Written by: Dr. Zahid Mughal
In the modern era, the vast network of professional charitable organizations and NGOs is, in reality, a by-product of the injustices of the liberal capitalist system. These institutions attempt to meet the needs of those who have been rendered vulnerable and unsupported by this very system. Capitalism reduces all relationships to self-interest, compelling individuals to live isolated, individualistic lives. Success and survival are measured solely by economic productivity; those who are not economically active are effectively excluded from the social order.
In such societies, groups such as the elderly, sick, disabled, orphans, and widows are pushed to the margins. These individuals are left with only two options:
Capitalist states, especially in the Third World, lack the resources to care for these vulnerable groups. With failing economies and insufficient tax revenue, these states cannot afford to meet the needs of their non-productive populations. Meanwhile, the global capitalist order limits state intervention, fearing that too much state control might harm the "free market". This creates a fundamental contradiction:
Capitalism creates large vulnerable populations and simultaneously restricts the means to care for them.
Due to this failure, NGOs and charities arise to bear the burden. For every vulnerable group, there is a specialized institution — old age homes, daycares, asylums, orphanages, centers for the disabled, etc. These organizations both attempt to solve the problems caused by capitalism, and promote the illusion that capitalism cares about the rights of the weak.
In comparison, traditional family and tribal systems never required these institutions. Kinship and community provided care: the sick were visited, the disabled were cared for, and even funerals were handled within the family. These responsibilities were motivated by love and mercy, not professionalism or profit. In the capitalist world, everything is institutionalized and detached from emotional bonds.
The modern mind, unfortunately, has rejected religious alternatives and embraced capitalism. When invited to Islam, this mindset demands fully prepared alternatives, yet accepted capitalism without any solid pre-implementation model. This hypocrisy is tragic: capitalism is accepted with all its failures, but Islam is dismissed until it provides a perfect substitute.
❶ NGOs and professional charities are merely patchwork responses to the social failures of capitalism.
❷ Capitalist states lack the resources and will to care for the marginalized.
❸ Traditional social systems ensured care through kinship and love, unlike today’s impersonal institutions.
❹ The modern mindset’s rejection of Islamic alternatives, while embracing a flawed capitalist model, represents a deep intellectual tragedy.
❖ Capitalism and the Emergence of NGOs
In the modern era, the vast network of professional charitable organizations and NGOs is, in reality, a by-product of the injustices of the liberal capitalist system. These institutions attempt to meet the needs of those who have been rendered vulnerable and unsupported by this very system. Capitalism reduces all relationships to self-interest, compelling individuals to live isolated, individualistic lives. Success and survival are measured solely by economic productivity; those who are not economically active are effectively excluded from the social order.
❖ The Marginalization of the Inactive in Capitalist Societies
In such societies, groups such as the elderly, sick, disabled, orphans, and widows are pushed to the margins. These individuals are left with only two options:
- The capitalist state, or
- NGOs and professional charity organizations
❖ The Failure of the Capitalist State
Capitalist states, especially in the Third World, lack the resources to care for these vulnerable groups. With failing economies and insufficient tax revenue, these states cannot afford to meet the needs of their non-productive populations. Meanwhile, the global capitalist order limits state intervention, fearing that too much state control might harm the "free market". This creates a fundamental contradiction:
Capitalism creates large vulnerable populations and simultaneously restricts the means to care for them.
❖ NGOs as a Response to Systemic Failure
Due to this failure, NGOs and charities arise to bear the burden. For every vulnerable group, there is a specialized institution — old age homes, daycares, asylums, orphanages, centers for the disabled, etc. These organizations both attempt to solve the problems caused by capitalism, and promote the illusion that capitalism cares about the rights of the weak.
❖ Traditional Social Order vs. Capitalist Structure
In comparison, traditional family and tribal systems never required these institutions. Kinship and community provided care: the sick were visited, the disabled were cared for, and even funerals were handled within the family. These responsibilities were motivated by love and mercy, not professionalism or profit. In the capitalist world, everything is institutionalized and detached from emotional bonds.
❖ The Tragedy of the Modern Mind
The modern mind, unfortunately, has rejected religious alternatives and embraced capitalism. When invited to Islam, this mindset demands fully prepared alternatives, yet accepted capitalism without any solid pre-implementation model. This hypocrisy is tragic: capitalism is accepted with all its failures, but Islam is dismissed until it provides a perfect substitute.
✿ Summary
❶ NGOs and professional charities are merely patchwork responses to the social failures of capitalism.
❷ Capitalist states lack the resources and will to care for the marginalized.
❸ Traditional social systems ensured care through kinship and love, unlike today’s impersonal institutions.
❹ The modern mindset’s rejection of Islamic alternatives, while embracing a flawed capitalist model, represents a deep intellectual tragedy.
