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Justice in the Distribution of Bayt al-Mal during the Abbasid Period with Emphasis on the Views of Naṣīr al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī
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Mohammad Tajik   , Mehrnaz Behroozi , Majid reza Rajabi |
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Abstract: (1251 Views) |
The Bayt al-Mal (public treasury) was one of the most important Islamic institutions, from which the ruler spent or distributed funds to fulfill governmental duties and meet the general interests of Muslims. The Abbasid caliphs allocated the Bayt al-Mal according to Islamic jurisprudence through various methods to cover military expenses, government employees’ salaries, public works, and infrastructure. This research aims to explain the concept of justice according to Naṣīr al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī and to compare it with the distribution of Bayt al-Mal during the Abbasid period. From Ṭūsī’s theory of justice, three key components are derived: 1. The differences in talents among the four social classes, 2. Assigning positions according to individuals' abilities and merits, 3. Distributing public benefits proportionally and fairly based on eligibility and worthiness. The main question of this paper is whether, based on Ṭūsī’s components of justice, the distribution of Bayt al-Mal during the Abbasid era was just. The findings show that Ṭūsī’s four social classes correspond to the social classes of the Abbasid period. In that era, individuals were placed in their class, guild, or social rank according to their skills and talents. However, appointments to positions were often made based on personal proximity to the caliph, bribery, recommendations, and favoritism, though sometimes competent and deserving individuals were placed in appropriate roles. Public welfare expenditures such as infrastructure, cultural development, healthcare, and economic opportunities were funded from the Bayt al-Mal for the benefit of all social classes. Nonetheless, the two classes of intellectuals (ahl al-qalam) and warriors (ahl al-sayf) not only received salaries from the Bayt al-Mal but were also granted additional gifts that other classes did not receive. Therefore, according to Ṭūsī’s criteria, the distribution of Bayt al-Mal during the Abbasid period was not just.
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| Keywords: Akhlaq-e Naseri, Bayt al-Mal, Naṣīr al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī, Abbasids, Justice. |
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Full-Text [PDF 666 kb]
(474 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/04/18 | Accepted: 2024/07/10
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