Islam 102

Lesson 4: Quran and Islamic Society

Economic Development

Allah has provided all the resources for the well-being of man. It is man’s duty to fulfill his material needs through his own efforts. Quran says

“Seek with the wealth which Allah has bestowed on thee, the home of the hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world; but do thou good”-----(28:77)

In Islam, there is no concept of the accumulation of wealth at one place or in the hands of the few. Quran encourages instead the circulation of wealth in all directions.

Mode of Earning:

Economic life in Islam is based upon the Divine laws of Quran. As it encourages lawful earning, it condemns unlawful means. It states:

“Eat of the lawful things that Allah has given to you."(Al Maida 5 :88)

“And do not look at what Allah has given to others.” (Al Hijr 15:38)

Verse (15:38) prevents man from rivalry amongst another and avoids the love of the world, wealth and its pleasures. It is futile for man to involve himself in these perishable activities, which would lead him towards greed and ultimately compel him to earn money through unlawful and corrupt means. Quran says

“And swallow not up the property of others by false means." (Al Baqarah 2:188)

“Approach not the property of an orphan except in the best manner, until the orphan attains maturity.” (Al Anam 6:153)

Quran forbids bribery, gambling and usury as

“Nor use it as a bait for the judges with intent that you may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of other people’s property.” (2:188).

The Prophet said

“Taking bribes is like eating the flesh of swine.”

He once again said

“The curse of Allah is on the giver and taker of bribes.”

Quran says

“In gambling the evil is greater."(2:219)

Usury:

Islam forbids usury or charging interest in return for lending money to the needy. Man rightfully owns what he earns. Exploitation of others is immoral and inhuman. Such people who earn their living through usury or any other unlawful means will be the fuel of Hellfire. Quran says,

"And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).” (Al – Baqarah 279)

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. (Baqarah 278)

Utilization of wealth:

When the mobility of wealth is stopped at one place, the balance of the economy is disturbed. As a result, the society divides into two classes – the rich becoming richer and richest, and the poor turning poorer and poorest, which results in the outbreak of crime and frustration in the society. Therefore Islam stresses that the capitalists give from their wealth in charity to the poor. The satisfaction of the entire world revolves round the acquisitions and utilization of wealth, but Quranic ideology for governing finances is totally different. The Quranic concept is based upon sovereignty of God over all. He is the source of income for human beings. Whatever man possesses is provided to him by the Almighty. God is the sustainer of man, animals and other beings. It is His desire to whom He gives more and to whom He gives less. Quran says

“He also increases or decreases the bounty given to anybody according to His own Will." (Ankaboot 29:62)

So man should not go beyond the limits to earn as to reach the height of greed because sustenance or poverty belong to Allah.

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