The Economic System of Islam — Page 40
40 religious aspects of life, which would be unacceptable. A nonbe- liever is of course free to view economic problems in isolation. But a religious person would not judge an economic system from purely an economic perspective. He would demand an economic system that also respects his moral and religious requirements. After this introduction, let me state that keeping in view the two principles stated above, Islam leaves the individual free to fol- low any trade or profession. However, Islam also specifies certain limits on individual freedom, which while not interfering with his legitimate aspirations to excel, deter him from taking undue advan- tage of his freedom or pushing it to dangerous lengths. It should be remembered that some of the defects that are asso- ciated with economic competition are rooted in certain selfish streaks in human nature. For example, a person may set his heart upon accumulation of wealth, and this passion may shut his eyes to the suffering caused by hunger, want and penury. His sole wish may be to accumulate maximum amount of wealth. Selfishness and in- difference to tyranny and oppression are the result of certain incen- tives, which are mentioned in the Holy Quran and are discussed below. Control Over the Incentives for Accumulation of W ealth The Holy Quran states: 17 17 S u rah al- H ad i d , 57:21, (publishers)