A Comparative Study of the Nature and Functioning of Capitalism in Human Social Life in the Thought of Max Weber and Martyr Motahhari

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

2 PhD student, Department of Culture and Communication, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

10.22081/scs.2024.64719.1174

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the nature and functioning of the capitalist system from the perspectives of Max Weber and Martyr Motahhari. The main research question is whether capitalism, as Weber perceives it, is a rare gift that Islamic civilization failed to attain, or if Islam rejected it due to the inherent disorders within the system. The research method is comparative, with the views of Max Weber and Martyr Motahhari being separately analyzed and compared. The results indicate that both Martyr Motahhari and Max Weber agree that capitalism should not be viewed as a phenomenon similar to those of previous eras. Weber believes that capitalism flourished in Western civilized societies due to the religious and ethical factors of Calvinist Christianity, transforming into a highly rational and organized system. He asserts that Western capitalism, through its rational and systematic methods of production and profit-seeking, instilled a particular spirit in individuals that contributed to economic development and progress. On the other hand, Martyr Motahhari argues that modern capitalism is a unique and unprecedented phenomenon, understanding the dimensions of which requires independent inquiry and jurisprudence in Islamic rulings. He emphasizes that modern capitalism fundamentally differs from traditional capitalist practices in Islamic civilization, and these differences must be carefully considered. Motahhari also contends that the modern capitalist system, due to its nature and functioning, leads to problems, including Weber’s "iron cage," and that the destructive effects of capitalism on human social life are incompatible with Islamic principles and teachings. Overall, Islam, due to its differing views on human rights, duty, asceticism, and freedom, is incompatible with Western capitalism. Islam, by emphasizing the rights of nature and the weak, seeks to prevent the exploitation and economic dominance of a few, while also encouraging economic flourishing. Furthermore, asceticism and duty in Islam imply the moderate use of resources in alignment with divine goals, whereas, in Western capitalism, these concepts are employed excessively for the purpose of increasing capital and profit. Islam’s refusal to embrace modern capitalism is not due to incapacity or backwardness, but rather due to its awareness and foresight regarding the consequences and disorders of this system. Islam, by emphasizing justice, human rights, and the prevention of exploitation, strives to offer a more just economic system where human and moral values are well preserved.

Keywords

References

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