By the statement "the economic solution is divine in
nature" is meant that religion alone can, in the last resort, bring in
man's nature such a fundamental change as to enable him to adjust the economic
relationships of society. It is only in this way that man can control the
economic forces that threaten to disrupt the foundations of his existence, and
thus assert his mastery over the forces of nature.
...social inequality is the inevitable outcome of the
natural inequality of men. Human beings are different in ability and should,
therefore, be different in their social and economic standing. Extremes of
wealth and poverty should, however, be totally abolished. Those whose brains
have contributed to the creation and improvement of the means of production
must be fairly rewarded, though these means may be owned and controlled by
others.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
dated 26 December 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer; compilation: ‘Redistribution of Wealth’, by the Research department
of the Universal House of Justice’)
