Salaam Peter,
format_quote Originally Posted by
ares
All the text that I have seen regards ANY trading for a living as Haram and all proceeds must be forfeited (given away) to charity.
format_quote Originally Posted by
ares
However NO matter how you look at it, trading isgenerally viewed as Haram, especially when viewed from certain perspectives.
Trading is generally viewed as Halal (permissible):
Sahih International
Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But
Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah . But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. (2:275)
Pickthall
It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading). But, when ye press on in the multitude from 'Arafat, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray. (2:198)
Muhsin Khan
O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear Allah, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable himself to dictate, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save
when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything. (2:282)
Muhsin Khan
O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly
except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. (4:29)
Sahih International
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. (62:9)
I have no knowledge of stockbroking, but trade is allowed, and is stated in many places in the Qur'an as being allowed, even during the days of Hajj (the pilgrimage).
"Trade is the transfer of ownership of goods and services from one person or entity to another. Trade is sometimes loosely called commerce or financial transaction or barter."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade
So we cannot say that trade in itself is Haram, or that it is generally viewed as Haram, because this is incorrect. It is generally halal, and others with more financial acumen may know of any exceptions to this general rule, e.g. when interest is involved, and more specifically concerning what the situation is with regards to stockbroking.
And Allah knows best in all matters.
Peace.