Al-Asadi and his work al-Taysir: A study of his socio-economic ideas

Islahi, Abdul Azim (2016): Al-Asadi and his work al-Taysir: A study of his socio-economic ideas. Published in: IEI Publications (2016): pp. 1-35.

Abstract

Muḥammad bin Muḥammad bin Khalīl al-Asadī lived in A.H. 9th/ C.E. 15th century. The details of his birth, life and death remain obscure. He authored many works on the socio-economic problems of his time. All these works have disappeared without trace except one: al-Taysīr (the Facilitation). This surviving work is the only source of information about his life and his ideas. He suggested efficient market administration, public distribution of food, elimination of monopolies, monetary reform, management of public income and expenditure, embryonic quantitative use in production and distribution, and measurement of inflation. The depth and significance of his ideas remains largely unexplored. The present paper attempts to address this need.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Economics of al-Asadi, Monetary Reform, Mirror for Princes, Measurement of Inflation, al-Hisbah, Mamlūk Economics, Kitab al-Taysir
• Subjects: B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B0 - General > B00 - General; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B3 - History of Economic Thought: Individuals; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B3 - History of Economic Thought: Individuals > B31 - Individuals

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