Towards A Unified Zakat System

3.4.5 Freedom of ownership and activityIn an Islamic society, the individual is free to engage inany economic activity as long as he/she uses honest meansto produce and sell (e. g., pays his/her employees, does notlie about his product). The only limitation imposed is ongoods and services which are forbidden by the Shariah, suchas alcoholic drinks and prostitution. This, however, doesnot mean that Islamic economics embraces the principle oflaissez-faire as the Islamic State plays a strong role incontrolling the economy when needed. Free competition isencouraged in Islam while monopolistic action is stronglyopposed (Siddiqi, 1980). In the case of natural monopoly,however, the state plays a major role to ensure publicinterests are protected.Private property is recognised by Islam, but there iscontroversy as to its limitation (Behdad, 1992). AllMuslims accept, however, that everything on Earth belongstoGod.To Him belongs what is in the Heavens and on Earth andall between them, and all beneath the soil. (Qur'an,Chapter 20: 6)This belief may be used by the government or the caliph(who is the vicegerent of God) to impose some limitation onownership for the good of the whole society if it is seen72