Ma`rifat Eqtesadi

Fundamentally in the view of Islam, the method of distribution has an intimate relationship with justice and therefore has important economic and social implications. This paper reviews the methods of bait-ul-Maal treasury distribution during the advent of Islam. Using historical analysis, three methods of distribution have been determined including (1) immediate, equal distribution of public wealth by the Holy Prophet (S), the first caliph, and Imam Ali (‘A); (2) biased annual distribution by the second caliph; and (3) amassment of public treasury and arbitrary expenditure by the majority of later rulers of the Muslim people. According to historical evidence, divergence from the method of equal distribution of public treasury resulted in formation of class gaps in the society. Accordingly, though Islamic rulers digressed from the manner of the holy Prophet (S) in dispensation of public wealth, his way has perpetually been considered the ideal method.