Economic Security in Islam

by يوسف القرضاوي, يوسف القرضاوي

This book is an English rendering of a popular Arabic book entitled Mushkala al-Faqr wa Kaifa 'Aljiha al-Islam by the renowned Muslim Scholar 'Yusuf al-Qaradawi. The author depicts the basic principles of the Islamic Economic System in the light of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah.

He also offers a comparative study of the economic systems functioning under the three ideologies viz., Communism, Capitalism and Islam, contrasting them objectively and establishing the superiority of the latter with convincing arguments. Capitalistic and Communism Ideologies have proven to be lacking in giving mankind the much needed peace and security. These ideologies are rather fatal in the peace and progress of humanity.

While the Economic System gifted by Islam, like its laws and orders are relevant to all other social disciplines, can safely be called universal law. It works in any kind of society. It is a system of brotherhood and mutual love and affection. It never favours class-struggle and hatred. It provides real peace, safety and tranquility to mankind.

203 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

ولد الدكتور/ يوسف القرضاوي في إحدى قرى جمهورية مصر العربية، قرية صفت تراب مركز المحلة الكبرى، محافظة الغربية، في 9/9/1926م وأتم حفظ القرآن الكريم، وأتقن أحكام تجويده، وهو دون العاشرة من عمره.
التحق بمعاهد الأزهر الشريف، فأتم فيها دراسته الابتدائية والثانوية.
ثم التحق بكلية أصول الدين بجامعة الأزهر، ومنها حصل على العالية سنة 52-1953م.
ثم حصل على العالمية مع إجازة التدريس من كلية اللغة العربية سنة 1954م .
وفي سنة 1958حصل على دبلوم معهد الدراسات العربية العالية في اللغة والأدب.
وفي سنة 1960م حصل على الدراسة التمهيدية العليا المعادلة للماجستير في شعبة علوم القرآن والسنة من كلية أصول الدين.
وفي سنة 1973م حصل على (الدكتوراة) بامتياز مع مرتبة الشرف الأولى من نفس الكلية، عن: "الزكاة وأثرها في حل المشاكل الاجتماعية".

alternative spellings
يوسف القرضاوي
Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
Yusuf El-Karadâvi

Reviews

[Mohamed Asraf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Economic Security in Islam by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi offers a timeless critique of both capitalism and communism, showing how neither system can truly bring peace and security to humanity. The book reminds readers that poverty is not just a lack of wealth but a disease that breaks human bonds and pushes people beyond moral limits.

He beautifully explains that God bestows sustenance to man through man, emphasizing mutual responsibility in society. He quotes scholars like Al-Ghazali, who viewed trade and industry as necessities, showing that Islam encourages productivity and ethical enterprise.

The book highlights that true richness lies in the heart, not in material possessions, and that man is only a custodian of God’s wealth, not its owner. Poverty, he argues, cannot be solved by handing out bread or coins, it must be addressed by empowering the poor with lasting means of income.

He also recalls the reign of Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, when justice and fair governance made the people so prosperous that there were no poor left to receive charity. He also made a strong case for Zakat.

An inspiring and deeply reflective read that shows how Islam’s economic goals that promotes justice, dignity, and balance for all.

[Mohd Ashraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made a strong case for Zakat, Waqaf, and Alms Giving as parts of the state's economy.

[EElmira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was a part of my MBA "review a book" assignment. I thought it would bore at first but after diving into several pages, I realise I was too ignorant on this topic and little did I know about the main function of zakat or alms, which is not just to help the poor and needy but at a bigger scale, lift and strengthen the development of the entire ummah. The goal was to support people to get out of poverty as poverty can also cause disobedience to Allah. Qardhawi also mentioned other unexpected non-financial benefits. Even during the time of sahabah, there was a systematic distribution zakat and was not blindly distributed. In the end, the whole purpose is to uphold the social justice so that the whole society enjoys a healthy economy.