Compassion, Democracy & Monetary Systems

As shiny chauffeured four-wheel drives parked bumper-to-bumper waiting to pick up their young masters from school, a destitute slipped between the cars, head bowed, palm out-stretched. His tattered clothes looked soiled and almost mud-like as he hobbled and occasionally leaned against the gleaming metal of these luxurious machines. Hungry and worn, he laments his fate and hopes that someone could help him out of this rut.

The chauffeurs pay no heed to the destitute as this was normal to them. They themselves earn meager pay, earning just enough to feed and clothe their own family. Only if they have some spare cash, the family gets a treat at the local fast food restaurant, but this happened maybe once every few months. Dabbing off their half-smoked cigarette, they kept it for later as they saw that their young master was ready to go.

Staying within the comfort of their air-conditioned school, the young masters peeked through the glass doors to see if their chauffeurs are ready. As their cars arrived the lobby, in less than ten steps, the young masters had taken comfort in their cars, to get back home. Not a word is spoken between the chauffeur and his young master as it was unnecessary, he knows what to do and the boy was busy with ‘angry birds’. The boy never saw the destitute.

To see this happen daily, several thoughts came to me. Is this truly what life is about - that some people simple have, whilst others have not? Where do I place in this equation? Would I be considered as someone who has or has not? More importantly, does it matter where you place yourself?

I believe in the afterlife, and that God is fair in according wealth and virtues to all mankind. In fact, God has accorded a degree of responsibility over people with wealth, that he has dues to society, in the form of zakat or sadaqah. I wondered if observance of such laws of God, could eradicate the suffering of the poor, and make the rich more conscious of society’s needs. I dream of a society in which all basic needs are fulfilled, and people are seen by the value they bring to the community, and not by their wealth and possessions. But is this possible?

Democracy

Many developed democracies lay claim that their societies believe and espouse the ideals of equal rights and opportunity. This had resulted in a ‘class-less’ system in which every individual can prove his worth and will be evaluated based on his contribution to society. People were happier and more driven, as it seemed that they could aspire and work towards a brighter future. Competition intensified as people jostled for the better opportunities and positions – as only the best person can win the best position. Individuals pitted themselves against each other. Economically, the system became more effective and efficient. It all seemed to moving in the right direction, but something went wrong. The wealth gap seemed to widen, as the rich became super rich and the poor became super poor.

Monetary Systems

Some blame may be attributed to the monetary system, which sustained the rich and bled the poor. How does this happen?

The rich make money from money by simply lending money (through the banks). It is almost risk-free income as they are almost certain to make money through the payments plus interest. Whilst those endeavoring to build their own wealth / business, take risk through loans which becomes an unrelenting burden as it incurs extra costs regardless of whether the business is successful.

For those who choose to work for others, their prosperity lies in the hands of those whom they work for as their wages are pegged to their contribution to the business output. Whilst they may fare well, most often, it is only on the condition that the owners of the business are doing better.

I could argue the merits of the interest (riba’) free Islamic financial system – as it prevents the sustenance of unequal wealth, I would prefer to save it for another day.

Compassion

Whether it is zakat, sadaqah, or the prevention of riba, we could see the merits of Islamic concept of finance such that it creates responsibility and opportunity for mankind to create their own fortunes. Yet my focus is on how Islam inculcates compassion amongst humans.

Islam encourages and proves that through compassion, you could create a better society. The wealthy is made responsible for the well being of the poor (zakat & sadaqah). The business climate is fair for all, as no one may gain easily or are heavily burdened by interest (riba’). There is only real value and nothing is inflated beyond its true value.

Whilst many may argue otherwise, I believe that Islam is democratic, as it allows for everyone to have a say and a fair role in society. And I believe that it is better than the democracies that we commonly see in the world today. Whilst being democratic, it places human compassion higher than individual rights, which is rightly so as this prevents people from being selfish.

Back to Our Story …

Whilst I might not be able to change the monetary system or the way we do democracy, I believe that things could be different in our story, if everyone was simply less selfish and had greater compassion for one another.

Instead of just wallowing and lamenting, the destitute could find ways to help the waiting chauffeurs, by cleaning wheels or windows, and earn some income.

The chauffeur could offer some assistance to the destitute by sharing a small portion of their earnings.

The young master could take time to thank his chauffeur, and look beyond his comfortable surroundings – to spare some change and a prayer, for the destitute.