Bait ul Maal: Instead of extracting any definition of this word from any dictionary or thesaurus lets first think ourselves, what can be a good classification of this word for a common man of any era? General answer will be, it is a depository where all the reserves and assets are accumulated for any functioning body. Without discussing further on it, let’s jump to another question.
What is a welfare state and how does it function?
An interpretation of a welfare state mentioned by Wikipedia is:
“A model in which the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. This responsibility in theory ought to be comprehensive, because all aspects of welfare are considered and universally applied to citizens as a "right".
Excellent! This means when it’s a citizen’s right, someone can ask that till which extend state should be responsible, as expenses will never end. So the terminology “right” means “basic resources necessary to maintain a good standard of living.”
Now the second part, how does welfare state functions? Again we will try to find out common man’s perception for this question.
The simplest answer can be, the more you earn the more you deposit into BAIT UL MAAL in form of taxes and the accumulated amount will be utilized for the welfare of people. (Memorize it)
Last question, what is Khums? It is a pillar of Islamic Economic System. You can now see the beauty of our religion, remember, in a welfare state “the more u EARN the more you have to pay” but in Islamic system the “the more you SAVE the more you pay”.
What is a welfare state and how does it function?
An interpretation of a welfare state mentioned by Wikipedia is:
“A model in which the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. This responsibility in theory ought to be comprehensive, because all aspects of welfare are considered and universally applied to citizens as a "right".
Excellent! This means when it’s a citizen’s right, someone can ask that till which extend state should be responsible, as expenses will never end. So the terminology “right” means “basic resources necessary to maintain a good standard of living.”
Now the second part, how does welfare state functions? Again we will try to find out common man’s perception for this question.
The simplest answer can be, the more you earn the more you deposit into BAIT UL MAAL in form of taxes and the accumulated amount will be utilized for the welfare of people. (Memorize it)
Last question, what is Khums? It is a pillar of Islamic Economic System. You can now see the beauty of our religion, remember, in a welfare state “the more u EARN the more you have to pay” but in Islamic system the “the more you SAVE the more you pay”.
Any sensible person can conclude that KHUMS based system is far better than Welfare State System but the point is, “Welfare” can be seen in welfare states but where is “Welfare” in khums based societies?
Before proceeding further on this topic let’s make an assumption that every Shia Isna Asheri person is paying khums regularly, if someone is not paying Khums, I doubt calling him Shia Isna Asheri as in our religion who ever has grabbed the right of Janab-e-Sayyeda (s.a.) is considered to be lanatullah no matter how honorable is he considered by other people.
Now if most of shia isna asheri sect followers are giving khums and also we are receiving huge amount of khums/zakat/donations etc. from other places like African, European and North American countries why is so that still there are huge number of shia isna asheri persons who are living below average life and those who are somehow able to maintain their routine expenses are collapsed in case of any unavoidable conditions. Is there any central point today where a momin can go and put forward his issue and a good solution is provided to him?
Any ideas? Why in-spite of fulfilling our religious duties in terms of finance, we are unable to implement a true Islamic society?
Khums is just one pillar, Zakat, Charity, Sadqa are also financial duties of a momin. What can be done to implement the ideal condition, let’s make a model for Khoja community and it can be broaden to entire shia community.
Suppose in Karachi, most of the Khoja community people give their khums to 8-12 different organization/individuals (it can be listed very easily), first of all those 8-12 people should structure an internal group and apart from their respective projects/activities this committee should be combined under one umbrella and form a BAIT UL MAAL, for now let’s assume “Organization A” is formed which comprises of several other organization and individuals who have the permission from mujtahid to collect khums. All khoja community members plus international community who send their funds in Karachi should deposit their khums/zakat/charity to “Organization A”, this organization should be further sub-divided into different departments like Food, Education, health, marriage, emergency relief, professional development, madressas, imambargah fund etc etc. Depending on the current need and with consensus of all members, budget should be allotted to each department and when any of the khoja community members or any organization is in any kind of need, they can contact respective department and after following a pre-defined procedure the department can help the person.
Does it seems difficult? Believe me this is happening today also but the only change is, it will be done under one platform and in more managed way. Currently the funds are utilized without any co-ordination and due to this there is a high chance that different people are working on similar activities and other activities are not focused at all. Entire concept of interest free loans can also be introduced by this organization and the movement of funds can definitely bring a good change in our community.
Another benefit of this one window unit will be setting up project priorities. For example few years back there were no quality madressas in our community and there was urgent need to start good madressas, by the grace of Almighty Allah, several madressas are now operating in different areas specially soldier bazaar. Now what is the current need? To improve and enhance quality of existing madressas or building up a new madressa in same area & same lane?
Further on, this organization can highlight the current need of our community and most of the efforts should be made in that area. Let’s discuss current situation’s example, these days most the people are affected with the recession, many people are losing their jobs and many small business man have no choice left other than to windup their business, so the current need is some support for affected people, this could be providing loans/donations so their business can survive or generating some job opportunities etc. Another main stream requirement is the inflation support unit, the organization can devise a formula; let’s say a 2+2 (2 adult & 2 children) family needs Rs. 20,000/- to maintain a average living standard and current monthly income is Rs. 15,000/-, organization can look for different options to compensate the deficit, it can be either depositing Rs. 5,000/- into his bank account on monthly basis and on other side groom the person, his wife or any elder child so he can overcome the deficit.
I can write a complete book on “One Unit Operation and the concept of BAIT UL MAAL” but I think the core concept is mentioned for your thoughts, we all know that when Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) will come, he will form a true Islamic State where a poor person will not have to wait whole day long standing in front of a donor to receive a Rashon of Rs. 500/-
Can we not start to implement some Islamic economic system rules in our community and leave the rest on Allah (s.w.t) and Masoomeen (a.s.), they are always there to help and guide us.
