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ISLAM VS CAPITALISM
Bashir Ahmed Abid
THE 'RIBA' RIDDLE
Much has been said; much remains to be said; the 'Riba' is a chronic problem for all economies of the world. It is the biggest evil that is gnawing at mankind over the centuries. 'Riba' (interest, usury) is often discussed out of context which creates misunderstanding and confusion. Actually, it is part of an economic system called Capitalism. Its virtues and vices should be studied in relation to that system. While the Quran condemns 'Riba', and declares it 'Haram' (unlawful), in truth, it condemns the whole system. Therefore, as long as the system is there, any discussion regarding 'Riba' would be meaningless.
An economic system is primarily concerned with the management of resources of a country. It handles the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services in the society. It has, therefore, great influence over the social growth and development of the people. It also plays an important role in the development and shaping of their Mindset.
Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods and by prices, production and distribution of goods that are determined mainly in a free market. The Mindset it produces, according to Quran, has a strong urge and predilection for the carnal pleasures – "Hub-al-Shahwat". People crave for material things such as women for love; sons for strength and pride; hoarded riches which procure all luxuries; the best and finest means of transportation; sprawling villas and broad acres of well-tilled land (Al-Quran: 3/14).
In this system individual interests take priority over the collective interests and national objectives take precedence over the universal peace and harmony. People amass wealth and do not utilize it for the progress and development of society - 'Fi Sabeelillah'(9/34). The wealth circulates only among the rich (59/7). And its benefits do not trickle down to the poor. The wealthy become arrogant and develop hateful and despicable attitudes towards the poor (68/10-14 & 18:34). They love niggardliness and encouraged others to do the same. (4/37). They adopt such policies which make niggardliness and selfishness an acceptable social norm. Love, kindness, and generosity could not thrive in a Capitalistic Society. The Capitalists are really stingy and hunks. They do not deal with the destitute and needy on merit; Undervalue their talent and work; get more and pay less to them (83/1-3). They are overwhelmed by the lust for power, monopolies, and exploitation of the poor and indigents. Lusts dominate their intellect and they are unable to deal fairly and justly. They are really strayed people and have gone far away from the true path. The Quran says:
"...And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, devoid of Guidance from God..." (28/50)
They love the life of this world more than life in the Hereafter (14/3). And they deem not that this life will ever perish (18/35). Nor, they deem that the Hour of Judgment will ever come. They think that even if they brought back to their Lord (on the Day of Judgment) they will surely find something better in exchange ( for a few trivial acts of piety such as Salaat, Zakaat, Hajj etc) (18/36).
This is the kind of Mindset which Capitalism gives to the society. The Quran condemns it as "Kutta Mindset "– (Doggy Mindset). See what it says:
"If it had been Our Will, We should have elevated him (The Man) with Our Signs (The Quran); but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog; if you attack him he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who rejects Our Signs (The Quran); so relate the story; perchance they may reflect. " (7/176)
What a befitting similitude!
Lust of material things never gives satisfaction and peace of mind. A person who ignores noble values and follows his own vain desires remains always unsatisfied, discontented and disgruntled.
If man had followed the Will of God (the value system given in the Quran) he would have achieved the most exalted honor in life. But (unfortunately) he chose to follow his Lusts and Carnal Pleasures which eventually brought him down to the position of beast and worse.
We have reviewed only a few vices of Capitalism mentioned in the Quran. There are many of them. These make the human society a Hell on Earth. God wants to save mankind from the Fire of this Hell. He sets some noble goals for the mankind. In this regard, the Quran explicitly manifest the Will of God. It says:
"….unbelievers (who rejects The Values in Quran) does (but) beckons you to the Fire. But God beckons by His Grace (The Values in Quran) to the Garden (Al-Jannah) and Forgiveness (Al-Maghfirah)". (2/221)
Al-Jannah and Al-Maghfirah, in the text, are used as similitude of a luxurious life-style coupled with absolute peace of mind, tranquility and contentment.
It further says:
"Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying. (In rivalry) among yourselves in riches and children: here is a similitude: how rain and the growth which it brings forth delight (The hearts of the) tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the hereafter is penalty severe (For the devotees of wrong) and Forgiveness from God and (His) Good Pleasure (For the devotees of God). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception." (57/20)
And again;
"Be ye foremost (In seeking) Forgiveness (Al-Maghfirah)* from your Lord, and a Garden (Al-Jannah)*, the width whereof is as the width of Heaven and Earth, prepared for those who believe in God and His Messenger; that is the Grace of God, which He bestows on whom He pleases; and God is the Lord of Grace abounding." (57/21)
* Al-Maghfirah: A values system which protect from all dangers. It is not simply Forgiveness.
