When ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan became caliph...

When ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan became caliph, he handled the public wealth in such a manner that within a short time, his tribe, the Umayyads, became the richest people in the Muslim empire. Imam ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, in a famous sermon, explains the reasons why he was reluctant to accept the caliphate after “Uthman’s murder.

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...”12 Top in the list of priorites of Imam ‘Ali’s caliphate was the re-establishment of social justice in the Muslim community.

And it was 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. 12 Sayyid ar-Razi, Nahju ‘l-Baldghah, sermon No. 3. 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. 2. 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 infaq. There are many verses in the Qur’an 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.