What is our obligation if global trade contradicts the Islamic Shari'ah?

The questioner : Yes, trade is of two types: trade that is capable of development and trade that is not. For example, trade within the country can be developed, but global trade cannot be developed by us except in one case: when the Muslims have a strong and great state that imposes its economic system on the world. But in the current time, can we say to the Muslim merchants: "Abandon trade in this field," and consequently the Jews and Christians will take over trade in the lands of the Muslims?

The Shaykh : This—may Allah reward you—does not justify it. The end does not justify the means, as you know. The end does not justify the means. I mean: this argument is also used, as you know, to justify and legitimize dealing with riba (usury or interest), because it is not possible for merchants, as their trade expands, to deal except through riba-based banks. Does that justify committing what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has forbidden because we want to expand in trade? No, this never justifies such transactions. Therefore, I say, on the occasion of your mentioning an Islamic state, that I think the issue is that an Islamic state cannot be established by people who do not apply the rulings that they are able to apply. As you know, I think a wise saying by some Islamic preachers was: "Establish the state of Islam in your hearts, and it will be established for you on your land or in your land." So, if we do not begin to plan for establishing the Islamic system and applying the Islamic system to the extent of our ability, we will never be able to apply the global Islamic system. "The first of the rain is a drop, then it pours down."