Economic System in Islam Compared with Capitalism and Socialism

By: Abdul Husain Muhammad

Introduction
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Merciful
The following points should be considered as a prelude to our discussion.
1. It is of utmost importance to differentiate between two concepts, namely, the economic system and economic science. The former, that is the economic system, deals with the best ways dictated by an ideology, to provide and safeguard national welfare and justice among people; while the latter, that is economic science, is concerned with natural laws which govern economic operations and transactions, independent of justice.
For instance, take the laws of "supply and demand." It is observed that when demand on particular goods is increased, its price will increase accordingly. Then the rise in the price will effect the demand which contributes to the price decrease. This is a well known law in the science of economics which can be applied or observed in any economic operation, irrespective of the economic system prevailing in the society.
But if we took the concept of possession, we find that Capitalism is centred about private ownership: Socialism proclaims collective ownership; while Islam neatly balances the interests of individuals and society. Islam has its unique and independent system which shall be dealt with in time.
The main purpose of this article is to compare the existing economic systems as it is defined by the title. The comparison is based on doctrinal grounds. The following systems shall be examined in sequence:
a. The Democratic Capitalist System.
b. The Democratic Socialist System.
c. The Communist System.
d. The Islamic System.
The Democratic Capitalist system is followed by countries like America, England, France. It is needless to say that the evils of this system has made its advocates retreat from many of its values, ideals and laws. It is not astonishing to hear cries of socialist measures, such as national health service, free education etc.
It is then not surprising at all to find France and England claiming to be Socialist countries! The Democratic values in these countries have been challenged to whether they actually achieve social justice, and reflect the society's opinion as a whole. It actually fails the test of securing true representation of all people and protect their interests without some sector being victimised.
The Democratic Socialist system prevails in China, Russia, Yugoslavia. This system allows, but limits the possession of people, and the government assumes the ownership and administration of the bulk of the country's wealth and industries. In other words, individuals will not be allowed to have more than they barely need, while the government manages, develops, secures, and maintains every aspect in the society. This is obviously not healthy, because it will deny people the initiative, responsibility and the imaginative power, and self-interest.
Indeed, Russia and other Socialist countries wondered at first about the impracticability of their ideas, and thought the reason to be the precipitates of Capitalism. But when fifty years have lapsed and their dilemma has not changed, they implicitly realised the wrong concepts assumed. Hence they introduced remarkable changes and alterations in the system to the extent that China accuses Russia to be deviating to the capitalist line.
The Communist system has no existence, and no practical experience up to now. In other words, it is theoretical and has never been realised in practice. It should be noted carefully that the Communist system assumes in man idealistic motives. This means that Communism demands biological and psychological transformations and changes in the human being!
The simplest thing to say in order to discard the Communist theory is that it contradicts with human nature and instincts. This is scientifically proved and materially beyond doubt, because this theory deviates from experiment and observations. The Islamic system is the last one to be examined in this short review. Although the Islamic system has no existence now, but it has passed the experience of application. It is a practical system unlike Communism.
It was very successful in raising the primitive Arabian nation of the sixth century to the greatly civilised nation of the 12th century. The boundaries of the Islamic Empire, then, were stretching between China in the east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the West. It was the deviation from Islam which caused the failure of the Islamic Empire. It was in 1918when for the first time in the Islamic world, that the Quranic law was replaced by Western law.
2. Here it is advantageous to pass quickly over the recent Islamic revivals, and its development in order to have a proper grasp of the understanding and mentality of today's Muslims.
The Qur'an is not considered as a scientific text to provide a systematic description of the economic system in Islam. The modern Islamic Movement started at the beginning of the present century and did not take the shape of formal organisations till the fourth decade.
Muslim thinkers pursued the traditional manner of Islamic legislation which depends on the following sources:-
(a). Qur'an - which is God's revelation to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
(b). Tradition - which is the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
(c). Ijma`- this comes when there is no specific mention in Qur'an or Tradition about a particular case. It specially refers to concepts which have been accepted throughout the Islamic history as Islamic concepts.
(d). Human reasoning or logic - this again comes when there is no specific mention in Qur'an, and Tradition.
Hence it is relevant for Muslim thinkers to seek solutions for the various problems of life, in the Qur'an. If there was no clear cut solution, then the true sayings of the Prophet (p.b.u.h. a.h.f.) are reviewed to get more satisfaction. If that was not enough, then Ijma `and Logic are used as a final resort.
This particular topic is the field of specialists who possess sound knowledge of Islam. It is pointless to say that the following analysis is only quotation of Modern Muslim thinkers, and ideological leaders, and cannot be regarded as my own analysis or reasoning.
3. It is important to note that the Islamic principle is a complete set of concepts and laws which cannot be divided into small pieces or parts separately. It is essential to deal with Islam as a whole, otherwise, the fruits would not have the Islamic flavour and taste. In other words, it is not possible to take some Islamic laws while rejecting others.
A principle is defined politically as a doctrine which gives rise to a system of life. The doctrine is the philosophy which defines the universe and man, the origin of universe, the nature of the laws governing the universe, the destination of man, etc. The system is a natural organisational form of the doctrinal view of what the society should be like, and its dealings within its sphere and outside relations.
The word Islam means submission. Islam considers man as a part of nature which is destined to obey certain rules. The natural laws have been created by an ultimate cause called God (The Arabic word is Allah). Islam views nature as Muslim. The movement of electrons around the nucleus is an obedience to a godly law, and in this sense, the election is a Muslim.
Human being is distinguished from other parts of nature by his consciousness and power of thinking. His status has two kinds of laws. The first kind covers the instinctive, materialistic, and psychological activities, which are independent of his will, such as the beating of heart, or the curiosity instinct, etc. The second kind covers those activities which are based on man's free will. God offered man the best norms for his behaviour.
That was delivered through Prophets by revelation. Prophets are looked at from the Islamic angle as extremely good people who are worthy of being God's messengers to humanity. There were thousands of them throughout the history on this planet. But five of them were the greatest, because they came with complete code of life. They were namely, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and lastly Muhammad. We are ordered by the Creator through His Prophets to be in harmony with the natural laws which covers all fields of human life.
"Shall I seek for judge other than God when it is He who hath sent down unto you the Book , explained in detail? They know full well to whom we have given the Book , that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt". ( Qur'an, 6:114)
"And this (He Commands): Judge then between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thou from any of that (Teaching) which God hath sent down to thee. And if they turned away, be sure that for some of their crimes it is God's purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious?" (Qur'an, 5:49)
After finishing from these notes, it is time to discuss the economic systems in detail. The Islamic economic system is based on the following three foundations:-

