Islam and Communism — Page 26
26 every one who has more than his minimum requirements. The idea is to uplift those who are needy and helpless and thus reduce disparities. The words used by the Holy. Founder of Islam in this connection explain the purpose of this obligatory tax. "The object of the institution of Zakat” he said, "is to take from the better off to return the same to the poor and the needy" (Bukhari). The words "to return” very wisely chosen and deserve particular notice. The expression is meant to imply that this tax is not an act of grace on the part of the rich to the poor. It is obligatory. The rich should not think they are doing any favour to the poor. are. The idea is that they should think it an act of duty and the poor should accept it as a matter of right. The Creator of. Man wants it to be known that the wealth of the rich is mainly due to the industry of the poor. The poor, therefore, have a rightful claim upon the wealth of the rich. . That this is to be so is self-evident. For, in the first place, everything belongs to