2026-08-19
48 分钟He had started out in life, he came out of very good family, but he had absolutely nothing.
By the time he was in his midlife, he was a successful businessman and could have continued coasting that way.
He had this calling and becoming a prophet was a terrible challenge for him.
Today on the story of money.
Did you know that one of the world's great religions was founded not by a saint per se, but a businessman?
Yep, he was an international trader, he set up a commodities market, and he became quite wealthy along the way.
And if you're wondering who we're talking about, well, the answer is the Prophet Muhammad.
So to tell this very counterintuitive story, we are joined by Benedict Kohler.
Benedict, welcome to the show.
Well, thank you for inviting me.
One reason we wanted to talk to you is because you bring a really unusual perspective to the subject.
You know, you're a fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, which is the famously free market think tank in London.
So, presumably you describe yourself not just as a capitalist, but a libertarian too.
Well, and a reader of the work of Friedrich von Hayek.
And Hayek said governments aren't all that necessary for economies to prosper.
And having read Hayek and looking at early Islamic history,
I just felt the story of early Islam is the story of Hayek in Arabia.
Yeah, Hanukkah of Arabia.
That sounds like a great film.
I'd watch that.