74 chapter two
which are related to the differences between their talents, earning
ability and the amount of effort they put in to work. Being rich is
not a sin and being poor does not give per se an exclusive license
to paradise since paradise is also open to the rich. It is the person’s
behaviour, why he is poor (unwilling to work hard?) and how he
uses his wealth that permits an entry to paradise or otherwise.
The recognition of income and wealth differences between indi-
viduals has been stated in the Qur"àn in various verses, for example,
“God gives abundantly to whom He will and sparingly to whom He
pleases” (Qur"àn, 13:26), “To some of you God has given more than
to others” (Qur"àn, 16:71), and “God gives without measure to whom
He will” (Qur"àn, 2:212). These differences arise because people are
different as to: (a) their natural abilities and talents, for which God
is responsible since He has made them so, (b) their endeavour to
learn and acquire knowledge that helps improve their earning capac-
ity, and (c) their readiness to work hard; some work harder than
others.
Why people are created differently and have been given powers
of discretion is a question that has been answered by God. The
Qur"àn explains, “Had God bestowed in abundance upon His ser-
vants, they would have filled the earth with evil, but He gives them
what He will in due measure, He knows and observes His servants.
It is He who sends down rain for them when they have lost hope,
and spreads abroad His blessings. He is the Glorious Guardian”
(Qur"àn, 42:27, 28), and in a different example, “Had God not defended
some men by the might of others, the monasteries and churches,
the synagogues and mosques in which His praise is daily celebrated,
would have been utterly destroyed” (Qur"àn, 22:40). The reason,
therefore, seems to lie in the idea that legitimate discrimination may
help achieve a sort of balance in the infrastructure of the commu-
nity. (If all were rich, no one would be willing to do the jobs that
demand less talent than others though they are very important).
However, illegitimate discrimination, by race or colour, is forbid-
den in Islam. The Prophet has stated emphatically, “People are as
equal as the comb’s teeth”, and, “The noblest of you are the best
in character” (flaœìœ al-Bùkhari). Furthermore, the recognition of
wealth differences between individuals does not give a reason for
any illegitimate discrimination in the society. The Prophet is reported
to have said, “Certainly God does not look at your faces or your
wealth; He looks at your hearts and deeds” (flaœìœ al-Bùkhari).