The Economic System of Islam — Page 38
38 other it would provide an opportunity to make a provision for the life to come. This is why the Holy Prophet sa has said that a man who puts a morsel of food into his wife’s mouth with a desire to earn merit in the sight of God, does a deed equal in virtue to giving alms. The above example is an act in which the husband’s own desire plays a part. He is fond of his wife and derives pleasure from car- ing for her. However, if his motive includes the desire to please God and to gain His nearness, he can turn his domestic obliga- tions into a virtuous deed. He would enjoy the food as before, and his wife would appreciate the clothes he gives her as before. But once he does all this because God loves those who take care of their wives, then not only will he get satisfaction from his own act, but he can also expect a reward from God for doing something for His pleasure. Wealth Created by God for the Benefit of All The second basic principle is that all wealth belongs to God, which He has created for the benefit of entire humanity. Therefore, if cer- tain economic problems cannot be corrected through voluntary actions mentioned above, then legal means should be adopted to rectify such situations and bring them in line with the divine will.