The Power of Productive Property for Ummah Prosperity
As economic inequality and global uncertainty continue to widen, the question arises: how can the Ummah reclaim its economic sovereignty, secure its resources, and build lasting prosperity grounded in Sharia principles? Traditional models of wealth accumulation and charity often fail to create sustainable impact, leaving much of the Muslim world dependent, reactive, and vulnerable to global economic shifts.
In this context, the concept of productive property offers a transformative pathway for ethical and enduring prosperity. This webinar explores how productive property can serve as a moral and economic instrument that bridges Islamic principles with modern development—anchoring prosperity in values of justice, stewardship, and collective responsibility. This session unpacked the foundational concepts of land management in Islam, the principle of ownership and productivity, and the Sharia rulings on neglected land and communal benefit.
By connecting the spiritual with the material, this session invites reflection on how productive property can embody the spirit of tawhid and amanah—transforming ownership into service, wealth into welfare, and land into lasting barakah for the Ummah.
Brili Agung is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and certified business coach with over a decade of experience in investment, business development, and MSME empowerment. He is the Founder of PT Aksara Semesta Investama and PT Semesta Agro Indonesia, managing a diversified portfolio across sectors including agribusiness, property, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
Brili Agung has consistently led impactful programs in investment strategy, funding readiness, leadership, and entrepreneurship development, with a strong track record in mentoring startups, MSMEs, and corporate leaders across Indonesia. His work embodies the integration of ethical finance, productivity, and sustainable growth—grounded in the belief that economic empowerment is both a spiritual duty and a pathway to collective prosperity for the Ummah.
The discussion and Q&A session were moderated by Muhammad Ghufron Mustaqim, Khadim of Ummah International.
From Property to Purpose
Across the world, some of the most influential figures are making decisive moves into productive land ownership.
🔹 Bill Gates has quietly acquired over 250,000 acres of high-productive farmland across the United States, recognizing the long-term value of sustainable land.
🔹 Mark Zuckerberg, similarly, has invested in 2,300 acres in Hawaii, turning real property into a strategic, generational asset.
These actions are not random investments — they represent a global recognition that control over productive assets defines future power and prosperity.
As the Ummah continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges—from Baitul Maqdis to across the Muslim world, the question arises:
How can Muslims mobilize their collective resources more transparently, efficiently, and in full alignment with Sharia principles?
Traditional funding mechanisms often struggle with barriers of trust, speed, and accountability, creating gaps that hinder our ability to act swiftly in times of crisis. Yet within Islamic tradition lies a profound economic philosophy: ownership is not a privilege, but a responsibility.
Islam envisions property not as a passive possession, but as an amanah — a sacred trust — meant to serve the community and generate continuous benefit (barakah). The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize productivity, justice, and shared prosperity as the foundation of a thriving Ummah.
The Principle of Ownership and Productivity
In Islamic economics, ownership is inseparable from productivity. The Prophet ﷺ and the Caliphs emphasized that land and property must not remain idle.
“Whoever owns must produce — man yamliku yuntiju.”
This principle transforms the notion of property from mere possession into active stewardship. Land and assets must yield benefit — economically, socially, and spiritually.
A Muslim’s ownership carries three responsibilities:
To cultivate — ensuring resources are used productively.
To contribute — generating shared value for society.
To conserve — maintaining sustainability for future generations.
The Prohibition of Neglecting Land
Islam strictly discourages the neglect of productive potential. According to classical jurisprudence, if a piece of land remains idle for three consecutive years, its ownership is revoked and transferred to the state (baitul mal) — to be utilized for public benefit.
This rule ensures that every resource remains active and purposeful. It prevents hoarding and monopolization while promoting justice and circulation of wealth — a key Qur’anic principle:
“So that wealth may not circulate only among the rich among you.”
(Qur’an 59:7)
By preventing economic stagnation, this system protects the Ummah from inequality and fuels growth driven by fairness and faith.
The Model of Productive Property in the Modern Era
In the modern era, the model of productive property extends far beyond traditional concepts of ownership and wealth accumulation. It embodies a holistic vision where assets are not merely held, but cultivated to generate both economic and social value in alignment with Islamic principles.
Within this model, property is viewed not merely as a possession but as a platform for impact. A farm is not only a source of crops but of food security and employment; a hospital or clinic becomes a manifestation of rahmah through accessible healthcare; a school or university transforms knowledge into empowerment; and a retail or hospitality venture provides both service and sustainability. Each form of productive property embodies the prophetic ethic of ihsan — to do good through excellence and benefit others through what one owns.
Investing in the Future of the Ummah
In concluding the session, Brili Agung shared his reflections on how productive property represents one of the most strategic and sustainable investment pathways for the Muslim world today. Drawing from his extensive experience across sectors such as hospitality, agribusiness, and retail, he emphasized that investing in hotels, farmlands, and retail markets not only promises financial returns but also generates lasting social impact when managed under Islamic principles.
According to Brili Agung, the advantages of productive property lie in its tangible nature, stable long-term growth, and alignment with Sharia values of real economic activity. However, he also highlighted the challenges—notably the capital intensity, management complexity, and the need for professional stewardship to ensure consistent productivity and barakah.
This article was inspired by the concepts and insights shared during the Ummah International Webinar by Brili Agung Zaky Pradika, a member of Ummah International. Generative AI was used to assist with elaboration, refinement, and image.