The Justice of Distribution and Economic Efficiency in Secular Systems and Islam: A Comparative Perspective
AbdulJabbar Alsabhany
Abstract: This research investigates the relationship between economic efficiency and distributive justice. Whereas economists from different schools have invariably agreed upon the necessity of achieving economic efficiency and succeeded in developing objective criteria to measure it, they are far away from reaching a similar agreement with regard to the intent of distributive justice and its impact on efficiency.
This research explores a basic hypothesis that distributive justice is prerequisite of economic efficiency and Islam in its just distributive system actualizes that.
The paper investigates also the dimensions of distributive justice in Islam showing that considerations, “efficiency and justice” are present in all stages of distribution and its institutions.
In contrast, this research points out a complete separation between a distributive justice and efficiency in secular systems. This has been realized by surveying opinions and positions of theorists and pioneers. The shortage of the rules and the mechanisms adopted can be also noticed clearly. So, the chances of efficiency will be lessened.
