ABSTRACT
This chapter presents theological and ethical arguments for the Islamic prohibition of corruption. It shows what extent corruption is perceived as denying God’s providence and mutual trust in a Qur’anic context. The chapter aims to present what extent Indonesia’s anti-corruption reforms are religiously based and closely linked to Pancasila and Indonesian cultural values. The basic principles of Islamic faith converge to prohibit any practice of corruption, whether it is bribery, extortion, or any other similar dishonest action. Qur’anic principles make economic life much more spiritually focused than materially oriented. Corruption then appears to be an act of: believing in materialism, denying God’s providence and divine will, annihilating the sense of community. Believers who go ahead with corrupt practices are negating social justice, although social justice is a divine requirement. Corruptors are self-sufficient beings who acquire wealth, power and knowledge by themselves, without any recognition of God’s ultimate power over their own existence.
