
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad (1889-1965), the second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, provided insights into the Islamic economic system and its potential to address contemporary economic challenges. He emphasized the principles of justice, equity, and social welfare as integral components of the Islamic financial framework. While he did not write a specific treatise on Islamic economics, his speeches and writings contain valuable explanations.
One of his notable works is the book “The Economic System of Islam,” which provides an overview of the Islamic economic system and its principles. In this book, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad highlighted the concept of economic justice in Islam. He argued that Islam encourages a fair distribution of wealth, ensuring that the rich do not exploit the poor and that everyone has access to necessities. This approach aims to reduce income inequality and create a more balanced and harmonious society.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad also emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in economic transactions. He advocated for transparency, honesty, and integrity in business dealings, condemning fraud, bribery, and usury (charging excessive interest). By promoting ethical behaviour, he believed the Islamic economic system could foster trust and stability within the economic sphere.
Furthermore, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad discussed the concept of Zakat, which is an obligatory form of charity in Islam. He explained that Zakat serves as a means to redistribute wealth from the affluent to the less privileged members of society. By implementing Zakat effectively, he argued, economic disparities could be minimized, and the poor and needy could be provided with essential resources.
To delve deeper into his explanations, it is recommended to refer to his book “The Economic System of Islam” and his various speeches and writings on the subject. These sources offer valuable insights into Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad’s understanding of the Islamic economic system and its potential to address contemporary economic challenges.