Solution to the Economic and Financial Problems of Muslims: In the Context of the Thoughts of Malek Bennabi

مسلمانوں کے اقتصادی و معاشی مسائل کاحل: فکرِمالک بن نبیؒ کے تناظرمیں

Abstract

After the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate, Muslims had neither a caliph nor a leader around whom the Ummah could unite and who could collectively protect the borders and interests of the Muslims. In these circumstances, some thinkers and intellectuals emerged who, with some innovative changes appropriate to the situation, once again raised the slogan of unity and solidarity of the Ummah. Although their plans and ideologies differed, the goal of all of them was the unity of the Ummah. Among these thinkers, Jamāl ud Dīn Afghānī proposed the idea of Muslim unity. Malek Bennabi presented a framework for an "Islamic Commonwealth" to address the Muslims' weak economic situation, while Sheikh Hassan al-Bannā from Egypt established the Muslim Brotherhood to give this idea a practical form. Malek Bennabi was born in Algeria in 1905. Since he opened his eyes during the colonial era, it was a time of decline for both Algeria and Muslims in general. During this period of decline, the educational, social, cultural, and economic conditions of Muslims were deteriorating. In such circumstances, the Muslim thinker Malek Bennabi conducted a comprehensive study of this decline. His study also included an examination of the economic and financial situation. When he observed that Muslims were in a state of decline, he pondered over the causes of this decline and ultimately reached a conclusion. To disseminate his thoughts, he authored books, delivered speeches at meetings and gatherings, and used all available means of communication. Along with this, he also initiated practical efforts. Ultimately, he succeeded in providing Muslims with a solid direction and a correct path. The current study provides a summary of his thoughts and an examination of the future course of action.