* God promises a Jannah in earthly life as well as in heavenly life.
An economic system which produces a 'Kutta-Mindset'; which has no respect for human dignity; which does not honor merit; which encourages exploitation, employs wrong means for money making; which promote misery instead of generosity; which throws out the national economies into the clutches of blind market forces, unrelenting monopolies and risky speculations; which gives out all the national resources into the hands of - a few unscrupulous, unprincipled and unqualified people – that system will never pleases God. It is the worse and most formidable enemy of God's System. It defies every law and every principle of God's System. The goals set by God for the betterment of mankind can never be achieved and the dream of a beautiful world, full of peace and harmony, can never be turned into realty in the presence of this system.
As I said earlier, if anyone put his finger on 'Riba' and thinks he has caught the pulse of all the evils and devils of economic injustices, inflictions, and inequities he deceives God and those who believe, but he only deceive him and realize it not.
The government may prohibit 'Riba' through legislation or an individual may relinquish it willingly. In any case, it will not change the Capitalistic System that is the real curse and that is what God want us to change. 'Riba' is a part of the problem, not the whole problem. The problem is Capitalism. We should fight the Capitalism altogether rather than 'Riba' alone. The reason why the Quran has declared war against 'Riba' (2/278-279) is that it lies at the very foundation of Capitalism. It is the fuel of Capitalism.
But in our war against Capitalism, it is important that we should know the system first. We should know its philosophy and functions. We should know the product and the processes it presents. And we should know The Mindset it develops. It would be then possible to shake its foundation and bring it down to level-zero.
Although a comprehensive study of the modes and forms of Capitalism is important to fight it back but, in realty, it is the Mindset which matters more and needs careful study. According to the Quran;
"Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change their Mindset (Anfusihim)."(13/11)
(* The Arabic word is "Al-Nafs" which has more profound meanings than'The Mindset')
For example, a person may possess huge piles of wealth, holds vast acres of land, and owns large cluster of factories; He may lives lavishly in dream houses, and drive expensive cars but, in spite of, all that he may not be condemned as a despicable Capitalist provided he is blessed with all the divine's attributes of magnanimity, benevolence and mercy. He is generous, chivalrous, considerate, lofty, and greathearted. He is not a miser; not a hunks; not a skinflint. He keeps open his wealth for the betterment of mankind. Prophet Solomon was the wealthiest person of his time. God has blessed him with every thing that increased his grace and greatness among his people (27/16). He had great armies and wealth; but he had them all devoted in the service of God. He had the best and finest pedigree horses (38/31). He lived in magnificent palaces (27/44). He loved all these things of prestige and power but his love was not like that of a person who loves them for carnal pleasures (Hub-al-Shawaat) only. His love was - The love of the Highest Good; 'Hub-al-Khair' - (38/31). He used his power, his wisdom, and all other gifts according to the Will of God and for the benefit of all around him. He prayed that he may not even unwittingly tread the weak and humble being in his preoccupations with the great things of the world.
The righteousness that pleases the world is often very different than the righteousness that pleases God. Solomon prayed that he may always take God's Will as his standard rather than the standard of men. See his prayer:
"So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: 'O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors, which Thou has bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy Righteous Servants." (27/19)
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The Quran does not condemn earning of Wealth. Nor, it condemns comforts and luxuries of life. The Wealth, it says:
"God has made it a source of security and support for you" (4/5).
And, regarding comforts and luxuries of life, it says:
"…..Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on The Day of Judgment..." (7/32).
The Quran encourages us: "...to ask God of His Bounty..." (4/32). To increase us in strength, honor, talent, wealth and happiness. We must realize that behind all our strength, skill, and intelligence there is the power and goodness of God, Who gave us all these things. Man can understand and control the forces of nature so as to bring them to his own service: he can only do so, because (1) he has got these gifts from God, and (2) God has fixed definite laws in nature of which he can take advantage by God's command and permission. God has subjected all the mighty forces in the universe under man's control. Man, (by God's command), can use rain to produce food for himself; make ships to sail the seas; use rivers as highways, and cut canals for traffic and irrigation. Not only had this, but even the heavenly bodies' can (by God's command) contributed to the needs.
