Islam as an Anti-Capitalist Blueprint: Unpacking the Concepts

In exploring the intersection of capitalism and religion, particularly Islam, we encounter rich ideas that challenge the foundations of modern economic systems. This blog post aims to delve into these concepts, drawing on insights from key texts and personal experiences to illustrate how Islam offers a counter-narrative to the excesses of capitalism.

The Heretical, Shirk?, Nature of Capitalism

Naomi Klein's No Logo offers a critique of corporate power and neoliberal economic policies. Klein exposes how corporations manipulate cultural symbols and identities to perpetuate consumerism and maintain control. This manipulation can be seen as a form of modern-day heresy, where the pursuit of profit is elevated above all else, contradicting traditional religious values that prioritize communal well-being and ethical conduct.

But what exactly does heresy mean? Theologically, heresy refers to a serious error or deviation from established religious beliefs. It’s a transgression so grave that it can sever one’s relationship with God. In Islam, this is called Shirk, which means associating partners with God or attributing divinity to others besides Allah. Shirk is considered the most severe sin in Islam.

In contrast to Capitalism, Islam emphasizes social justice and the redistribution of wealth. The principles of Zakat (charitable giving) and the prohibition of Riba (interest) are foundational to Islamic economic thought, aiming to prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. This is opposed to capitalist practices that often exacerbate inequality and social stratification.

Materialism vs. True Freedom

Bell Hooks, in Rock My Soul, discusses how the pursuit of material goods and power is often seen as more attainable than true freedom, especially within marginalized communities. This materialistic focus can divert energy away from collective liberation and towards individual gain, reinforcing the very systems of oppression that restrict true freedom.

Islam, however, teaches that true freedom comes from spiritual fulfillment and adherence to moral principles. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of contentment and warned against the relentless pursuit of wealth. This spiritual perspective challenges the capitalist notion that happiness and success are tied to material accumulation.

The Dialectics of Power and Resistance

Edward Said’s Orientalism and Cedric J. Robinson’s Black Marxism provide deep insights into how power operates within capitalist systems. Said’s idea of Orientalism explains how the West creates and maintains power over the "Orient" through cultural representations, reinforcing a hierarchy that benefits the dominant powers. Similarly, Robinson demonstrates the intrinsic link between race and capitalism, where marginalized groups, particularly Black workers, are systematically oppressed by capitalist structures. But why does Robinson particularly draw our attention to Ireland? What significance does Ireland have in relation to capitalism? Because Ireland reveals that race is an instrument of power. The colonial tactics later used across the world were first practiced on the Irish, underscoring the idea that colonialism's roots were established in Europe before expanding to indigenous communities globally.

Islam, as a religion that arose among the oppressed in Arabia, embodies resistance to tyranny and injustice. The early Muslim community, persecuted by the powerful Quraysh tribe, maintained their commitment to justice, eventually establishing an equitable society. This historical context demonstrates how Islam inherently offers a framework for resisting and dismantling oppressive systems.

Personal Reflections: Learning from the Past

Growing up, my education at Yorkwoods Public School included learning Egyptian hieroglyphics. This early fascination with Egyptian history, alongside the Egyptian architectural revival in 18th-century Ireland, raises broader questions about the significance of ancient Egypt. Islamically, Egypt is where Firoun (Pharaoh), one of God’s most notorious oppressors, held power, and where Moses, with Allah’s help, defeated him by splitting the sea. So, is the fascination with Egypt actually symbolic of the battle between Moses and Firoun—representing the eternal struggle between power and resistance?

Coincidentally, in October of last year during the rise of Palestinian resistance, I remember watching CP24 report that Egypt would be providing aid to the Palestinians. It's incredible for Egypt to be giving aid, but is this aid also symbolic, just like the Egyptian architectural revival in Ireland? Is it similar to how our educational system teaches Egyptian hieroglyphics, invoking symbolism of the state’s power over us?

A Call to Action

If the state uses the same oppressive tactics as Firoun to maintain power over us, is the antithesis to rely on the tools Allah gave us? The Quran and the Hadith? But what is the Quran and what is Hadith? The Quran is Allah’s word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Jibreel, the most powerful angel. The Hadith is the manifestation of the Quran, reflecting the actions and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Allah’s best human creation and the final Prophet.

Islam and Capitalism, as explored in various scholarly works, illustrate the fundamental incompatibility between the principles of Islam and the practices of capitalism. The foundations of Islam—emphasizing justice, community, and the equitable distribution of resources—stand in stark contrast to the profit-driven motives of capitalist economies.

This understanding calls for a reevaluation of our economic systems and practices. By embracing the values of Islam, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world.