Social Justice

“Putting Social Justice First: The Case of Islamic Economics”, A. Zaman, J. Qadir, Journal of Islamic Banking & Finance. Oct–Dec 2017, Vol. 34, Issue 4, pp 87–99. 13p;

World Economics Association

ONLINE Conferences, 2016

FOOD AND JUSTICE

Ideas for a new global food agenda?

2016, n. 2: 5th November to 5th December 2016

Putting Social Justice First: The Case of Islamic Economics

Author: Asad Zaman and Junaid Qadir

Abstract

If we try to figure out the most pressing economics problems in the world today, most concerned citizens would prioritize those problems related to urgent societal welfare needs—e.g., feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and treating the sick or disabled. But we find a huge mismatch between these objectives and the intents, priorities, and effects of modern economic systems, which are fixated on increasing wealth and production often at the cost of other factors that relate to human welfare. In this paper, we argue the case for a new economics in which social justice acts as the cornerstone. Towards this vision, we present the case of Islamic economics, which is an economic system based on justice, equality, and other principles that prohibit exploitation of others and social harm.

Key-words:

Hunger; Justice; Islam; Development; Islamic Economics

Author(s) details:

Asad Zaman,

Vice Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Developmental Economics, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Junaid Qadir,

Associate Professor, Information Technology University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Paper was developed from previous version (with substantial modifications and additions) entitled: "First Fundamental Economic Problem: Feeding the Hungry"