The sun gives out heat, which is the source of all life and energy on this planet, and produces the seasons of the year; by utilizing which man can supply his needs, not only material but aesthetical as well. The sun and the moon together produces tides, and are responsible for atmospheric changes which are of highest importance in the life of man. The succession of Days and Nights is due to the apparent daily course of the sun through the skies; and the cool light of the moon performs other services different from those of warm day-light. Because there are laws here, which man can understand and calculate, he can use all such things for his own service.
The Quran says:
"And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of God, never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude." (14/34)
God has given us everything which a wise and benevolent Providence mardhiah). But man is given up to Injustice* and Ingratitude*. He is habitually ignoring just values and ingratitude for the innumerable gifts and favors which God has showered on mankind.
(* The Arabic word 'Zulm' (Injustice) and 'Kufer' (Ingratitude) has much deep and wide meaning.)
Capitalism is the worse example of such Injustice and Ingratitude.. It has put the mankind on a totally wrong track. People are striving for very short-lived goals and 'Hub-al-Khair' (Love for The Highest Good) is replaced in their hearts by 'Hub-al-Shahwat' (Lust for the Vain Desires). They have gone far away from The Realty because, according to the Quran:
"They love the life of this world more than the Hereafter". (14/3)
Capitalism has brought forth a Value System which is absolutely antagonistic to the Value System of the Quran. We cannot avoid it unless we bring forth the Value System of the Quran. Abolishing 'Riba' (Usury or Interest) or introducing any other reform would not solve the problem. We have to turn to the Quran. The Quran has explicitly outlined the strategy to defeat Capitalism.
The whole structure of Capitalism is built on holding of the 'Surplus Value'. The Quran says that whatever is surplus than your needs must not be hoarded. Hoarding is no use either to ourselves, or to any one else. We should use the wealth we need; any superfluities we must spend on good works. (2/219). The Quran has severely discouraged the hoarding of wealth and warned the violators of painful punishments. It says:
"Who pileth up wealth and layeth it by, thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever! By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into that which breaks to pieces." (104/2-4)
In another verse, it warns in more strong words:
"…And there are those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of God: announce unto them a most grievous penalty –On the Day (of Judgment) their wealth will be heated in the Fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs: is this the wealth which you hoarded for yourselves? Taste ye then! The wealth you hoarded." (9/34-35)
Further it says:
"And on the Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, (it will be said to them): 'Ye received your good things in the life of the world, and ye took your pleasure out of them; but today shall ye be recompensed with a penalty of humiliation: For that ye were arrogant on earth without Just Cause, and that ye (ever) transgressed." (46/20)
Thus, condemning Hoarding, the Quran demolishes Capitalism from its very foundation. Although, hoarding itself is not a less serious crime (it is high treason against Islamic State) but when it is coupled with lending on Interest then it becomes the greatest mischief on earth. It gives great strength to the Capitalistic System and makes it invincible. The Quran has declared outright war against this practice. It says:
"O ye who believe! Fear God, and give up what remains of your demand for Usury, if ye are indeed believers. If ye do it not, take the ultimatum of war from God and His Messenger: But if ye turn back, ye shall have your capitals; Deal not unjustly, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly." (2/278-79)
The Quran does not allow hoarding. So, there is no place for 'Riba' (usury or interest) in the Quran's Value System. No money; No lending; No interest!
THE QURAN'S SUBSTITUTE
The Quran based its Economic System on 'Anfaq'* (To spend). In the beginning of the Book (just after the opening chapter), it outlines some pre-requisites in order to get guidance and success from the Book. These are concerning with the Faith and Belief except 'Anfaq' which is practically related with the growth and development of the Economy.
*-(Anfaq is a comprehensive term. 'To spend' - is a very simple meaning and does not describe the aims and objectives of the Quran, particularly when 'Anfaq' is discussed in the context of national economy. Spending is done when we possess or hold something. Whereas, according to the Quran a Muslim is not allowed to possess or hold back that what is beyond his needs. One of the root-meanings of this word is: A thing which is open from both sides such as 'A Tunnel'. This meaning is very near to explain the purpose of the Quran. The Quran wants the Muslims to leave open that what is beyond their needs.)
