Islam and Human Rights — Page 64
Isl am and Hum an R ights 64 man enjoys proprietary rights, to the extent recognized by Islam. In the wealth that is produced, therefore, three parties are entitled to share: the workman, whether skilled or unskilled; the person who supplies the capital; and the community as representing mankind. The community’s share in produced wealth is called Zakat. After this has been set aside for the benefit of the community, the rest is “purified” and may be divided beween the remaining parties that are entitled to share in it. The Zakat is assessed on both capital and income, Its incidence varies with reference to different kinds of property, but on the average it works out at two and one half per cent of the capital value. The proceeds of the Zakat are devoted towards relieving poverty and distress, winning over the cheerful co-operation of those who have net yet completely adjusted their lives to the Islamic system, providing ransom for prisoners of war, helping those in debt, providing comfort and convenience for travellers, sup plying capital where talent is available but funds are lack ing, providing stipends for scholars and research workers, meeting the expenses involved in collecting and administer ing the Zakat , and generally towards all things beneficial for the community as a whole, such as public health, public