Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 169
Economic Peace 169 Four Characteristics of a Capitalist Society The signposts for determining that such an imbalance has arisen in a society are very clearly stated in the following verses of the Holy Quran: Nay, but you honour not the orphan. And you urge not one another to feed the poor. And you devour the heritage of the other people wholly. And you love wealth with exceeding love. 1 Briefly, these features are: 1. Dishonourable treatment of orphans. 2. Feeding of the poor is not promoted. 3. Usurpation of the heritage of others. 4. Endless amassing of wealth. Capitalism Ultimately Leads to Destruction Without endorsing the philosophy of scientific socialism, Islam rejects some aspects of capitalism because: Mutual rivalry in seeking worldly increase diverts you from God. Till you reach the graves. Nay! you will soon come to know the truth. 2