People in the developing countries, including Pakistan, are suffering from poverty, unemployment and various economic hardships. Even in the 21st century, poverty is one of the major problems faced by humanity.
Experts are suggesting that in recent years, increasing land degradation, deforestation, extreme weather events and pollution have endangered progress of eliminating poverty.
The question is, what do we mean by equal distribution of wealth in society? And what are the Islamic principles in this regard?
Equal distribution of wealth
Equal distribution of wealth refers to the implementation of such policies under which the problems of the people including economical, unemployment and inflation can be overcome.
Equitable distribution of wealth and income gives all citizens a fair opportunity to become successful.
Distribution of wealth and income can also be done in a way in which the wealth and income of the world are divided among nations.
Islamic principle of Equal distribution of wealth
Islam has given society a principle for distribution of wealth through which all economic problems around the world can be resolved.
According to Islam, the example of wealth is like blood in the human body. If you stop the blood in an area in the body, the respected area will be impaired.
So Islam has invited rich people to spend more on the poor through Zakat, Fitra, and Sadqa.
Islamic Principles
1- Difference between Zakat and Tax
Some important differences between zakat and tax are that Almighty Allah has imposed Zakat on the followers. While Tax is something which state imposes on its citizens.
Allah has promised reward for those who pay Zakat, while this kind of commitment cannot be expected from the government.
On the other hand, Zakat amount is fixed at 2.5 percent and there will be no changes till the Day of Judgment. However, the amount of tax imposed by the government may be reduced or increase at any time.
Another thing is that Zakat is obligatory on Muslims that own wealth, while the state-imposed tax on all types of persons in the country.
Poor people across Pakistan are still paying various taxes, especially sales tax, which is against Islamic education.
2- Fitra
Fitra refers to one kilogram of wheat, or equal to the value of raisins, which is paid to the poor on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Likewise, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, rich people are commanded to sacrifice animals and distribute meat in poor.
It is the duty of the rich Muslims to distribute the meat of sacrificial animals to their home, loved ones, and neighbors as well as poor.
3- Prohibition of Interest
Interest is the defect of the current economic system which has occupied the countries by leaving them in deficits and today there is no country in the world that is not caught in the curse of interest.
Islam prohibited interest in a simple way. Islam says that you can buy and sell essential things and make profit on them, however, if you have given a loan to someone, you will receive the same amount of money. You are not allowed to make any profit on the loan.
The need to follow Islamic principles
The Pakistani nation and the government are stuck in a problem of interest from head to toe that cannot be easily resolved.
Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed that he wants to make Pakistan a state of Madinah, while the present state of Pakistan has been following the interest system for the last 70 years.
Every nation in the world, including Pakistan, needs to follow the Islamic principles of wealth distribution today, perhaps never before.
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