Problems of the Paper Money in the Socio-Economic Reality and the Shari’ah Response

by: Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ma’sum Billah

• The introduction of paper money has led to the problem of instability of currency that did not exist with the usage of the gold standard. The production of gold was quite stable and it then automatically guaranteed stability.

• Paper money unfortunately can be created anytime based on the decision of the government. This is what makes it so unstable unreliable as a medium of exchange. With an ounce of gold could buy the same amount of goods over an extended period of time whereas with a twenty dollar note may not be able to enjoy the same privilege.

• The government decides the money matters of a country and is also responsible for increasing or decreasing the value of its currency. For example, a country may require more money to finance all of its programs. On the other hand, the country might be spiraling into a depression which will result in reduced public spending.