Does Islam favor socialism over capitalism?

[Ican]

Islamic teachings tell us to help the poor through zakat, does this suggest redistribution of wealth should be part of any Islamic government?

Libya a Muslim country is under 'Islamic socialism' and it's doing very well economically though most of it is from oil revenue. In some ways the UIC were socialists in the sense that they're agenda was to control every aspect of Somalia, were they wrong? Is socialism more compatible with Islam than capitalism?

Discuss.

[Kramer]

Socialism --never capitalism!
when capitalism means manufacturing stuff just because of the profits not the benefits to the Humankind!
they sell pills that will temporary relief pain but never cure disease so they could make money out of it!
they kill animals in mass (millions if not billions ) just for the profit --not for necessity --they inject protien and hormones to make the animal fat --for profit!

Socialism is what is the greater good ---especially utilitarianism(is close to Islam) if it doesn't benefit the greatest amount of ppl --then stop it!

[Padishah]

Socialism! Pfft!

[James Dahl]

Neither Socialism nor Capitalism are good if they are taken to extremes and not tempered with each other. A balance of the two is what is needed.

[Steeler [Crawler2]]

"Socialism is what is the greater good ---especially utilitarianism(is close to Islam) if it doesn't benefit the greatest amount of ppl --then stop it!"

The question becomes, who decides what's in the "greater good" and who gets the power to decide what is to be stopped? Right now people can buy, strike, boycott, etc. if they don't like corporate activities. From whom will the power to decide what's right be taken away, and to whom will the power to make such decisions be given? Islam doesn't answer this question.

[FAH1223]

[quote="James Dahl"]Neither Socialism nor Capitalism are good if they are taken to extremes and not tempered with each other. A balance of the two is what is needed.[/quote]

pretty much

[+chilli]

Islam; Socialism or Capitalism?

Well I’d say neither, ideology they both contradict Islam, and in practise as shown in history they demean what Islam stands for.
But if I had to choice one, Socialism is the less evil of the two. Both strive to ease the tension between the dichotomies of ‘freedom and equality’, ‘individual/liberalism and collective rights/communitarianism’, but usually one over one.
Islam easily answers those questions with ‘tawhid’, with the acknowledgement of the oneness of Allah and something greater then human nature struggles, one is at peace with those issues.
Socialism’s religious dimension is a huge problem; The theological dimension of the concept of communism/socialism corresponds to the belief that the existence of God must be denied under all circumstances and NOBODY should be permitted to develop a pro God ideological thinking. This ideology is a no go area and is a forbidden territory for those subscribing to the glorious and highly practicable teachings of Islam.

The soci economic dimension, as you’ve already mentioned Ican is in agreement with Islam. Islamic ideology in this regard is also the same as Socialism and it DOES NOT allow the concentration of wealth and economic resources in a few hands. It wants to witness a practical equality in the Islamic society, not by the application of brutal force, but by legislation and persuasion emanating from the message of Quran, Hadith, aqeed and the fear of the punishment of grave, which will be given to those who indulge in ill deeds and perambulate the trajectory of snatching ill gotten economic gains from the less privileged and vulnerable members of the society, such as widows, orphans and the elderly.

Capitalism compared with Islam and Socialism is based on exploiting, what it calls ‘equal opportunity’ and ‘freedom’ ‘democracy’, hiding the reality of oppression and injustice.

Both systems are immoral and guilty of subordination of all aspects of the individual to the collective "needs" as determined by the State, or maybe thats just Socialism in the plain, but Capitalism as well. They are both a strict dogma of atheism.

Capitalism claims ‘democracy’ and individual freedom, a reason why most of us in Capitalism states enjoy freedom of practise, but that has come at a price, so I emphasis ‘claims’. Capitalism emphasises commodities and value, and there is no place for the ‘individual’ in that reality.

So which one? well they could both work if Islam shaped it, we just need a state to example it.

[Basra-]

Zakat has nothing to do with socialism. Zakat is a virtue we muslims are encouraged to practice, in the spirit of Islam, to be kind and generous and sharing.As to what Islam is favor for - between socialism and capitalism-- my best common sense opinions is: according to Islam--or Islam best practices (sunnah) Business is greatly encouraged as a profession. Our Prophet pbuh practiced business and was very successesful in it. In fact, it is said our prophet pbuh has blessed the profession of business. Therefore, by that alone, u can deduce your wanted answer.

[Madmadoobe]

Basra I didn't know you were capable of giving sensible answers. You behave like a stupid little dhoocil all the time, lol. Your suggestion of Islam favouring capitalism could be wrong though.

[Basra-]

Maddy@looool I bet this post is not what sprung u from the silent corner.



I always give 'sensible' answers, but not to the topics u like dear. I usually dont like engaging in mens topic, unlike u tomboy.

[Ureysoo]

The thought of “Islamists reject both socialism and capitalism or favours one over the other” is falsehood. U can find elements of both socialism and capitalism in early Islamic economic system (Prophet Mohammed “PBUH” era). The thing is we identify “Islam” as all-embracing and covers all aspects of life, which not leave space 4 any other socio-political attachment. Not when certain elements of socialism and capitalism are in conjunction and have a linkage with Islam, and therefore adoptable.

The Prophet (PBUH) attitude towards business and money-making was positive, but, it’s the modern capitalism that contradicts with the Islamic principles. It’s apparent that Allah permitted trade, but “Interest” and other aspects are the points of controversy.

As 4 socialism --- It demands equality, liberty, lending the helping hand 2 needy ppl, fraternity, and puts a damper on the distinction of class, colour and statement of belief. Islam is on the same wave length, but discourages the abolition of private property. Some ppl will attempt 2 take this discussion 2 another level, by saying Islam also puts off the concept of “Liberty, Fraternity and Equality”. “Not Really”, Muslims enjoy great liberty and fears no.1 but Allah. The Quran makes it palpable that Muslims are equal and Fraternity concerns Muslim society, and brotherhood. Nevertheless, Islam is against the modern socialism that oppresses individual aspiration, initiative and property.

As conclusion --- It’s the modern Capitalism and Socialism which is exposed 2 western values that goes off the rails, and contradicts with Islam, and it’s important to make a distinction between the 2 sides......

[Steeler [Crawler2]]

Islam is NOT, I say again NOT, an economic philsophy. It is not even close to giving complete guidance concerning the management of an economic system. Arguments that pretend that Islam is some sort of economic system, or comprehensive political system, are wholly and completely false. Political Islam begins and ends with the implementation of Shari'a.

[Basra-]

'The Prophet (PBUH) attitude towards business and money-making was positive, but, it’s the modern capitalism that contradicts with the Islamic principles. It’s apparent that Allah permitted trade, but “Interest” and other aspects are the points of controversy. '


Valid point there ureyso.

[Steeler [Crawler2]]

"but “Interest” and other aspects are the points of controversy. '"

Personally I think he was talking about usery interest rates. No interest rates would be the death of international banking (who earns the profits from the investment, who absorbs the risks of loans if there is no interest?) Those "Halal' banks simply keep the profits while those putting their money in the bank reap none of the benefits. Good deal for the halal banks.

Mohammed lived in a much simplier time of a barter economy. It's just not comparable with today.

[Padishah]

I've been reading articles that have argued to the same effect as you do Mad Mac. Their arguments seem particularly unassailable from my limited knowledge on the subject. However, the lack of any primary textual evidence to back up their claims keeps me somewhat unconvinced.