The Economic System of Islam — Page 61
61 right and a share in the wealth accumulated by the rich. Therefore, a system has been put in place to take away the due right of the poor from the rich every year. Khumus—One-Fifth Royalty on Mining A second means for accumulating undue wealth is through the ex- ploitation of mines. Islam deals with this issue by giving the state the right to impose a royalty of one-fifth of the produce of the mine. This fifth is due on any income derived from the mine. Any excess income saved by the owners of the mine for over a year will be separately subject to zakat year after year. In this way, the gov- ernment has a direct ownership stake in the mines. It also has a share in the money saved from excess income of the mines, which it collects for the benefit of the poor. Voluntary Charity Islam also enjoins individuals to offer voluntary charity. It is pre- scribed for every person and is to be given to orphans and the poor and for the care and support of the weak. This emphasis on charity also helps to redistribute the wealth so that it does not excessively accumulate in the hands of a few. Islamic Law of Inheritance If despite the above safeguards an individual still manages to leave behind money or property after his death, it would be redistributed