Islamic Solutions Beyond Politics: The Hezbut Tawheed Approach
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Islam
Caption: Leader discussing Islamic economic solutions and governance principles.
Caption: Hezbut Tawheed leader presenting solutions beyond politics to a large audience.
Caption: Hezbut Tawheed members rallying against extremism, communalism, and injustice.
Caption: Hezbut Tawheed activists protesting for justice after the killing of Sujon Molla.
On May 1, 1886, in the Haymarket Square of the city of Chicago in the United States, workers took part in a labour demonstration to demand fair wages and an eight-hour workday. During the protest, police opened fire on the workers, leading to numerous casualties. In commemoration of those who were injured or killed, the day has since been observed as "May Day" or "International Workers' Day."
It's important to remember that the tragic incident in Chicago occurred about a century and a half ago. Following the Renaissance in Europe, transformative scientific and technological advancements took place, leading to industrial revolutions and the establishment of extensive factories. This brought about a shift in the economic and political landscape of Europe. However, as progress advanced, a certain worldview emerged in European societies where economic exploitation became unchecked. Their economy was profit-oriented, and politics followed a capitalistic democratic system. Consequently, they adopted an economic system that perpetuated injustice.
When a society departs from justice, even if the ruling class is powerful, the flames of resentment burn within the hearts of the people. Thus, the struggle against national injustice gives rise to movements such as the farmers' movement, labour movement, student movement, and other similar protests collectively known as class struggles. These movements, driven by the force of power, have been suppressed using bullets and bayonets.
As a result, the concept of "class struggle" emerged, manifesting in various movements. On that day in Chicago, many workers' lives were lost while participating in a protest against class inequality. To combat class disparities, thinkers like Karl Marx, Hegel, and Engels proposed socialism as a path to freedom. Those who embraced socialism or communism sought to unite and initiate a social revolution, particularly empowering agricultural and labour workers. Socialists considered May Day as a special day to observe, using it to raise awareness among themselves.
Nowadays, many progressive democratic countries also observe May Day as a fashion statement. Ironically, even in the United States, May Day is celebrated, although viewed with scepticism by those on the left. They use this day to speak about workers' rights, critique capitalist democracy, and voice opposition to oppressive policies. Left-leaning individuals use the day to highlight workers' rights, failures of capitalist democracy, and condemn ruling class exploitation. The ongoing tension between socialism and capitalism is repeatedly brought to the forefront.
However, no Islamic party observes this day, viewing it as a Western concept with no connection to Islamic teachings. Even though Hezbut Tawheed does not officially celebrate this day, we view it with special importance. Allah has bestowed upon us knowledge of such a beautiful and impeccable ideal that, when implemented, can truly alleviate the suffering of oppressed labourers. We strive to convey this ideal to humanity, understanding its origins, reasons for such occurrences, and the path to resolution.
Hélder Câmara, a Brazilian Archbishop, once humorously said, "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." This reflects the irony faced by those who question poverty. However, communists failed to add food to the mouths of the poor in practice. While their ideology was attractive, it proved bitter in reality.On the other hand, we, followers of Hezbut Tawheed, believe that providing food to the poor is a recurring commandment in the Quran. Yet, the question arises: why is there a lack of food for the poor? Islam provides the correct answer and demonstrates its practical implementation. The poor are not helpless due to a lack of resources, but because of systemic issues.
Hezbut Tawheed members, mostly impoverished but not helpless, work together in agriculture. They cultivate crops, work in cattle farms, and engage in fish farming. Through their efforts, the community benefits and food insecurity is addressed. Socialists dream of transforming the state into a collective farm. Inspired by Hezbut Tawheed’s ideal, many joint farms have emerged across the country, offering employment to hundreds.
One key difference between capitalism and socialism in Islam is individual responsibility. Islam teaches that individuals are accountable to one another and ultimately to Allah. This belief in a powerful authority influences humans to avoid injustice, tyranny, and wrongdoing. Without belief in this accountability, people see no reason to judge right from wrong and instead pursue self-interest.Believers uphold justice and morality, guided by their awareness of divine accountability. This moral compass drives them to avoid causing harm and to strive for righteousness. When socialism became powerless in solving economic crises, it also failed in practice. It rejected personal ownership and individuality. Nationalizing everything took away personal initiative and created an unsustainable system.
As a result, individuals lost their entrepreneurial spirit. Even while providing for their own families, they had to support communal needs without adequate rest. Rejecting human nature in this way is not sustainable. Islam, however, sees every person as a human being, as a representative of Allah. Life is a test for the Hereafter, requiring compassion and justice.Islam asserts that your brother has rights over your wealth. You are tested on how you use your intellect, capabilities, and resources. If you dedicate them for others' benefit, you gain true greatness. Islam teaches the difference between justice and injustice. Your knowledge, power, and experience are all part of your exam in this world.
Using your resources for others earns respect in this world and reward in the Hereafter. Islam promotes service over exploitation. This is not utopia—it’s history. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established a just system: no usury, no exploitative transactions—only charity, sacrifice, and fairness. A ruler lived like a commoner, with no special protection, and national forces protected all equally.
In Islam’s governance, there is no family-centric rule. The ruler addresses people openly in mosques. Everyone, even a rickshaw-puller, can voice concerns like wage injustice. The ruler must resolve such issues before seeking comfort. Such policies would’ve prevented the Chicago massacre. Our message is this: all other systems have failed. Humanity must return to the straight path—Sirat al-Mustaqeem—offered by the Creator. This divine way is the only path to solve all personal, social, and spiritual crises.
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