الإسلام والغرب: نحو عالم أفضل

Islam and the West… for a better world @

theoretically. One can say that it is Islam which today supports enlightenment and clarity in the field of “economics”. 9. Is Capitalism a new Religion? The question may be formulated in a more provocative way by asking whether capitalism itself is a religion or not: is it not a religion which coerces generations into servicing their debt? It is to such themes and questions – which are far more exciting that the matter of the head scarf - that we invite non-Muslims to discuss with us Muslims. In the Sura ar-Rum - The Romans (30:39) we also find a clear warning directed at us Muslims against the dangers of purely capitalistic striving after profit: What you give with usurious intent, aiming to get back a greater amount from people’s wealth, does not become greater with Allah. But anything you give as zakat, seeking the face of Allah – all who do that will get back twice as much. 9. Islam and Economy The fact is that in Islam economic questions are an important part of our daily way of life. We all know that our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, established not only a mosque, but also a market. According to traditional understanding, a free market necessarily belongs alongside every mosque. It is important to know that according to Islamic law every person should be guaranteed free and equal access to the market. Islam provides an answer to the spiritual and material needs of people. Because the Islamic revelation recognises the tension between material needs and spiritual well being, the Muslims have a concrete as well as intellectual contribution to make to the questions of this time. Islam is a way of life.

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