Islam Prioritises Social Justice Over Wealth Equalisation

Many people mistakenly believe that Islam requires all members of society to possess identical levels of wealth. However, Islam does not demand that every individual have the same assets or living facilities. Instead, the emphasis is placed on social justice, the equalisation of opportunity, and the distribution of wealth to ensure it does not merely circulate among the wealthy. This principle is affirmed in the Al-Quran and explained by Afzalurrahman in his book, ‘Prophet Muhammad as a Trader’.

‘Islam, in essence, supports social equity more than economic equalisation,’ Afzalurrahman writes in his book. Islam supports economic equality only to the extent of the rule that wealth must not be entrusted solely to a small group of people. Rather, it must be distributed throughout society so that everyone can meet their basic needs, and every individual must have the same opportunity to seek employment or engage in their chosen type of business.

This verse explains that wealth should not only circulate among the rich. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says: ‘…so that it [wealth] may not be a circuit between the rich among you. Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.’ (QS Al-Hashr, Verse 7).