Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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APARIGRAHA - THE HUMANE SOLUTION
recommends five important principles as the duties of every Muslim, these are : tauheed (belief in one God), namaz (prayer), roza (fasting) zakat (voluntary donation), and haj (pilgrimage). Voluntary donation is the fourth duty. It is said that it is the duty of every muslim to spend his money for good causes; he should voluntarily donate 2.5 per cent of his income for the service of the poor, orphans and handicapped. This is like voluntary income tax. Just as prayer and fasting are the duties of a muslim, voluntary donation is also a duty of good muslim. The reason behind this is obvious - that the gap between the haves and the havenots should be reduced, and everyone should get the basic needs and necessities fulfilled for survival. According to Islam these duties not only have relevance for social orderliness and justice in this world but also for next world. 'Those who do their daily prayer and give their voluntary donations have true faith in me.''Zakat is essentially an Arabic term which literally means spiritual growth and purification. It has come to mean that a part of one's income should be spent on good deeds recommended by God (Allāh) such as helping the poor, sick and needy. It is a way of self-purification and self-development and most importantly curbing one's worldly attachments for human welfare. It is way of returning one's debt taken from God. 'If a man does not return God's gifts to men who are His creatures, his wealth and self both become impure.? Similarly sadqa (sacrifice) is also mentioned in the Quran sadga relieves a man of many of his faults so that he becomes pure from within. If sadqa is given openly, it is good; but if it is given secretly to the poor and needy it is even better for you."' Islam condemns consumerism and extravagance. 'Extravagents are only devil's companions.' These habits are decried in Islam as they would lead to corruption, violence and criminalisation of society.There is a also a set code for tax collection in Islam suggesting humane treatment to tax-payers.
Thus the Islamic economic system is based on social justice and balance. It seems there is a form of voluntary socialism in Islam,
1. 2. 3.
Surah An-Naml - 3. Quran Rampur, P. 1230. Surah Al Bakr - 271.