A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Social Participation in Improving Economic Conditions with an Emphasis on Qur’anic Teachings

Bameri Asl, Abd Al_samad; Zeini Malekabad, Hadi; Hoseini Bor, Mohammad Osman

doi:10.22034/arq.2025.234462

A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Social Participation in Improving Economic Conditions with an Emphasis on Qur’anic Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

abd Al_samad bameri asl ¹

Hadi zeini malekabad ²

mohammad osman hoseini bor ³

¹ MA in Qur’anic and Hadith Sciences, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

² Assistant Professor, Department of Qur’anic and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Law and Islamic Studies, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran(Corresponding Author)

³ Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

10.22034/arq.2025.234462

Abstract

The phenomenon of social participation is one of the fundamental pillars in shaping sustainable development and realizing economic justice in contemporary societies. While modern economic theories—particularly within liberal and neoliberal approaches—define participation largely based on self-interest, the free market, and capital-driven mechanisms, the Noble Qur’an, through a theocentric and human-centered perspective, offers a comprehensive and spiritual model of participation grounded in intergroup mutual assistance, almsgiving (infāq), zakāt, and waqf. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on Shia and Sunni exegetical sources, economic literature, and studies of contemporary theories, this research seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the role of social participation in improving economic conditions, with an emphasis on Qur’anic teachings and a comparison with the foundations of modern economics. The theoretical framework of the paper is based on the Qur’anic concept of social justice (centered on verses concerning zakāt, infāq, and ṣadaqāt) and on theories of self-interest and the free market in modern economic thought. The findings indicate that, in Qur’anic reasoning, social participation is more than an economic obligation; it is an act of worship, a means of spiritual refinement, and a mechanism for the just distribution of wealth, articulated through three modes: obligatory (zakāt), voluntary (infāq), and institutional-sustainable (waqf). In contrast, although modern systems offer notable advantages, participation is often treated as an instrument for economic exploitation and for consolidating the interests of particular groups. The conclusion of the study suggests that revisiting this Qur’anic model may provide grounds for proposing alternative frameworks in economic policymaking aimed at reducing poverty and inequality—an approach that elevates not only material well-being but also human dignity and social capital.

Keywords

Economics

Social participation

Zakāt

Waqf

Infāq

Intergroup mutual assistance

Subjects

Quran and Hadith Sciences

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