Capitalism and Poverty: A System Based on Exploitation
✍ Written by: Zahid Mughal
Capitalism and Poverty
The current global conditions of poverty, destitution, inequality, and exploitation are unprecedented in human history. This is not a mere coincidence but rather the natural consequence of the capitalist system. The tragedy lies in the fact that modern man considers this very system—one that crushes a vast majority of humanity under the millstone of oppression—as his savior. To make matters worse, this era is even declared the "best period" in human history.
Fundamental Flaws of the Capitalist System
To understand the connection between capitalism and poverty, the following key reasons must be considered:
① Disintegration of Collectivism and Promotion of Individualism
The capitalist market system dismantles traditional social collectivities, confining everything within the scope of the individual. As a result, all processes become individual-centric.
② Production Based on Profit-Seeking
In this system, the value of a person's labor is determined by their ability to generate profit. Only those who are more "efficient" can find a place in this system.
③ Misallocation of Resources
The market system allocates resources only towards the production of goods that yield higher profits. This is why it fulfills the needs of only those who can afford to pay more. For example, while billions of dollars are spent on toys for pets in the US and Europe, food grains are unavailable for the poor in Africa and Asia.
④ Policies of the Capitalist State
As the capitalist state itself is subservient to the interests of capitalists, it formulates policies that concentrate wealth in major cities, corporations, and industries.
Consequences of the Capitalist System
✔ Lack of Employment Opportunities
Only the efficient individuals find a place in the market, resulting in diminished job opportunities for others. Resources are transferred to large urban centers, and this process disintegrates traditional collectivities, thereby increasing economic and social inequality.
✔ Poverty and Destitution
In this individualistic system, it becomes impossible to protect the family and other traditional social units. As a result, most people fall into poverty. In traditional religious societies, wealth was distributed on collective principles, where everyone received an equal share.
✔ Unequal Distribution of Wealth
Since individuals differ in their productive capacities, the distribution of wealth in the capitalist system becomes unequal. This inequality continues to grow over time like a self-operating mechanism.
✔ Concentration of Political and Social Power
In capitalist societies, political and social power remains in the hands of those who own wealth. These elites influence policymaking and exploit the labor class.
Capitalism and Oppression: Inseparably Linked
It is unimaginable that a capitalist system could exist without poverty, destitution, and exploitation. This system is rooted in oppression and brutality, and this has always been its history. Sadly, modern Muslim thinkers not only consider this system to be superior to the early Islamic eras in certain respects, but also attempt to interpret Islam through the lens of capitalism.
The Deception of the Modern Mind
It is astonishing that despite the capitalist system promoting the worst inequality in human history, the modern mind continues to believe in its principle of "equality." The coercion of this system has instilled a false sense of acceptance among the masses—though in reality, it is nothing more than a dream of a utopian paradise.
Conclusion
Thinkers who believe that people can be drawn toward Islam without dismantling the capitalist system are far removed from reality. This system yields the worst outcomes for humanity, and the establishment of true justice is impossible without its elimination.
