The Economic Problem of Man in the Perspective of Islamic Concept of Life

The Economic Problem of Man in the Perspective of Islamic Concept of Life:

Feudalism, capitalism and communism are products of a materialistic view of life. On the other hand, the economic system of Islam has been derived from a moral concept of life. The rules and regulations and values of human conduct in this system are an offshoot of a moral outlook on life. The goal of this framework is to satisfy the financial needs of man in such a way, that as opposed to hurting the overall objects of its basic idea of life, it should assist with accomplishing them.

Islam views human life as an organic whole. It has a few unique perspectives and portions, yet they are interrelated to such an extent that they structure one element.They cannot be divided into air-tight compartments. Political, economic, social and moral aspects are parts of one whole. Movements in one part have inevitable repercussions on other parts. It is based on this obvious reality that Islam has concocted a methodology for the arrangement of the economic problem of man. Islam considers the economic issue and endorses its answer in the all out structure of human life.

    

One form of analyzing and studying the problems of life is specialization and this has become very common in the modern age. This form of studying a problem has a certain advantage. Since a specialist is concerned with only one aspect of life, the analysis becomes smooth and easy. The mode of specialization produces specialists in every department of life. They readily pinpoint the core of the problem and prescribe its solution. But the greatest disadvantage of ‘specialization is that it loses sight of overall reality. It may be useful in the purely non-spiritual material world, but its utility in grasping and resolving the intricate complexities of human life is not only doubtful, but generally harmful. The interest-bearing system of supply of capital destroys social values. It leads to concentration of wealth in few hands and totters the edifice of state. The population control programme undermines the foundations of the family system. It causes shortage of manpower and weakens the economy.

In view of these dangers Islam does not study the economic behavior of man in isolation from other aspects of human life but studies it in its total framework. Islam views the social life of man as a composite of various aspects. Economy is just one aspect, which is linked to other aspects of social life in many ways. The economic aspect does not hold even the central or basic importance in the total scheme of life; it is only a part of the whole. The real object is the reformation and welfare of the whole society. Hence Islam resolves problems arising in the economic sphere of life in such a way that other aspects of social life are not adversely affected and the economic aspect itself remains free from internal conflicts. For instance if .prices rise due to shortfall in the supply of commodities at the time of natural calamities the economic system of Islam does not view the imposition of price control by the state as a proper solution of this problem. There is a strong possibility that such a solution will have an adverse effect on the traders and producers and will open the door to black marketing, and other malpractices.

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The real goal of Islam is to reform the entire structure of the aggregate life of Man. Islam doesn't restrict itself to reforming only one area of life, however aims redesigning the entire arrangement of life. This is the only realistic approach to the problems of life, but is makes the work of reform and welfare extremely arduous and difficult. Islam, therefore, takes this work in hand on a sound basis. First of all Islam provides a firm foundation of beliefs and faith for the resolution of these problems. The power of these beliefs and faith generates enlightenment and guidance for sharing human attitudes in various sectors of life. These beliefs are Divine unity, prophecy and life in the Hereafter. These beliefs are central to the Islamic system of life and give a peculiar tinge and direction to human attitudes at every moment. They engender moral values like brotherhood, equality, cooperation, justice and charity and oblige every individual in the society to conform to them. The economic sphere of human life is also subject to these beliefs and moral values. It is by its subservience to the total system that the economic order of Islam can guarantee the real economic prosperity of man and help in the growth and stability of the society.

The above discussion is illustrated by the following diagram:

The diagram displays the human life in ABCD framework. In the center are the beliefs in divine unity (Touheed), prophecy (Risalah) and the life in the hereafter (Akhirah) from which life radiates to the sphere of morality, social relations, politics and economy. All these spheres are closely intersected. They affect each other and highlight the effect of each exerts on the other.