The Quran says:
"…Wa mema razaqnahum yunfiqoon" - And they (believers) keep on spending of what We have provided for them." (2/3)
Then the Quran goes on explaining the virtues and benefits of 'Anfaq' which will accrue to both the individual and the society. Some of these are reviewed as follow:
'Anfaq' increases the national wealth manifold
"The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of God is that of a grain of corn; It growth seven ears, and each ear hath a hundred grains. God giveth manifold increases to whom that follow His Will. And God careth for all and He knoweth all things." (2/261)
'Anfaq' is never wasted or lost. It will be replaced in plenty and in a much better form.
"Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the sustenance to such of His servants as He pleases (in accordance with His Laws): And nothing do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it (Yukhlifhu)*: for He is the best of those who grant sustenance." (34/39)
*-(The Arabic word 'Yukhlif' comes from the root (kha-lam-fe). Among other things, it is also used for the spring-blossom. The trees go into dormancy during the autumn; shed leafs and look dry and dead. But as soon as the spring season sets in they bring back leafs and bloom profusely. It is enriched with beauty, freshness and vigor. This is khalafa.)
'Anfaq' kills Fear and Grief in the hearts. A good cure for Depression.
"Those who spend their substance in the cause of God, and follow not up it with reminders of their generosity (humiliation) or with injury; the reward for them from their Lord is: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."(2/262)
"Those who spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (2/274)
One should spend (Anfaq) the best things in the way of God
"O ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have (honorably) earned, and of the yields of the earth which have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting any thing which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves will not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that God is free of all wants and worthy of all praises." (2/267)
'Anfaq' pleases God and strengthen the Self: 'Al-Nafs'
"And the likeness of those who spend their substance, seeking to please God (Mardhat-Allah)* and strengthen their Self (Anfosahum), is as a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receive not heavy rain, light moisture sufficeth it. God seeth well whatever you do." (2/265)
*-(Mardhat-Allah is often translated God Pleasure which is alright except that it is limited. The Arabic word 'Mardhat' is from the root (ra-dha-ye); meaning a complete harmony and agreement between things or persons. Accordingly, 'Mardhat' would mean: A complete harmony between God's Will and Man's Will. The Quran says: "But you should choice what God wants you to choice; for God is full of wisdom and knowledge. (76/30)" God has blessed man with freedom of choice and then guided him how to make the right choice.)
Whatever of good we give (Anfaq) are for own benefit and shall be rendered back.
"It is not required of thee (O Messenger) to set them on the right path, but God sets on the right path (who follows His Will). And whatever of good ye give benefits your own 'Self' and ye shall only do so seeking the 'Face' of God. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly." (2/272)
'Anfaq' is the source of true and lasting happiness in this world and the next. It's like a beautiful garden well-watered and productive, with delightful views of streams, and haven of rest for mind and body. It will take care of you and your feeble children in the old age.
"Does anyone of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age and his children are not strong enough to look after themselves – that it (the garden) should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus God make clear to you His Signs; that you may ponder."(2/266)
'Anfaq' is man's trading in with God. It will never fail or fluctuate: because God guarantees him the return and even adds something to the return out of His own Bounty. That is, God gives more than ever our merits deserve.
"Those who rehearse the Book of God, establish 'Salat', and spend (Anfaq) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a commerce that will never fail." (35/29)
'Anfaq' is important obligations of a Muslim which must be done before death come to him.
" And spend (Anfiqu) of what We have provided for your sustenance, before death should come to anyone of you and he should say, "O my Lord" why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given I should have given abundantly in proof of my loyalty to the cause you entrusted to me (Sadaqa), and I should have been one of the Doers of Good." (63/10)
'Anfaq is the only Gate-way to Righteousness.
