The principles of socialism are
outstripped in the religions of God. For instance, God commands, `But [they]
prefer them [the poor] before themselves, although there be indigence among
them' [Qur'án 59:9]. That is, the believers spend of their substance and share
their possessions and prefer others to themselves willingly and with utmost spirituality.
Socialists, however, desire to enforce equality and association by compulsion.
Although the preference for others which is the exhortation of God is more
difficult because the rich are enjoined to prefer others to themselves, this
will become common and will be the cause of tranquillity and an aid to the
order of the world, because it depends upon the inclination and willingness of
the giver. But socialism and egalitarianism, although easier, as those who have
are made equal with others, yet such a system will not become widespread and is
the cause of disturbance and tumult because it rests on compulsion and
coercion.
(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 17 September 1912, Chicago, USA; ‘Mahmud’s
Diary’)
