Social policy applications in islam: Islamic countries and Turkey

The social policy practices in Islam are based on the foundation of social justice and equality. Islam imposes responsibilities on people and governments to ensure the prosperity of society. The state must be fair to every part of the society while fulfilling its obligations in addition to having obligation to meet the basic needs of the individuals and to improve living conditions. As the social state in Islam is essential, the social policy practices gain importance in Islam, which will provide social welfare. There are different tools in social policy practicess in Islam. The most important instrument in Islam reducing inequalities and having an effect of improving the welfare environment is zakat (obligatory alms). The zakat contributes to reducing poverty, eliminating income distribution injustices and increasing employment. In addition to the practice of zakat, interest prohibition contributes to economic development and social welfare increase, in view of addressing every segment of the society and being sustainable. However, Islamic countries could not manage to develope an Islamic perspective on their economic and social welfare practices. Therefore, while the welfare policies are established in Islamic countries, it is important to consider how well the existing policies are in harmony with social conditions and needs. In this thesis study, the understanding of social policy practices in Islam has been explained and the social policy practices of 57 Islamic countries have been examined. Moreover, it has been investigated that how much Islamic social policy instruments gained ground in Islamic countries. When Islamic countries' social policy implementations are examined, it has been observed that they did not fully adopt Islamic practices. Although some countries implement the social policies determined according to the Islamic principles through the state, some problems arise because the necessary institutional infrastructure can not be established and social policy practices can not be centralized. Another point is that Islamic countries' cooperation for policy development is not sufficient. It is necessary that Islamic countries bring together in order to develop countries with poor socioeconomic level by increasing the political and economic co-operation between Islamic countries and establishing common platforms. The adoption of such an approach will contribute to formation of the religious and cultural basis for national development and international cooperations.