The Economic System of Islam — Page 83
83 Communism does, however, recognise the work of painters and sculptors as ‘creative artists’, but considers work done to uplift peo- ple’s souls or morals as utterly useless. As we all know, man does not live by bread alone, and food by itself cannot give him the peace of mind. The world is full of people who, if prevented from praying to God, would have no peace, no matter what luxuries of life were placed at their disposal. It is indeed odd that Communism recognises it as work when labourers spend a few hours in factories, but then go out to dissi- pate themselves in drink, cinema or dance-halls. Photography and music, too, are considered useful pursuits, but moral improvement and purification of the soul constitute no work at all. Some time ago, Marshal Malinovsky was asked about his sons interests. He responded laughing, ‘They are interested in photography, music and keeping rabbits’. A child of fifteen, in other words, who spent his time in photography and music or in scampering after pet rabbits deserves to be fed and taken care of by Communism. But the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa , Jesus Christ as , Moses as , Krishna as , Buddha as , Zoroaster as and Guru Nanak rh (God forbid) are considered as parasites and danger to society. They are not worthy of being called ‘workers. ’ History provides no example that matches the selfless, ceaseless labour of love undertaken by these great moral benefactors of man- kind. But for their toil and effort, humanity would have lacked so- cial cohesion, which depends on the sense of moral obligations that developed only after colossal sacrifices on the part of these great Teachers, who worked and suffered for the human cause day and night. Yet Communism condemns them as worthless people and places them far lower in the scale than drunkards and debauches