The Social Welfare Systems in Some Muslim and Western Countries

Abstract

The primary objective of this article is to compare the western system of social welfare with Islamic principles of social welfare system. This will help us to compare the similarities and dissimilarities between two welfare systems. The main contention of this article is that the primary source of Islam namely the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions have laid the foundations for a unique Islamic welfare system. Islamic principles of welfare system are unique and unparalleled with any other welfare systems and yet, Muslim politicians and policy makers have failed to apply the Islamic principles of welfare systems in any Muslim country systematically. The first of part of this paper examines a brief history of social welfare development in Britain and the second part evaluates the Islamic concepts of social welfare and social responsibilities towards poor and needy. The final part examines the role of Islamic governments and Islamic movements in the social welfare development in the light of the general philosophy of Islamic law.