The Triple Nature of Possession
Capitalism views private possession as a basic need which voluntarily fulfils the community's desires and requirements rather than being in conflict with it. Capitalists consider Nationalisation as exceptional cases of remedies for temporary crisis of the Nationalised economy. It argued that nationalised sectors of economy can be de-nationalised after that crisis has disappeared.
Socialism, on the other hand, claim collective ownership as the fundamental concept in its economic system. Private capitals must be nationalised according to Socialism. But the Socialists were confronted in the field of application with difficulties and were forced to recognise private possession. That attitude was a temporary cure for their economic problems. It is argued that when the difficulties have gone, then the private sectors are re-nationalised again.
Islam recognises three kinds of possessions.

(a) Private Possession
"O ye who believe! Eat not your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good will." ( Qur'an, 4:29)
"But if ye turn back, ye shall have your capital sums: deal not unjustly and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly ?" ( Qur'an, 2:279)
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "The possession of a Muslim is illegal to his brother except which he willingly offers to him."

(b) Collective Possession
This field covers the national wealth which belongs to all people of the Islamic State, irrespective of their financial status. The bulk of the wealth is expended and utilised in building schools, hospitals, etc. The sources or incomes of this sector of economy are specific and noted. For example, the so-called (Kharaj land) is one source which is a land naturally productive.
Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "People are to share three .things, fire, water, and grass." All Muslim thinkers throughout the Islamic history accepted the generalisation of this statement to include all natural resources to be under collective ownership. There are many other examples of income to the collective possession, which can be consulted in the Islamic legislation books.

(c) State's Possession
State's possession differs from other kinds of possession not only in the sources of income but in utilisation and fields of expenditure also. There are specific sources of income to this economic sector, like the so-called (Dead land). The evidence of this in the Qur'an is the following verse: "They ask you concerning "Anfal" (accessions) say "Anfal" is at the disposal of God and the Apostle. " (Qur'an, 8:1)
The Prophet is mentioned here as a representative of the Islamic Government. The ways in which this wealth is used are many. One of the basic channels is helping poor people to work, by offering small capital or building a factory for their employment.

Freedom of Private Enterprise and its Limits
Capitalism permits individuals to manipulate their wealth in all ways and means, regardless of their possible consequences on the society. It is believed that the society's interests are served by the individual's motives and enterprise. Hence, there is no conflict economically between private and society interests as it is viewed by Capitalism.
For example, a bus company is providing social service, but it is private enterprise. Other public services, like education, railways, roads, etc., used to be considered as private enterprises, which furnish social services.
Socialism denies individuals economic freedom. The State or Government steps in, plan and administer the bulk of the country's economy with no regard to people's incentives.
Islam recognises people's freedom and right of possession, but defines its boundaries and limits. The boundaries are located by the following items:

(a) Indirect influence of the Islamic education
It should be taken for granted that one of the main tasks of the Islamic State is education; education which carries the Islamic image and spirit. It is important to note that no means of propagation and education will be spared, when the Islamic State re-emerges again. This is a natural measure since education moulds people's thoughts, sentiments, and their general attitudes towards life.
Then, when the Islamic moral code is prevailing in the society the fear of violating the laws will be considerably less. This is a logical conclusion for there will be, in every person, an inner motive for safe-guarding the law. Hence the danger of capital inflation and monopoly are considerably reduced when Islamic laws are applied.

