Islamic Philanthropy and the Qur’anic Approach to Scarcity: Wealth Redistribution as a Solution

Nurul Naqibah Izzati (Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali)

Journal of Islamic Economics and Philanthropy
Vol. 7 No. 4 (2025): May

This study examines the concept of scarcity in conventional economics and compares it with the Islamic economic approach, particularly from the perspective of the Qur’an. The main focus of this study is to explore how Islamic philanthropy through instruments such as zakat, infaq, sedekah, and waqf play a key role in solving various economic problems, including scarcity. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative methodology, including doctrinal library research and comparative analysis, was employed to examine both frameworks. The findings reveal that Islamic economics recognised only relative scarcity, emphasizing resource sufficiency and moral responsibility. In additions, Islamic philanthropy has demonstrated its effectiveness in resolving many conventional economic issues, shedding light on its potential for promoting economic justice and social welfare.