Egalitarianism in Islam
The Muslim community being termed as an Ummah holds a significant value. The term is unique and first one of its kind. The meaning of which has been interpreted differently by different explorers or the writers. Orientalist explorer Bertram Thomas has called the Ummah as a “super tribe”, or it is a “neo-tribe” in words of Marshall Hodgson.
However, Ummah basically refers to Muslim community across time and place. What makes this community different? It is the fact that this community is based on the moral grounds rather than utilitarian principles. First of all protection of every individual is guaranteed.
“The retribution for an injury is an equal injury, but those who forgive the injury and make reconciliation will be rewarded by the God” (42:40).
This community has an equal blood worth of every member. No life is less than the other and it was another innovation of Islam. In conclusion, The Shaikh’s eye has to be worth the same as that of an orphan’s. The removal of usury from the religion-economic system is one such step towards alleviating the divide between the poor and the rich.
Therefore, The whole concept of Zakat revolves around this same concept of egalitarianism.
Above all, These rights are much more evident in the rights that has been bestowed upon women.
The Quran said that men and women were created together and from a single cell (4:1). Islam has hone to great lengthy to emphasize on the equality of both sexes. While acknowledging that both of the sexes have separate and distinct roles in a society. Which was a preposterous claim to make in the seventh century Arabia.
#Quran #Islam #Zakat