(b) Direct Interference of the State
Islamic State can intervene on two levels.
(i) Protection of the permanent fundamental Islamic legislations. This field includes the following sectors:
1. Taking the permanent tax (Zakat) which ranges between 2.5-10% of the stored possession (which is not essential for one's living), in every year.
"Of their goods take alms, that so thou mightiest purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf . Verily thy prayer is a source of security f or them: and God is One heareth and knoweth. " (Qur'an, 9:103)
Khums is another revenue of taxation. It is one fifth of the annual excess of one's profit to be taken by the Islamic Government.
"And k now that out of all the booty that y e may acquire (in war) a fifth share is assigned to God, and the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy , and the wayfarer. " (Qur'an, 8:41)
1. To prevent capital interest or usury.
"Those who devour usury w ill not stand except as stands one whom the Evil One by his touch has driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like usury, "but God hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, shall be pardoned f or the past; their case is f or God (to judge): but those who repeat (the offence) are companions of the Fire: they will abide therein (forever). "( Qur'an, 2:275)
"O ye who believe fear God, and give up what remains of your demand f or usury, if ye are indeed believers. If y e do it not, take notice of war from God and His Apostle: but if ye turn back , ye shall have y our Capital sums: deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly." (Qur'an, 2:278-9)
3. Seizing lands and national resources which are not under exploitation by their owners. There is a well-known Islamic rule in this respect: "Land is for whoever cultivates it."1
4. Preventing accumulation and storage of money which is not utilised in the national production.
"And there are those w ho bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of God: announce unto them a most grievous penalty ."2 (Qur'an, 9:34)
2. Protecting the hereditary laws which help in distributing the person's wealth among his relatives, which is a big action against capital inflation.
"Allah enjoins you concerning your children: the male shall have the equal of the portion of two females; then if they are more than two females, they shall have two-thirds of what the deceased has left, and if there is one, she shall have the half ; and as f or his parents, each of them shall have the sixth of what he has left if he has a child, but if he has no child and (only) his two parents inherit him, then his mother shall have the third; but if he has brothers, then his mother shall have the sixth after (the payment oft a bequest he may have bequeathed or a debt; your parents and your children you k now not which of them is the nearer to you in usefulness; this is an ordinance from Allah: Surely Allah is Knowing, Wise.
"And you shall have half of what your wives leave if they have no child, but if they have a child, then you shall have a fourth of what they leave after (payment of ) any bequest they may have bequeathed or a debt; and they shall have the fourth of what you leave if you have no child, but if you have a child then they shall have the eighth of what you leave after (payment of ) a bequest you may have bequeathed or a debt; and if a man or a woman leaves property to be inherited by neither parents nor offspring, and he (or she) has a brother or a sister, then each of them two shall have the sixth, but if they are more than that, they shall be sharers in the third after (payment of ) any bequest that may have been bequeathed or a debt that does not harm (others); this is an ordinance from Allah: and Allah is Knowing, Forbearing":(Qur'an, 4:11-12)
6. Preventing wastage of national wealth by luxuries.
"And when We intend to destroy a town, We (first) send Our commandment to the people of it who lead easy lives, but they transgress there in; thus the word proves true against it, so W e destroy it with utter destruction." (Qur'an, 17:16)
"And give to the near of kin his due and to the needy and the wayfarer, and squander not (thy wealth) wastefully. Verily the squanderers are the brethren of the satans; and Satan is ever an ingrate to his Lord." ( Qur'an, 17:26-27)
7. Administering and utilising the national production by using the collective possession field.
8. To prevent gambling, cheating, monopoly, etc.
"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling (dedication of) stones, and arrows, are an abomination, of Satan's handiwork : eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper."(Qur'an, 5:90)
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "No one indulges in monopoly but a sinful."
Imam `Ali (peace be on him) wrote in his letter to Malik al-Ashtar (governor of Egypt at the time): "Prohibit monopoly for the Messenger of God had forbidden it. Therefore, if anyone who indulges in monopoly after being warned, should be punished and penalised with no excess."
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "He who cheats us is not one of us."
(ii) There is a special right for the Islamic Government to nationalise or seize part of the possessions of affluent people. This right is practised during national crisis such as wars, etc.
In Imam `Ali's letter to Malik al-Ashtar, were orders which fixed prices. He wrote: "Let selling be with just balances, and prices should cause no injustice for the seller or the buyer." Tirmidhi narrated, his source was, Rafi` bin Khadij, that a letter read: (The Messenger of God has forbidden us from something which was useful to us; when one of us had a piece of land we used to rent it for some of its products or money. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.a.h.f.) said: "If any of you has a land, let him offer it to his brother (in Islam) or he should cultivate it").
Ibn Taymiyyah wrote in his book al-His-bah'; "The head of State has the right to force people to sell what they possess, in return of its equivalence at the time, when people are in desperate need of it. When somebody has food which he does not need, while people are starving, he should be forced to sell in return of its equivalent price, and for this reason jurists said: `Those who are in need of food which is possessed by others, can obtain the food without consent of their owners provided the equivalent value is paid. In the case of demanding a higher price than the normal one, their claim does not hold'"
1. See "Iqtisaduna" Page 425 onwards, by Sayed Muhammad Baqir AI-Sadr.
2. Ibid p.579 onwards.