The capitalist Economic System is not What the Muslim world needs to copy

It’s a cold night in Birmingham they say it’s going to be subzero.

On my journey back after meeting up with some brothers I noticed this man sitting on a junction in the road. In a pitiful state- waiting for some kind souls to give him some loose change .

Giving some change is the immediate thought that comes to mind to help the man’s plight , especially for Muslims. I started to wonder why I see people like this scattered across junctions all over Birmingham.

It just confirmed to me the failings of capitalism. Birmingham is the second city in one of largest economies on the planet. Yet the people have to suffer like this. Perhaps it was individualism that destroyed any family bonds that could have helped this individual. After all individualism is a toxic concept that breaks the bonds of family but is trumpeted a virtue in the Western world.

Or perhaps it is the capitalist economic theory that says as long as the GDP is growing all is well. After all as long as there is food on the table then people should be able to come and get it to fulfil their needs. Everyone can achieve the capitalist dream. An absurd and callous theory that ignores, what is to be done for the elderly , the mentally unwell and the disabled.

The Islamic economic system is different. The state is obliged to ensure everyone has the basic necessities like food, shelter and clothing .

The prophet (saw) said Uthman ibn Affan reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no right for the son of Adam other than these things: a house in which he lives, a garment to cover his nakedness, a piece of bread, and water.”

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2341

Rulers like Imran Khan and his team of economic hitmen that want to bring a western inspired welfare state so they can justify taxes – need to realise that it isn’t the western economic model that’s going to rescue Pakistan’s economy. It is a failed economic system that only works for those with the capital at the top levels of society. Rather it will only be under the Khilafah that the people of Muslims countries will be assured the necessities of life.

Returning to the man sitting in the freezing cold the permanent solution to this man’s predicament is when Muslims implement Islam in their countries and then work to liberate humanity from the clutches of capitalism.