Equal Division of Food in Exceptional Circumstances

Despite this wise perspective on the division of wealth, whereby in normal circumstances the distribution of wealth has been arranged without following the course of compulsion, so that the incentive for individual struggle and effort is sustained and the wealth of the country is not accumulated into the hands of a few, Islām teaches that if special circumstances come about, in that the food supply of a country or nation or village fall short, i.e., one section has a surplus of food, while the other section has less than even its basic needs, or none at all, in such emergencies, the compulsory system of the equal division of food can be instituted. As such, it is narrated that:

“We left for a Ghazwah with the Holy Prophet(sa), but we were faced with a severe food shortage en-route, to the extent that we thought of slaughtering a few of our camels of conveyance. Upon this, the Holy Prophet(sa) ordered that all the stores of food be gathered. As such, we gathered all of our stores of food and the Holy Prophet(sa) began to distribute an equal ration to everyone.”1

Then, there is another narration:

“The Holy Prophet(sa) dispatched a party of companions towards the coast of the sea, and appointed his beloved companion, Abū ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrāḥ(ra) as the leader of this Sariyyah. This party was composed of 300 companions. The narrator states that we left for this expedition, but since we lost our way, our food supply began to fall short en-route. Upon this, Abū ‘Ubaidah ordered that all the people gather their individual supplies of food. All of this food equalled two containers. After this, Abū ‘Ubaidah would have small portions of food distributed to us from this supply, until this supply became so little that ultimately our daily ration reached a mere one date per person.”2

From this narration the fundamental principle derived is that in extreme circumstances individual food supplies may be transferred to the national storehouse.

Similarly, there is another narration:

“The Holy Prophet(sa) used to say, ‘It is the way of the Ash‘ar tribe that when they are faced with a food shortage on journey, or the food supply of their family and children becomes short at home, in such a case, they gather the food supply of all the people to one place. Then they equally distribute this food supply amongst all the people according to an equal measure. It is these people who possess a true relationship with me and I have a true relationship with them.”3

The lofty and magnificent spirit which these words express need no explanation. It is unfortunate, however, that the world has not given due regard to this magnificent benefactor of the people.

In summary, with relevance to the distribution of wealth, Islām has accepted four basic principles:

1. By means of the division of inheritance, the establishment of the system of Zakāt, the prohibition of usury and gambling; the wealth of the country should be prevented from accumulating into the hands of a few.

2. However, the individual right to produce wealth should be maintained, so that the natural incentive to work remains alive and that the mind of man does not become dull.

3. Despite these means, for those people who are unable to provide for even their basic necessities on account of a disability, the government should arrange ment of their needs.

4. In emergencies when there is a severe shortage of food, all individual food supplies should be gathered into a central storehouse, so that all people continue to receive an equal ration of basic food, lest a section of the country basks in luxury while others are deprived of even the most basic means of sustenance.