Islam, poverty and income distribution: a discussion of the distinctive Islamic approach to eradication of poverty and achievement of an equitable distribution of income and wealth

The author sees a just economic system, in the Islamic manner, as one in which absolute poverty is erased and wealth (as well as income) is distributed fairly amongst the members of the society. In such a setting, everyone is free of deprivation of basic essentials. If al-Qur'an and the Sunnah are used as guides for government action, it is believed, this kind of system can be engendered. To achieve an Islamic economy, the author feels, the actions of the government need to be geared towards promoting productive efforts, in line with Islamic values; towards seeking out growth; towards overseeing the affairs of the business world for the protection of justice; towards maintaining each person's equal rights regarding opportunity and other matters; towards upholding property rights and property obligations; towards running the inheritance system according to the Shar'iah; towards making factor markets more just; towards using monetary and fiscal measures for social good; and towards uphol