Economic system is a component of the total scheme of life in Islam
Chapter 1
A close study of the economic systems operating in human society in various periods of history reveals a deep-rooted link between the economic system and the view of life espoused by members of the society. It is the view of life which in every age has shaped and directed economic organization and institutions in a society.
In order, therefore, the devise
the best strategy for the solution of the economic problem of man we need to
discover the view of life which satisfies all the demands of human nature and
is in harmony with the realities of the universe.
·
Materialistic concept of
life
· Moral concept of life
·
His goal should be to
obtain welfare in the real and eternal life in the Hereafter.Two concept of life:
Despite minor
differences man, since the dawn of history up to the present day, has based his
practical life on the two concepts.
· Moral concept of life
The material
concept of life views man as an animal whose sole object is to satisfy his
inborn physical needs. The rules and regulations and values, which govern his
social life, are designed to ensure the fulfillment of material wants. The
materialistic view of life is completely devoid of any concept of subservience
to a sovereign above man and man’s accountability to Him.
This concept of life naturally
and logically leads to an individualistic approach to life where every man
lives for himself and the object of every man is to secure maximum pleasure and
comfort for himself. In a Society based on materialistic approach to life,
aggressive selfishness, cut-throat, competition and ruthless conflict between
individuals will overshadow all aspects of life.
The feudal systems of the middle Ages in Europe, modern capitalism or communism are all product of the materialistic concept of life. That is why the social order created by them, despite certain differences in their economic organization or institutional framework, has always been divided into an upper and a lower class. This class division has confined the fruits of economic progress to a particular coterie and deprived the majority of people of basic necessities of life.
The feudal systems of the middle Ages in Europe, modern capitalism or communism are all product of the materialistic concept of life. That is why the social order created by them, despite certain differences in their economic organization or institutional framework, has always been divided into an upper and a lower class. This class division has confined the fruits of economic progress to a particular coterie and deprived the majority of people of basic necessities of life.
In contrast to the materialistic
approach to life the moral concept of life is rooted in particular view of the
universe and man. According to this view the infinitely vast universe has not
come into existence by its self or as a result of some accident. It has been
purposely created by an Ever-Living, Eternal, omnipotent Being, Allah. The
purpose behind the creation of the universe is that man should use its
resources to improve his worldly life in such a way as to gain the success in
the eternal life in the hereafter.
This concept of life does not regard man as merely an animal but as the vicegerent of the Lord of the universe. Hence it is obligatory upon him to use the resources of the universe in accordance with the will of its creator and Master. Man should base his actions on the firm faith and conviction that compliance with Allah’s Will will promote his own interest. The genuine will of the Lord of universe is embodied in His Revealed Books, the final and the most authentic of which is the Holy Quran; and in the Sunnah (example) of the Prophets (peace be upon them), of which the most authoritative form is the Sunnah (example, way) of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (S.A.W).
Belief in the moral concept of life necessitates that:
· Man should subordinate all his actions in every phase of life to the Will of his Creator.
· He should make full use of all obtain welfare in the real and eternal life in the hereafter.
This concept of life does not regard man as merely an animal but as the vicegerent of the Lord of the universe. Hence it is obligatory upon him to use the resources of the universe in accordance with the will of its creator and Master. Man should base his actions on the firm faith and conviction that compliance with Allah’s Will will promote his own interest. The genuine will of the Lord of universe is embodied in His Revealed Books, the final and the most authentic of which is the Holy Quran; and in the Sunnah (example) of the Prophets (peace be upon them), of which the most authoritative form is the Sunnah (example, way) of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (S.A.W).
Belief in the moral concept of life necessitates that:
· Man should subordinate all his actions in every phase of life to the Will of his Creator.
· He should make full use of all obtain welfare in the real and eternal life in the hereafter.
· · He should function as a responsible being answerable for all his deeds, big or small, to His Lord. These traits will develop in man an outlook on life, which will eliminate aggressive self-interest and inhuman class conflict and replace it with the mutual sympathy, cooperation, self-sacrifice and charity. Thus a society will be born in which man will enjoy real happiness, peace and tranquility.
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