In our effort to build a stable and dynamic society, we have to adopt the right approach in economic arrangement in line with the principle of “prosper thy neighbour”. Indeed this is the right solution to address the present economic predicament faced by humanity. This stresses the need for everybody to be committed to the principle that individual success and social progress can be attained if everybody works co-operatively and harmoniously in all our economic activities for common prosperity. This approach insists that there must be a unity of purpose for all members of society i.e. to achieve economic advancement for all.
Those who are more fortunates should make all attempts to assist the less fortunates to progress. Everybody economically by nature needs each other. The poors definitely require the assistance of the wealthy and vice-versa. Exploitative mechanisms in all aspects should be minimised and eventually eliminated. Room and space for manipulation should be closed. This also apply to all kinds of unethical conducts.
Prosperity should be shared in a just manner if society is to progress. Thus, all the basic needs of the less fortunates have to be satisfied. This implies that every member of society has to be above the poverty line. The ability to realise this social justice can be the starting point towards sustainable success.
The Holy Quran has given a clear guideline to mankind that `wealth should not circulate only among the rich’. (Quran 59:7). This guideline gives great emphasis on distributive justice where opportunities are made available to everybody without exception. This healthy environment creates strong motivation for everybody to work and to excel. The natural law of meritocracy will be a motivational force for individuals to excel. At the same those who succeed should not neglect the less fortunates
In a lengthy Madinan passage (Quran 2:260-74) the Quran states: “expenditure on the needy is like a single grain that grows seven ears of corn, each ear containing a hundred or more grains, that those who spend in order to show off or who want recognition from their beneficiaries are like rocks upon which there is a thin layer of earth which is easily washed away by a torrential rain”.
The Holy Quran further reiterated that “Satan inspires you with (fear of) poverty (for investing in society) and commands you obscenities; God, on the other hand, promises you forgiveness and prosperity (for such investment)”.(Quran 2:268)
God reminds the Muslims that in the absence of concern for the welfare of the poor, even prayers became hypocritical. The Holy Quran reminds: “Did you see the one who gives the lie to the Faith? It is he who mal-treats orphans and works little for the feeding of the poor. Woe betide, then those who pray, yet are neglectful of their prayers – those who pray for show and even deny the use of their utensils (to the poor).” (Quran 107: 1-7)
Islam in the clear instruction above condemns those who propagates “beggar thy neighbour” approach to social arrangement. The existing society is being influenced by this principle throughout. They are very individualistic. Despite there is a called for social responsibility the approach is not build-up in the process of real economic activity. Indeed the attitude of not helping and not sharing prosperity with others can be a great obstacle not only to spiritual development but also economic. This is because by subscribing to this principle it can lead to social disequilibrium which ultimately can affect economic and social progress.
The Holy Quran also reminds humanity that a civilisation can be destroyed if the individuals commits serious vices like economic oppression and exploitation of the poor, political and social oppression of the poor, and vices of idolatry and permissiveness, as with the people of Noah and Lot.
In a very strong warning, Allah says: “When We want to destroy a town (i.e. a civilisation), We command its luxurious ones, so they commit unrighteousness in it – and when the judgement becomes ripe upon it, We destroy it utterly.” (Quran 17:16)
In our quest to develop our society for the future, Malaysians should try their level best to put into practice the principle of “prosper thy neighbour” in their economic practices. Man should work as a team for social betterment and nobody should be left out in the development, and nobody should be given special preference upon the other. This is where distributive justice should be given priority in economic development, not per capita advancement. Per Capita advancement is the consequent of distributive justice.
In the present materialistic and individualistic society, this seems to be a tall order to materialise this ideal. But through the commitment of those in authority, it is always a possible, for all individuals to reject conflicts for co-operation. This path requires spiritual and moral enlightenment.
There is no doubt that Islam wants Muslims to establish a political and social order based on fair and moral principles. Islam would like Muslim to realise a moderate society that uphold truth, justice and brotherhood amongst man. Indeed it is bestly described in the Holy Quran as ‘ummatan wasatan’. Such an order should eliminate all corruption on earth (fasad fi`l-ard) and reform society in all aspects so that the words of God are supreme.
Thus, the Muslim community, has to go all out to address our predicaments in line with the spirit of “command good and forbid evil” (Quran 3:104). The ability to put into practice all aspects of Islamic principles including “prosper thy neighbour” in economic organisation is a holy struggle which requires in-depth knowledge and skill to take the society along the right path.