I now turn to the slavery which in practice results from economic conditions. Before I go on to explain the remedies which Islam has proposed in this field, it is necessary to remind ourselves of the theories which lead to that discrimination between the rich and the poor which we observe today.

‘Might is Right’

First, it is sometimes said that as in the last resort most people act upon the rule of might being right, the rest of mankind is forced in sheer self-defence to follow it. For instance, the British when they possessed the power took whatever they could lay their hands on. Other countries may, therefore, consider it quite legitimate to follow in their footsteps. (…)

‘The economy needs no state interference’

Secondly, some people contend that the State ought not to attempt any control in the economic field and that things should be left to adjust themselves by actual working. These people believe that the able and the strong are entitled to forge ahead and should not be subjected to any artificial control.

‘Race differences are just a reality’

Another theory is that race differences are a reality which cannot be overlooked and that the due allowance must be made for them. The Hindu caste system is based upon and justified by an appeal to this theory. Under this system caste is determined by birth and the discrimination that results therefrom cannot be modified or abolished.

‘The majority decides’

A fourth theory is pithily expressed in the saying “Majority has authority.” In pursuance of this theory a minority is not entitled to any voice in the affairs of a nation and is often ruthlessly suppressed.

‘He who finds keeps’

Another theory is that, that which has no owner belongs to the first finder. This doctrine was very familiar to us as children. Whenever any of us found something lying about in a manner which indicated that it had either been lost or thrown away, we would appropriate it by repeating the formula, “He who finds keeps;” as if that justified all such appropriations. But the articles to which children apply this formula are generally of no value.

Islam: Proclaim what you found until its owner appears

The Holy Prophet (s) was asked what was to be done with an ownerless article. He asked the questioner to explain what he meant. The questioner asked what was he to do if he came across a stray goat in the desert? The Holy Prophet said, “In that case you must call out for its owner, and if in spite of calling out for him you are unable to find him, you may appropriate the goat, for, if you will not do that, it will be devoured by a wolf”. He was then asked what was to be done with a stray camel. He replied, “You have no concern with a stray camel; it can feed itself and look after itself, you should set it at liberty.” The questioner then said: “What am I to do, O Prophet of God, If I find a bag of money?” The Holy Prophet replied, “If you find a bag of money, take it up and continue to proclaim the fact till its owner appears and then restore it to him.”

Europe: appropriate whatever belongs to a weak nation

(…) In great contrast with these Islamic principles is the theory which European nations have followed in respect of weak and helpless peoples. They think that they are entitled to appropriate whatever is without an owner or whatever belongs to a weak nation. Australia is a great continent, but it has been appropriated by the British as an ownerless tract of land. India is a vast country with a huge population. This also has been appropriated by them on the same principle. The same applies to other European nations who have possessed themselves of vast continents like North and South America and groups of Islands; the principle being that a newly discovered country or continent, or a country having a weak government belongs to the first comer.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, The New World Order of Islam (1942), Islam International Publications, Tilford UK 2005 (pdf); p. 74-77. Subheadings by the editor.