Ref: ACJU/NGS/2022/348
2022.10.17 (1444.03.20)
Poverty is defined by the lack of access to important factors that decide the quality of living standards, such as food, clothes, shelter, clean water, education, social respect etc. This is not only an economic issue, but also a social, humanitarian and political issue too.
Poverty restricts a man from contributing towards the development or progress of the country or the society. Poverty also encourages mental conditions such as anxiety and jealousy, and turns people into beings who do not understand the difference between right and wrong, and who do not abide by the laws or traditions. Poverty can make people forget themselves and their Lord, and deviate from the teachings of their religion or faith.
This is why Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sought protection from poverty, who often made Du’a pleading ‘O Allah! I seek your protection to be safe from poverty and disbelief’. (Source: Abu Dawood)
Accordingly, Islam thoroughly focuses on finding solutions to this issue, in order to relieve people from being trapped in poverty.
Among other fundamentals in Islamic Economics, it is considered that wealth needs to be moving among all fractions of the society. Almighty Allah (SubahanaWaTa’ala) has ordered to pay Zakath (compulsory charity), along with the order to perform Salah (prayer). It is warned that is it an offence to ignore the performance of Salah and abstaining from paying Zakath.
“What has brought you to Saqar? (Hell)”. “They will say, “We were not among those who offered Salāh, (obligatory prayer)”. “and we did not give food to the needy,” (Al-Quran, Surah Muddassir: 42-44)
The Holy Quran states that ignoring the poor and not taking care of them is a sign of disbelief in Allah and the Judgment day. ‘Have you seen the one who denies the Requittal?’ “So, he is the one who pushes away the orphan”. “and does not persuade (others) to feed the needy” (Al-Quran, Surah Ma’un: 1-3)
Islam has prescribed Zakath (compulsory charity) as a duty, so that it contributes significantly for the eradication of poverty. As such, it is the duty of wealthy people to distribute the due share of wealth among the poor and needy, which they earned with the grace of Almighty Allah (SubahanaWaTa’ala).
Beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had predicted that, from his community, there will be people eligible to give Zakath, but there won’t be people to receive Zakath. This was realized when Hazrat Mu’aad Ibnu Jabal (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) was the Governor of Yemen, under the rule of Calipha Umar (RadhiyAllahu Anhu). (Narrated by Abu Musa Al Ash’ari (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) – Source: Muslim)
Historical accounts show that there was a surplus of Zakat funds during the reign of Hazrat Umar bin Abdul-Aziz (Rahmathullahi Alaihi) i.e. there was so little poverty, that Zakat eligible recipients could not be found. (Narrated by Abdur Rahman Ibnu Zaid (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) – Source: Bayhaqi)
The United Nations have declared the 17th October as the “International day for the Eradication of Poverty”, in order to raise awareness around the globe on eradication of poverty and to protect the global population from hunger and starvation.
It is important that we adhere to Zakath (compulsory charity) and Sadaqa (voluntary charity) as prescribed in our religion, as the current situation in the country has proven difficult to everyone, especially the poor and needy, as the cost of living has skyrocketed, and people cannot even afford their meals anymore at a reasonable price. It is the duty of regional leaders, Masjid Federations, members of Masjid Trustees, and wealthy people to build effective mechanisms in an organized manner to provide the due care and necessities to the poor in these difficult times.
May Almighty Allah (SubahanaWaTa’ala) protect us from hunger, starvation, poverty, burden of debt, save our country from the economic downfall and provide us with a prosperous life.
Ash-Shaikh H. Omardeen
Acting President
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
