Outlining Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty and explain why there is a need for world development.

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Introduction

  In this coursework I will be outlining Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty and explain why there is a need for world development. As well as this I will be analysing and explain the work of one Muslim agency working for World Development    

Outline Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty

 

  A major principle of Islam is the belief that all things belong to Allah and that wealth is only giving held by human beings in trust. Life is a test in which one has the freedom of choice and responsibility. The test for the poor is to have patience and earn a living by lawful means. This will be rewarded be Allah. The test for the rich is greater. It involves realizing that wealth is a gift which must be used for doing good and sharing with the poor. The temptation to use it for the wrong purposes must be rejected.

‘What will convey to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to give food in the day of hunger to an orphan near of kin or to some poor wretch misery’ (90:12-16)

  This Ayah emphasises the idea of living responsible and caring for others. This is why charity is a very important part of Muslim life and is recognised throughout the Muslim ummah. The ummah is multi-lingual, multi-racial and multi-cultural and what unites the ummah is the strength and support of the five pillars.

 

  Zakah is the third pillar of Islam making it a religious duty among the Muslims. Zakah means ‘to purify or clean’. Zakah is a compulsory payment of 2.5% a year on savings which exceed a particular value called Nisab. This rate applies to bank savings, gold and silver. The rate for cattle and agricultural products are different. Also Zakah has to be spent under headings like helping the poor, needy, payment of salaries to its collectors to free captives and debtors, for travelers in need, to win over hearts of new converts and for the cause of Allah. Muslims believe that, Zakah is a means of keeping wealth clear of greed and selfishness. Zakah also encourages Muslims to be honest in earning and expenditure. As well as this Zakah helps to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich and results to no jealousy and hatred between the two.

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  Muslims pay Zakah to gain Allah’s favour. It is an act of Ibadah. Ibadah means worship and obedience. It includes all activities of life when according to Allah’s pleasure. Islam has its own economic principles. Zakah is one of the basic principles of the Islamic economy, based on social welfare and fair distribution of wealth. The Hadith below stresses how important Zakah is.

‘In order to enter Paradise you should worship Allah, do not ascribe any partners to Him, offer Salah, pay Zakat and keep good relations with your kith and kin.’

  Muslims are also ...

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