The Imam says...

The Imam says, “Had it not been for the pledge of Allah with the learned people that they should not be indifferent to the gluttony of the oppressor and the hunger of the oppressed, I would have cast the rein of caliphate on its shoulders...”[^2] Top in the list of priorites of Imam ‘Ali's caliphate was the re-establishment of social justice in the Muslim community.

And it this same agenda which created strong opposition to ‘Ali among those who were used to special privileges during the previous caliphate. Islam does not only teach equality of the Muslims in the eyes of Allah, but it also promotes equality in economic sphere. However, “equality” in Islam does not mean “similarity”. Islam aims to elevate all its followers to the level of ghina —being free from want. It is this equality which Islam strives for in its economic system.

The Economic Equality To bring about this equality in the economic condition of the people, Islam has introduced various methods. An important method is the transferring of the excess wealth from the fortunate sector of the society to its less fortunate members. This is done on two different levels: on an individual level and on a collective level. On Individual Level: Economic equality is pursued through the moral and ethical teachings of charity. In Arabic, this is known as sadaqa and infāq .

There are many verses in the Qur'ān which command the Muslims to help others voluntarily. There are more verses dealing with voluntary charity than the obligatory dues. Every one is morally obliged to help others according to his or her own means and resources. First level of charity: They ask you (O Muhammad) as to what they should spend (in way of charity).

Say, “Whatever can be spared (from your wealth after your own expenses).” (2:219) Second level of charity: ...The pious (are) those who...spend (in charity) from whatever We have given to them. (2:3) Third level of charity: The pious people (are) those who spend (benevolently) in good and bad days.

(3:134) In all these levels, one must remember to follow the path of moderation: neither keep your hand shackled to your neck (out of greed), nor outspread it completely open—otherwise you will sit reproached and denuded. (17:29) Someone asked Imam Ja`far as-Sādiq about a group of people who are prosperous while their Muslim brothers are in severe need. Is it right for the rich people to eat and drink satisfactorily while their brothers are hungry, especially during the difficult days?