Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 205
Economic Peace 205 much wealth, which should have flowed to the common man, has been transferred into the hands of a few capitalists: Those in whose wealth there is a recognised right for one who asks for help and for one who does not. 27 These verses address the rich and remind them that part of their wealth comprises that which by right belongs to the beggar and the destitute. How can we judge that an imbalance has arisen in society by the transfer of rights due to the poor into the hands of a few rich people? The yardstick for this criterion is certain guaranteed rights. According to Islam, there are four basic needs of man, which must be fulfilled. The Holy Quran states: It is provided for thee that thou wilt not hunger therein, nor wilt thou be naked. And that thou wilt not thirst therein, nor wilt thou be exposed to the sun. 28 Thus, Islam establishes minimum rights in the form of a four-point charter by defining the basic needs, which a state should procure: 1. Food 2. Clothing 3. Water 4. Shelter