Islam and Human Rights — Page 61
61 i v Economic Values In the economic sphere the basic concept in Islam is that absolute ownership of everything belongs to God alone (2:108; 3:190). Man is God’s vicegerent on earth. God has subjected to man’s service “whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth” ( 45:14). This has refer ence to the whole of mankind. “Allah is He Who has appointed you (mankind) His vicegerents in the earth,” and he who fails to recognize this dignity and to act in accordance therewith shall be answerable for his neglect and will not only suffer loss but will also incur the displeasure of his Lord (35:40). Legal ownership of the individual, that is to say the right of possession, enjoyment and transfer of property, is recognized and safeguarded in Islam; but all ownership is subject to the moral obligation that in all wealth all sections of society, and even animals, have