The Economic System of Islam — Page 2
2 and to explain its fundamental principles and the broader environ- ment in which they have been placed. Since Islamic economic system has certain features that appear to be in common with the so-called Communist system, my discourse would be incomplete if I did not describe the Islamic viewpoint regarding Communism and did not elucidate the differences between the two economic systems. It should be remembered that just as branches grow out of the stem of a tree, important issues sprout out of the established prior fundamentals. Without an understanding of these fundamentals, the significance of those issues cannot be fully appreciated. I there- fore deem it necessary that, before describing the Islamic economic system, I should briefly explain the foundation on which it rests. Sovereignty of Allah and its Implications for Those in Authority Islam lays the foundation of all its systems, whether political, eco- nomic, social or any other, on one fundamental principle—that the ultimate sovereignty and ownership belongs only to God Almighty. As it is stated in S u rah az-Zukhruf that: 2 2 S u rah az-Zukhruf, 43:86, (publishers)