Miscellaneous Issues in Business: Ruling on Capitalism and Excessive Wealth in Islam
Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei
Miscellaneous Issues in Business: Ruling on Capitalism and Excessive Wealth in Islam
English:
Question #1603:
What is the Islamic ruling in the matter of capitalism? Is it permissible for a person to become ultra-rich provided that they meet their religious obligations, i.e., by paying the dues of the poor and the needy? Is the war waged by Islam against capitalism confined to the wealth of those people who do not pay khums and zakāt, or is it a total war? And is it feasible for anyone to be excessively rich, although they pay religious dues on their wealth?
Answer #1603:
The religious dues that should be payable by the wealthy are not confined to zakāt and khums only. Islam is not against the creation of wealth provided that it is earned through lawful means and that one should be committed to paying all religious dues. Investing such wealth should be in the interest of Islam and Muslims. Provided people adhere to those principles, there is no objection to their becoming wealthy in the process.