Unemployment problem and Islamic state system.

In this discussion, we will critically analyze the problem of unemployment and the realistic and morally based solution to this crisis in the Islamic state system. The rate at which educated youth are becoming unemployed in the present times, especially in Muslim countries, is not only a major cause of economic but also of social, mental and moral degradation. Behind this disease is not only structural weakness, but also a wrong perspective, where work means only a job and livelihood means only the glitter of the market.

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In the current capitalist and secular state system, finding a job means getting a position in a corporate or government office, a monthly salary, and living a life according to certain rules. In this way of thinking, if someone wants to do something on their own initiative, there are thousands of obstacles in their way — it is difficult to get a loan, there is no capital, no policy support, and the complexity of the administration is a mountain of pressure on them. As a result, many young people become disappointed at the beginning of their lives even after completing their studies. Pressure in the family, questions from relatives, and criticism from society — all of which lead to their mental collapse.

This unemployment gives rise to depression, crime, drug addiction, suicide, or the tendency to emigrate. Those who do not get a job believe that they have no value in society. This is basically a distorted mentality that has created today's economically dependent social system.

However, Islam considers work not only as a means of earning income, but also as part of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If one of you cuts wood and sells it to meet his needs, it is better than giving it to others." (Bukhari). Here, "work" means any halal income - be it agriculture, business, handicrafts, animal husbandry, or any other enterprise.

The Islamic state system first considers work as part of human dignity. Accordingly, one of the main responsibilities of the state is to create work opportunities for every able-bodied citizen - this is not a mercy, but their right. A basic economic principle of the Quran is: "That wealth should not be confined to one group of society." (Surah Hashr, verse 7). This verse does not only speak of charity, but rather the state economy must be structured in such a way that everyone can participate in the production process, leaving no one behind.

The Islamic state works on at least three levels to reduce unemployment:

First, fair distribution of wealth and openness of production: Islam considers land, minerals, water and natural resources as a trust of Allah for the welfare of people. The basic principle is not to confine them to corporate ownership, but to use them for the benefit of the general public. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Three things are common among people – water, grass and fire.” (Abu Dawud). Based on this hadith, the Islamic state provides opportunities for people to work in agriculture, small industries and mineral resources. In this, those who have not found a job can easily engage in capital-free enterprises.

Second, encouraging trade and commerce and ending interest: Islam encourages trade and prohibits interest. Because interest blocks the flow of the economy, hoards wealth in a few hands, and suppresses small enterprises. The Islamic state provides capital through Mudaraba, Musharaka, and Kira-based investment systems instead of interest. If a young person wants to become an entrepreneur with an idea, the state or Baitul Mal will provide his capital — as a share in the profits. In this way, he will not run for a job, but will become a job provider.

Third, the balance of dignity of labor and technology: The Islamic state does not consider any work small. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to sew his own shoes and feed goats. This view establishes the dignity of labor in society. In addition, Islam is not a blind imitation of technology, but rather prioritizes human employment by balancing it with progress. That is, technology that takes away thousands of jobs but does not provide any alternative — the Islamic state does not encourage it.

In addition to these three levels, the Islamic state performs another important function — evaluating work as an act of worship and discouraging laziness, dependency, and begging. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Earning a righteous deed is an obligation after an obligation.” (Bayhaqi). The message here is clear — work is not just for filling the stomach, but a path to spiritual development.

The social degradation that unemployment creates — such as wasting time, involvement in crime, social isolation — is largely prevented in the Islamic state system. Because the definition of work here is not just that of an office; a farmer, a craftsman, a service worker, a teacher, or a craftsman — everyone is respected. If someone contributes, the state does not neglect him, but rather cooperates.

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Therefore, there is a realistic, moral, and effective solution to the problem of unemployment in the Islamic state system — which is based on an economy based on self-respect, justice, and welfare. It is not just a way to earn money, but a process of awakening the capabilities, dreams, and self-confidence within people. Through this process, the state builds a working, self-reliant, and just society — where someone's life does not stop if they don't get a job; rather, they themselves become a beacon of hope for others.