Economic imbalances and the role of Islam - an essay in Qur'anic interpretation

The unfair ownership of means of production and the inequitable distribution of a society's resources are the roots of all 'economic imbalances.' These imbalances have only been exacerbated in the economic systems of the world. In a Capitalist system, the wealth is controlled by the few while in a Communist framework the ruling party has total control. A just hand on the means of production is guaranteed in neither. The discrepancies in wealth are not even ameliorated by these systems. It is claimed by Islam's supporters that the Islamic framework is the one in which economic imbalances are minimized. Not everyone in an Islamic economy has the same income, just as not everyone has the same skill level. Nonetheless, all have equal opportunity to procure wealth. In al-Qur'an, there are rules regarding how riches may be acquired. Private ownership can be limited or taken away by the state. As for spending money, it should be done generously and compassionately. Wealth beyond on