Islam_in_Focus_text

ing or exploitation is strictly inhibited and cancellable by the
Law even after it is concluded- The main purpose of the Is-
lamic legislations on eeonomics and commerce is to secure
the rights of the individual and maintain the solidarity of so-
ciety, to intfoduce high morality to the vvorld of business and
enforce the Law of God in that sphere of enterprise. It is log-
ical and consistent that Islam should be concerned with such
aspects as these, because it is not merely a spiritual formula
but a coinplete system of life in all its walks.
Proprietors are constantly reminded of the fact that they
are in reality mere agents appointed by God to administer
their holdings. There is nothing in Islam to stop the Muslim
from attaining wealth and endeavoring for material improve-
ments through lawful means and decent channels. Yet the
fact remains that man comes to this world empty-handed and
departs from it likewise. The actual and real owner of things
is God alone of Whom any proprietor is simply an appointed
agent, a mere trustee. This is not only a fact of life but also
has a significant bearing on human behavior, It rnakes the
proprietor always ready to spend in the Way of God and to
contribute to worthy causes. It makes him responsi ve to the
needs of his society and gives him an important role to play,
a sacred mission to fulfill. It saves him from the pit of self-
ishness, greed and injustice, This is the true conception of
property in Islam, and that is the actual status of proprietors.
The Qur'an considers possession of wealth a trying test, and