"By no means shall ye attain righteousness (Al-Birr*) unless ye give (tunfiqu) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth, God knoweth it well." (3/92)
*-(The Arabic word 'Al-Birr' has no substitute in the English language and has more profound meanings than righteousness. It is used for the best reward one can think of his good deeds in life. Its root-meanings import all the best quality of human character such as forbearance, generosity, benevolence, chivalry, farsightedness and great heartedness. 'Al-Barr-ur-Raheem' is God's attribute' (52/28)
I think I am getting short of space; I should stop here. The Virtues of 'Anfaq' are many and this is not possible to discuss all of them here. 'Anfaq' is the core value of the Quran's Values System. It is the major weapon for victory in the War against 'Riba' – (The economy plagued with hoarding and usury). The Quran condemns hoarding and usury in all forms. There is not a single verse (implicit or explicit) which supports hoarding and usury. Those who have Conviction in God and His Message they never resort to this heinous practice of hoarding and usury. The Convictions are not blind beliefs; they are like Capital which has to be earned by giving commodities and services to the society. It is the pre-requisite of our Conviction in God and His Message that we should spend whatever is beyond our needs. It is there and then that our Convictions could become useful for the society. The Quran says:
"…Wa Yas'alunaka ma'za Yunfiqoon? Qul-lil-A'fw: - They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: What is beyond your needs…" (2/219)
Hoarding is no use either to us or to the civil society. We should use the wealth we need; any superfluities we must spend in good works – individually or collectively. Usury is a secondary question. It was condemned when there was no restriction on hoarding.
With the prohibition of hoarding, the Quran has closed the door not only for usury and interest but for all sorts of economic exploitations, inequities, and disparities for ever.
The nations who give in to hoarding and usury could never ever deliver peace and stability to the world. Be honest; and see around yourselves; you will agree that wherever on earth there is poverty, ignorance, diseases, blood-baths, and mischief; it is the work of those who hoards wealth by all means (right or wrong) and then justify their action like a wise-sage.
'Anfaq' is not like Charity. You might have noticed that I didn't use this word through out the text. There is no concept of Charity in the Quran. On the contrary, the Quran considers it a social malaise which brings more evils to the society than good. In the process of charity the giver and taker are both at loss. The giver becomes arrogant and haughty. He feels superior to others which is a negative and harmful attitude. On the other side, charity destroys the power and prestige of the taker. He becomes humble and meek. He feels inferior which is a negative and harmful attitude also. The Quran says:
"And those who spend their substance, to be seen of people, and have no conviction in God and the Life Hereafter; Devils ones become his intimate friends: what a dreadful intimates he gets." (4/38)
These Devil intimates always mislead him and make wrong deeds to look beautiful in his eyes. He lives in conceit and never gets peace of mind and contentment. According to the Quran peace and contentment is for those who spend their substance only to seek 'The Face' of God. It says;
"Those who spend their substance in the cause of God, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury; for them their reward is with their Lord; On them shall be no Fear nor they Grieve."(2/262)
'Anfaq' is a serious responsibility. The believers are bound by their conviction in God and the Life-hereafter to discharge it as one of their most important obligation. Our conviction in God is not like a religious statement: "We Believe in God" or "In God we trust". Our conviction in God is: "We have read the Book of God and we are convinced that whatever is commanded there is for our own benefit and we have to obey it as our legal obligations. Similarly, our conviction in the life-hereafter is that nothing is wasted of whatever we do and we will be paid back even an iota of our deeds (good or bad).
According to Quran, our wives, relatives, needy and impoverished people in the society, all of them have legal right in our wealth and this right must be made well known to them; in case, if we do not fulfill our obligations, they can go to the court. It says:
"And in their wealth there is known-right for the needy and impoverished."(51/19)
Regarding kindred it says:
"So give it what is due (as of right) to kindred, the needy, the wayfarer; that is best for those who seek the countenance of God, and it is they who will prosper (both in this life and in the hereafter)." (30/38)
Regarding wives, it says;
"For divorced women maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous." (2/241)
And when God ask for Himself; He don't ask as a charity but as His right-full share in our earnings. It is our conviction that everything we posses, material or in the form of talents, and everything we use in the universe to earn our living is belongs to God. We must return His right-full share honestly. The Quran says:
"It is He Who produceth, gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kind, and olives and pomegranates; similar (in kind) and different (in variety); eat of their fruit in their season, but on the day of harvest give the right-full share of God; And do not spend wastefully; for God loves not squanderers."(6/141)
Today, 'Riba' looks like a Chinese puzzle. With the growing complexities of modern economies it has become a hard-to-solve problem. Scholars, intellectuals, professionals, and religious pundits all are putting their heads together to find out a solution but every new interpretation adds more confusion to the problem. You might have heard often, terminologies such as Islamic Banking, Interest Free Loans, Profit and Loss accounts, Sukuk Bonds put up as substitute for 'Riba'. Also, you might have heard some scholars who try to find solution in the definition of 'Riba'. Accordingly, they classify it in two categories: Soft-'Riba' (interest) which is 'Halal' (permitted) and Hard-'Riba' (usury) which is 'Haram' (prohibited).
