By Maulana Syed Abul A’la Maududi
The most fundamental truth regarding economics, which the Quran emphasizes repeatedly, is that all resources upon which human livelihood depends are created by Allah. He designed them in such a way and established natural laws such that they benefit the human being. It is Allah who has granted humans the ability to utilize these resources and given them authority over them:
“He is the One Who smoothed out the earth for you, so move about in its regions and eat from His provisions. And to Him is the resurrection ˹of all˺.” (Al-Mulk 67:15)
“And He is the One Who spread out the earth and placed firm mountains and rivers upon it, and created fruits of every kind in pairs. He covers the day with night. Surely in this are signs for those who reflect.” (Ar-Ra’d 13:3)
“He created everything on earth for you.” (Al-Baqarah 2:29)
“It is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and sends down rain from the sky, causing fruits to grow as a provision for you. He has subjected the ships for your service, sailing through the sea by His command, and has subjected the rivers for you. He has ˹also˺ subjected for you the sun and the moon, both constantly orbiting, and has subjected the day and night for you. And He has granted you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed humankind is truly unfair, ˹totally˺ ungrateful.” (Ibrahim 14:32-34)
“We established your authority on earth and provided you with the means of sustenance.” (Al-A’raf 7:10)
“Have you ever thought about the crops you sow? Is it you who causes them to grow, or is it We who make them grow?”
(Syed Abul A’la Maududi, Tafheem-ul-Quran, Vol. 62, Issue 5, January 1965, pp. 37-38)