Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
Why was economic development retarded in the Middle East relative to Western Europe, despite the Middle East being far ahead for centuries? A theoretical model inspired and substantiated by the history of interest restrictions suggests that this outcome emanates in part from the greater degree to which early Islamic political authorities derived legitimacy from religious authorities. This entailed a feedback mechanism in Europe in which the rise of commerce led to the relaxation of interest restrictions while also diminishing the Church's ability to legitimise political authorities. These interactions did not occur in the Islamic world despite equally amenable economic conditions.
Recommended Citation
Rubin, Jared. "Institutions, the Rise of Commerce and the Persistence of Laws: Interest Restrictions in Islam and Christianity*." The Economic Journal 121.557 (2011): 1310-1339.
DOI:10.1111/j.1468-0297.2011.02456.x
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Wiley
Included in
Growth and Development Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons, Islamic World and Near East History Commons, Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons
Comments
This is the accepted version of the following article:
Rubin, Jared. "Institutions, the Rise of Commerce and the Persistence of Laws: Interest Restrictions in Islam and Christianity*." The Economic Journal 121.557 (2011): 1310-1339.
which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0297.2011.02456.x.