One of the attributes of the Quran is that it is a Clear Book – 'Kitab-um-Mubeen'.
Reflecting back at the subject of 'Riba' in the Quran and its interpretations by various scholars if this is called clarity then God forbid. But this is not true. The Quran has no fault and it is not responsible for confusion on this subject. There are other factors which has confused the subject of 'Riba'.
If you have read the Quran or at least the above quoted verses from the Quran you will find it without difficulty that the problem is not 'Riba' but it is the people's mind. They feel insecure in the present day governments and the societies. They have to take care of their families themselves because the present day governments and the societies do not follow the Quran. The Quran does not command the people for anything until it provides them full protection. Whatever one spend it will be paid back in plenty and in a much better form; here by those who rules by the Book and in the hereafter – God will take care himself. Our spending for the cause of God is like raw-material or scrap at a factory-yard where the experts converts it into highly valuable products. The Quran based system needs our support only to get established. Once established, it works more efficiently and more profitably for the welfare of people than any other system. The parable of seven ears and hundred grains in verse (2/261) and the spring blossom in verse (34/39) refers to same exuberance and abundance. The first pre-requisite of Quran is that the 'Haves' should take care of the 'Haves not'. If the governments and the people had followed the Quran they would have never faced such problem.
The followers of the Quran have no problem with 'Riba' or likes. They may keep their savings and possessions in Islamic Banks or Christian Banks or any of the sort; they may invest in trade or industry or agriculture. They have no fear and grieve because they do not use wrong means to earn money; they do not exploit the talent and labor of any one; they do not grab the lands unnecessarily; they do not profiteer, black-market, and hoard; they spends out more than what is commanded and hold back less than what is permitted. In brief, they do not do anything against the Quran. But they know that in a non-Quranic system they have to live with patience and tolerance. They know that the evil forces cannot be eliminated overnight; but through evolution. The system should be reformed with wisdom, perseverance and judicious use of power. God is highly Considerate and Kareem. The Quran says:
"On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness there is no blame for what they ate (in the past), when they guard themselves from evil, and believe, and do deeds of righteousness; (or) again, guard themselves from evil and believe; (or) again, guard themselves from evil and do good." (5/96)
Or as explained in this verse:
"Any one who, after accepting Faith in God, utters unbelief; except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith! – but such as open their hearts to unbelief; on them is Wrath from God ands there will be a dreadful penalty."(16/106)
You may ask, if the solution is so simple then why Muslims are not following the Quran? This is a bit difficult questions. Sometimes, I myself wonder what happened to Muslims that they have given up a Book which is so easy and so truthful. The only answer that comes to mind clearly is that they are misguided by their political leaders whose interests and governments are endangered by adopting the rules of the Quran. They are nurturing a clergy which is absolutely working against the objectives of the Quran. Some of the clerics joins their courts and becomes their stooges. They, in defense of their wrong policies and wrong doings throw the Book of God (like Jews of the past) behind their backs and follow their evil whims and caprices. Some of them joins various sects and become a source of chronic nuance for the society. They spend their whole life in proving the legitimacy of their sect. Unfortunately, both these groups have compiled huge literature in the name of Islamic Shariah. This literature has badly masked the clarity of the Quran and made, some very easy-to-understand things, very complicated. Also, this literature has created a mindset imbued with parochial outlook and extremist thinking. They have zero tolerance for logic and reason.
There is a third category of scholars who are free of all wants and pressures. They follow the Book of God in its pristine purity and take inspiration from the life of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) alone. They are the genuine Muslims. In their view, no law is better than the Law of God, and no life is a better role-model than the life of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). They speak truth whereas in an evil ridden society no one likes the truth. Consequently, the genuine scholars of Islam lose their voice in the society and are crushed down by the government-paid clerics as well as by the professional-sectarians.
They (professional and official clerics) want to command the masses by the rule of Islamic Shariah. Although, they have no justification from the Quran nevertheless people love their Shariah, and follow them with respect. In my humble opinion, this is the main reason that Muslims are not following the Quran. They have got a good substitute in the form of Islamic Shariah which caters to their all needs - materials as well as spiritual. They bother least to seek the Truth. However, it is God's Decree that the man, despite of all the longings, would never get out of the hell (he is in) until he submit to God's Will - THE QURAN.
Bashir Ahmed Abid
Dated: 06/08/2007
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