CSS 2025 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Disadvantages of the Concentration of Wealth
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2025 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner was asked to describe the disadvantages of the concentration of wealth. This question is divided into two sub-parts. First, you have to consider the disadvantages of the concentration of wealth. Second, describe the economic measures Islam introduced to Prevent This. Finally, end your answer with a critical analysis and a conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- Disadvantages of the Concentration of Wealth
- ✓ Social Inequality
- ✓ Economic Instability
- ✓ Reduced Opportunities for Growth
- ✓ Corruption and Influence
- ✓ Moral and Ethical Concerns
3-Islamic Perspective on Wealth Distribution
- ✓ Wealth as a Trust (Amanah)
- ✓ Encouragement of Fair Distribution
4-Economic Measures in Islam to Prevent the Concentration of Wealth
- ✓ Zakat (Obligatory Almsgiving) and Khums
- ✓ Encouragement of Charity and Voluntary Almsgiving (Sadaqah)
- ✓ Prohibition of Riba and Hoarding
- ✓ Fair Trade and Ethical Business Practices
- ✓ Wealth Redistribution through Inheritance Laws
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Economic instability, social unrest, and poverty are all exacerbated by the significant socioeconomic divisions caused by the concentration of wealth in the hands of a small number of people. Restricting resources to a tiny portion of the population hinders economic progress, disturbs social cohesion, and restricts possibilities for low-income people. Nonetheless, Islam implements a comprehensive economic framework to guarantee a just distribution of wealth in recognition of these threats. Therefore, Islam redistributes money to help people experiencing poverty through Zakat or mandated almsgiving and forbids usury or financial exploitation to stop unjust accumulation and financial exploitation. To promote fairness, stability, and long-term economic balance, policies combine to build an inclusive economy where prosperity benefits society.
Disadvantages of the Concentration of Wealth
- ✓ Social Inequality
The accumulation of money in the hands of a small number of people shatters social equilibrium, increases the gap between the affluent and the poor, and exacerbates social inequality. Economic inequality causes social unrest, anger, and a lack of possibilities for less fortunate people. Islam strongly supports fair sharing and opposes the monopolization of wealth. The Quran highlights this idea by saying, “So that it may not merely circulate between the rich among you” (Al-Hashr 59:7). The hoarding of financial resources deprives society of economic balance, hindering growth and stability. To counteract this, Islam implements measures that ensure a fair and just economic system, fostering social cohesion and collective prosperity.
- ✓ Economic Instability
Moreover, the concentration of wealth creates economic instability by limiting financial resources to a small elite while depriving the majority of growth opportunities. This imbalance weakens consumer spending, slows economic progress, and increases the risk of financial crises. Islam recognizes the dangers of such an unjust system and advocates for a more balanced economic structure. The Quran warns against wealth accumulation without redistribution, stating, “And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah—give them tidings of a painful punishment” (At-Tawbah 9:34). By promoting Zakat, prohibition of Riba (usury), and fair-trade practices, Islam ensures that wealth circulates across all segments of society, fostering economic stability and sustainable growth.
- ✓ Reduced Opportunities for Growth
Furthermore, Wealth concentration lowers economic growth chances by limiting financial resources to a few people, leaving the majority without access to capital, education, or work. This mismatch stifles innovation, restricts entrepreneurship, and impedes overall economic growth. Islam condemns such an unfair system and advocates financial inclusion to create general wealth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the significance of wealth distribution, saying, “Wealth is never diminished by giving in charity” (Sahih Muslim). This teaching underscores the necessity of redistributing wealth to create economic opportunities for all. Through Zakat, inheritance laws, and Riba (usury) prohibition, Islam establishes a financial framework that ensures fair access to resources, empowering individuals and fostering sustainable growth.
- ✓ Corruption and Influence
Besides these, the concentration of wealth promotes corruption and undue influence, allowing the wealthy elite to manipulate economic and political institutions to their advantage while marginalizing the poor. This disparity impairs government, undermines justice, and erodes public confidence. Islam firmly opposes corruption and the exploitation of riches for personal benefit. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised against bribery and favouritism, saying, “May Allah curse the one who offers a bribe, the one who accepts it, and the one who arranges it” (Sunan Abi Dawood 3580). Islam imposes accountability standards to counter exploitation, outlaws bribery (Rishwat), demands equitable economic policies, and encourages wealth transfer through Zakat and ethical commerce. Thus, these steps ensure that financial power does not lead to illegitimate control, promoting a fair and transparent society.
- ✓ Moral and Ethical Concerns
Last but not least, the concentration of wealth raises serious moral and ethical concerns, as it often leads to greed, selfishness, and a disregard for social responsibility. When wealth remains in the hands of a few, it fosters arrogance and insensitivity toward the struggles of the less fortunate, contradicting the values of compassion and justice. Islam strongly emphasizes ethical wealth management and the responsibility of the affluent toward society. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against excessive attachment to wealth, stating, “Wretched is the slave of the dinar and dirham” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6435), highlighting the moral dangers of materialism. To uphold ethical economic practices, Islam encourages Zakat, fair trade, honesty in transactions, and generosity as essential principles, ensuring that wealth serves as a means of collective well-being rather than a source of moral decay.
Islamic Perspective on Wealth Distribution
- ✓ Wealth as a Trust (Amanah)
In Islam, wealth is a trust (Amanah) from Allah, not absolute ownership, and must be used responsibly for societal welfare. The Quran states, “Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors” (Al-Hadid 57:7). This verse emphasizes that wealth is a divine responsibility. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this by saying, “The son of Adam says, ‘My wealth, my wealth,’ but is there anything truly his except what he eats, wears, or gives in charity that remains (as a reward for him)?” (Sahih Muslim 2958). Thus, through Zakat, Sadaqah, and ethical trade, Islam ensures wealth benefits all, preventing greed and social injustice.
