that spending efficiency in the Holy Qur’an is grounded on the principle of moderation, striking a balance between extravagance and miserliness. It also finds that financial sustainability from an Islamic perspective is based on the values of stewardship (istikhlāf), development (ʿimārah), and social solidarity (takāful), in a manner that ensures continuity of benefit and enduring blessing in wealth. The study further demonstrates that the Saudi experience represents a leading model in activating Qur’anic values within modern economic policies through spending efficiency programs, resource optimization, and the promotion of financial awareness among individuals.

The study concludes that spending efficiency is not merely an economic guideline, but rather a legal and ethical value that contributes to achieving financial sustainability, preserving resources, and strengthening the economic security of the Ummah. It also recommends reconsidering contemporary economic concepts in light of the Qur’anic perspective in order to achieve a balance between material efficiency and the value-based dimension.