Let’s be honest for a moment. Have you ever felt strange when reading economic news that says it’s on the rise, but why is the content of your wallet still the same? They say economic growth is positive, but in reality prices are getting more expensive, businesses are getting harder, and many people are still living hand to mouth.
This is nothing new. Often, economic numbers look cool on paper, but the reality on the ground is a different story. Not because people are lazy or uncreative, but because the system in place is not entirely fair. The rich get richer, the poor are increasingly marginalized.
In Islam, distributive justice is not an addition, but part of the foundation. Because in truth, economic growth without fair distribution will only give birth to deeper inequality. And this is where Islam speaks: growth must revive, not just elevate. So if today we talk about growth, let’s also discuss: who is actually growing, and who is being left behind?
The Widening Gap
Inequality is not just about salary figures. It is about who has access, who can control. Resources are often concentrated in the hands of a few. In fact, this earth was created by Allah ﷻ for all, not just for the elite or capitalists.
If wealth only circulates among certain groups, the lower classes can only watch from a distance. Meanwhile, the rich continue to accumulate because the system allows it. Islam views this as a form of structural injustice that must be fixed.
” كَيْ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةًۭ بَيْنَ ٱلْأَغْنِيَآءِ مِنكُم ْ”
“…so that wealth does not circulate only among the rich among you.” (QS. Al-Hasyr : 7)
This verse gives a strong message: wealth should not only circulate at the top. There must be circulation down, to the edges, to all lines. Islam does not talk about utopia. But it talks about a balancing system.
Unfortunately, the value-free logic of modern economics often treats distribution as a moral matter, not a system. The result? Those who already have power can take more, while others must be satisfied with the leftovers.
Also read: Gross Monthly Salary Allocation for Sharia Investment
Distributive Justice Is a System, Not Just Kindness
Islam is not enough to rely only on kindness. There is a system of ownership that regulates which belongs to individuals, which belongs to the public, and which belongs to the state. If everything is handed over to individuals, in the end, the strong will become stronger.
Distribution is not about pity, but about responsibility. The state has a big role to play in ensuring that access to wealth, resources, and opportunities is not closed only to the elite. Through zakat, infak, prohibition of usury, and even prohibition of hoarding (kanzul māl), Islam puts a brake on excessive accumulation.
“And those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend it in the way of Allah, then tell them a painful punishment.” (QS. At-Taubah : 34)
If this distribution works, then growth will be felt not only in statistical figures, but in stalls, in markets, and in our homes.
And it is not about impoverishing the rich, but reviving the social role of wealth. Wealth is a trust. It must function, not just sit there. This is where it is important to understand that the Islamic economic system is not just about halal-haram in transactions, but also about arranging the flow of wealth so that its benefits are broad.
Also read: Managing and Avoid Gharar and Maisir in Sharia Investment
The Economy Must Be Enlivening, Not Just Profitable
Growth that is only measured by GDP, without looking at who enjoys the results, will be a false growth. What should have gone up together, instead, is getting further apart. One is busy looking for expansion opportunities, the other is busy looking for ways to pay monthly installments.
Islam does not reject growth. In fact, it encourages people to be productive. But that growth must be framed with values: so that what develops is not just pockets, but also humanity.
Distribution in Islam is not an optional charity, but a mandatory mechanism. When the state plays a role, society also moves. Wealth flows, opportunities open up, and the economy grows from the roots, not the top.
Islamic economics seeks to create a society where the circulation of wealth brings together value, charity, and productivity. There, growth is enjoyed not only by capital owners, but also by workers, small traders, farmers, and other elements of society. That is the essence of life-giving growth.
Also read: The Important Wealth Planning in Sharia Compliant
Khotimah: Growth Must Be Enlivening
Behind the growth figures, there are people’s lives that need to be lifted. Because the economy is not just about profit, but about how life becomes better, fairer, more humane.
Islam came not only bringing morality, but also a system. And this system will be beneficial if it is carried out with full trust by individuals, society, and the state.
Growth that is not accompanied by justice will only give birth to new crises. But growth that is based on healthy distribution will give birth to widespread blessings. That is the growth we seek: growing together, not alone.
Also read: Spirit of Togetherness in Islamic Crowdfunding
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
Reference
Al-Qur’an al-Karim. Accessed from https://tafsirweb.com
An-Nabhani, Taqiyuddin. Nizham al-Iqtishadi fi al-Islam . Jakarta: Fikrul Islam
Hadits.id. “HR. Muslim.” Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim