waged for the acquisition of land. Endless litigation has been the
result of disputes regarding the ownership of land. The Qur'an
categorically states that the earth belongs to God and serves the
purpose of providing subsistence to all living creatures. Private
ownership of land is thus ruled out:
And the earth (land) He has created for the benefit of all living beings
(55:10).
It is the source of livelihood for men as well as other creatures:
And We have provided therein (in the land) sustenance for you, and for
those for whom you do not provide (15:20).
The point is stressed in another verse;
And after that He spread the earth and brought forth from it its water
and its pasture. And mountains He firmly set. (All this He did) as a
provision for you and your cattle (79:30-33).
It is thus clear that land, like water and air, heat and light, is God's
gift to all men. For a man to claim proprietary right to them is,
therefore, tantamount to claiming equality with God. The Qur'an
declares in no uncertain terms:
Say thou: Do ye indeed believe not in Him Who created the earth in
two long ages and ascribe ye unto Him rivals? He (and none else) is the
Nourisher of the universe. And He placed therein stable mountains
above it and blessed it, and measured therein its foods in four periods
(seasons of the year), alike for those who stand in need of it (41:9-10).
Just as the amount of work put in by man determines his rightful
share in the wealth produced, so his share in the produce of the land
shall be proportionate to his labour on it. If it had not been for
diverse favourable factors, his labour would have been in vain. The
Qur'an points out this in the following verses:
And have you seen that which you cultivate? Do you make the seed to
grow or do We make it to grow? If We willed We could surely make it
dry, then you cease not to exclaim: Lo! We are laden with debt, nay but
we are deprived of harvest. And have you observed that water which
you drink? Is it you who shed it from the raincloud, or are We the
shedder? If We willed We could make it bitter. Why then are you not
grateful? And have you observed the fire which you strike out? Was it
you who made the tree thereof to grow, or were We the grower? We
(have mentioned all this just to) remind you (of the real facts).
Remember! We have made all this means of provision for the hungry
(56:63-73).
We are, therefore, driven to the conclusion that in participating in
The Rububiyyah Order-Its Aim and Scope 205