PROSPERITY IN THE TIME OF UMAR BIN ABDUL AZIZ
By: Ahmad Syahrin Thoriq
Did you know that during the reign of caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Rahimahullah, state policies were issued which were "not successful" at all? Among them is the government's efforts to pay the debts of its people.
This policy was in order to reduce the wealth of the Baitul Mal Muslims at that time, which continued to grow until they were abundant.
The governors complained to Umar that the wealth of the Baitul Mal was increasing rapidly, while the distribution was very slow, even though all sectors of the state and people's needs had been met.
Finally the Caliph ordered his governors to carry out a strange policy, which I don't think any country as prosperous today can imitate.
He issued a decree whose contents: (1) Doubled salaries and allowances for the people (2) paid the debts of anyone who had dependents (3) financed the weddings of young people who wanted to get married.
It turns out that not many of these three things can absorb the state budget. Wealth is still very abundant, income flows profusely from all sectors, while distribution taps flow slowly.
The cause of the "failure" of the national program is because not many people have debts or are in need of assistance.
Also because of the high awareness of the people, they think why bother with the state if they can afford to pay for it themselves.
Finally, Amirul Mukmknin Umar bin Abdul Aziz issued a fourth policy:
انظر من كانت عليه جزية فضعف عن أرضه، فأسلفه ما يقوى به على عمل أرضه
"Pay attention to anyone from non-Muslims who have the obligation to pay taxes but they are weak in cultivating their land. Provide management assistance until the business is successful."
He also added:
God bless you God bless you
"Pay attention to the ahlu dzimmah (non-Muslims) and treat them well. If someone meets them and has no wealth, meet their needs."
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📜 Ref: Al Amwal p. 109