- ✓ Encouragement of Fair Distribution
Likewise, Islam strongly encourages the fair distribution of wealth to ensure social justice and economic balance. The Quran states, “So that it may not merely circulate between the rich among you” (Al-Hashr 59:7). It emphasizes the need to prevent wealth from being monopolized by a few. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this principle, saying, “He is not a believer whose neighbour goes hungry while he is well-fed” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir 751). Hence, to achieve fairness, Islam mandates Zakat, inheritance laws, and ethical trade, ensuring that wealth reaches all segments of society, fostering inclusivity, and reducing economic disparity.
Economic Measures in Islam to Prevent the Concentration of Wealth
- ✓ Zakat (Obligatory Almsgiving) and Khums
First, Islam enacts comprehensive economic policies to limit wealth concentration and promote financial equality. Zakat, an obligatory almsgiving system, ensures that some extra money (2.5%) is allocated to the less fortunate, limiting wealth accumulation. The Quran underlines this obligation: “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah” (Al-Baqarah 2:110). Similarly, Khums, a 20% charge on certain types of income, goes towards public welfare and social justice. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the need for wealth redistribution, stating, “Indeed, Allah has ordained upon them a charity to be taken from their rich and given to their poor” (Sahih Muslim 19). Thus, these financial obligations ensure a just economic system, preventing wealth concentration and fostering collective prosperity.
- ✓ Encouragement of Charity and Voluntary Almsgiving (Sadaqah)
Second, as a way to avoid wealth accumulation and advance social welfare, Islam actively promotes generosity or sadaqah. By helping people experiencing poverty, sadaqah, as opposed to Zakat, which is required, is a voluntary way to maintain economic equilibrium. The Quran emphasizes its importance by saying, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains” (Al-Baqarah 2:261). Furthermore, by stating that “Charity does not decrease wealth” (Sahih Muslim 2588), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further promoted generosity and reaffirmed the notion that giving promotes both spiritual and financial development. Islam guarantees that money flows across society by encouraging a culture of selfless giving, which lowers inequality and fortifies ties within the community.
- ✓ Prohibition of Riba and Hoarding
Third, Islam forbids stockpiling and riba (usury) since they lead to social injustice, economic exploitation, and wealth concentration. Financial inequities widen due to riba, which allows the rich to benefit unfairly at the expense of the poor. The Quran heavily condemns it, emphasising the necessity of moral financial dealings by declaring, “Allah has permitted trade and forbidden Riba” (Al-Baqarah 2:275). Similarly, by limiting economic flow, hoarding money without distributing it is detrimental to society. In his warning against this conduct, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Whoever hoards food (to raise its price), he is a sinner” (Sahih Muslim 1605). Hence, Islam encourages an equitable economic system where income is distributed equitably, guaranteeing social welfare and financial stability by outlawing usury and hoarding.
- ✓ Fair Trade and Ethical Business Practices
Fourth, Islam promotes fair trade and ethical business practices to prevent wealth concentration and ensure economic justice. Honest transactions, transparency, and mutual consent are fundamental principles in Islamic commerce. The Quran commands, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers to [aid you] in consuming a portion of the wealth of the people in sin” (Al-Baqarah 2:188). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed ethical trade, stating, “The truthful and honest merchant will be with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1209). Thus, by encouraging just pricing, prohibition of fraud, and fulfilment of contracts, Islam ensures economic fairness, prevents exploitation, and fosters sustainable wealth distribution.
- ✓ Wealth Redistribution through Inheritance Laws
Fifth, Islam ensures wealth redistribution through inheritance laws, preventing wealth accumulation within a single lineage and promoting financial balance in society. The Quran explicitly outlines fair inheritance shares for heirs, stating, “For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much—a determined share” (An-Nisa 4:7). Unlike systems where wealth is concentrated among a few individuals, Islamic inheritance laws ensure equitable distribution among family members. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this principle, saying, “Allah has given every rightful person his due share” (Sunan Abu Dawood 2870). By mandating structured inheritance, Islam prevents economic disparity, promotes social justice, and ensures wealth circulates across generations.
Critical Analysis
The concentration of wealth in today’s world has led to worsening economic inequality, where the rich grow richer while the poor struggle for basic survival. This imbalance fuels poverty, social unrest, corruption, and economic instability, as seen in many capitalist economies where a few monopolize financial power. The unchecked accumulation of wealth has resulted in corporate greed, unfair wages, and restricted access to resources, leaving marginalized communities in perpetual hardship. Islam critically addresses these issues by enforcing Zakat, Khums, prohibition of Riba, fair trade, and structured inheritance laws to ensure equitable distribution. However, despite these principles, many Muslim-majority countries still face severe economic disparities due to weak enforcement of Islamic financial ethics and global economic influences. The Quran warns, “And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah—give them tidings of a painful punishment” (At-Tawbah 9:34). It highlights the consequences of wealth concentration. The challenge today lies not in the absence of solutions but in the failure to implement them effectively in modern economic systems. Top of FormBottom of Form
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concentration of wealth remains a significant threat to social and economic stability, deepening inequality, corruption, and financial exploitation. Islam provides a comprehensive economic framework to counter these issues through Zakat, Khums, prohibition of Riba, inheritance laws, fair trade, and ethical business practices, ensuring a just distribution of resources. The Quran warns against wealth hoarding and emphasizes the need for financial justice. While Islamic principles offer effective solutions, their impact depends on proper implementation in contemporary economic systems. Societies that embrace these values can foster equity, stability, and shared prosperity for all.
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