What is the role of al-hisbah in directing economic activity?

Question:
We ask the Shaykh to clarify the role of al-hisbah in directing contemporary economic activity?

Answer:
This is certainly important, and it is not limited to scholars. Every person of sound mind who has insight should care about this matter; he should strive to spread awareness regarding the economy, and each person of wealth should care to use his wealth in what benefits the Muslims: in agriculture, industry, and other things that benefit the people and make them independent of the outside world. He should not make his concern the profit from banks that destroys him, destroys his knowledge and religion, and destroys the blessing in his wealth. Rather, he should strive to use this wealth in what benefits the Muslims, by establishing beneficial factories, beneficial farms, and everything that benefits the Muslims and makes them independent of benefiting from the outside world.
This certainly includes scholars, the notables of the land, and every person who has the slightest insight and the slightest ability to work or wealth. He should be alerted and encouraged to benefit from his strength in work and to benefit from his wealth in work.
Some people have strength but are heedless and weak; they do not care. In fact, they are happy to ask people for money in mosques and other places. They are not aware of the strength Allah has given them to work.
Some people have idle, dormant wealth, or wealth in riba (usury or interest). This is a great calamity. People should be alerted and cooperate in this matter.