The underlying principles of “Qur’anic economics” include “purification” – giving up a portion of wealth as alms – and the “return” of property. Just as God distributed his “surplus” as a gift that can never be reciprocated, so were Muslims expected to give freely and unstintingly. The Qur’anic community comprised “those upon whose wealth there is a recognized right for the beggar and the deprived.” The Qur’anic virtuous cycle – or more accurately, return – of generosity and solidarity replaced the old Arabian cycle of recurring, crippling obligation.
