Wealth and poverty - Islamic teachings.

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MAJID BASHIR   R.E Coursework

Wealth and poverty

(a) i)Outline Muslim Teachings on Wealth and poverty

Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty have been covered in the Qur;an, The Qur'an states that all items on earth belong to Allah and that you do not really own the money you possess on earth. It also warns of Allah having no love for those" given to excess" (Surah 5:90) and this is a message against greed. It tells Muslims that they entered this world 'naked' and will leave in the same condition. The Qur'an emphasises the futility and small worth of things if they are not given away.  This is due to the factor that what ever we possess we have from Allah Ta’aala therefore a number of verses relate to this and enforce us in giving charity.

The Qur'an emphasises the importance of charity. In Surah 2:274 it tells that "those who in charity spend of their goods have their reward with their Lord". This encourages Muslims to help the financially less fortunate because there assurance given is that what spent in good cause, Allah knows and the person therefore shall be rewarded in here after thus will be with their lord in paradise(heaven).

 Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h) is also clear in the message he delivers regarding wealth. He warns that with great amounts of wealth "you could not buy your place in the Hereafter". This reinforces the idea that earth wealth has no value in heaven and Allah dislikes unnecessary spend Allah sees everyone equally.

That is why, when we go to hajj, everyone has to wear the same because that way, you cannot tell the difference between the rich and the poor. Allah never looks at how much wealth a person or a country has, He looks at how well each person or country uses their wealth, or how they spend their wealth. Only deeds are important to Allah, because only good deeds will get us into paradise. Therefore, whatever little we have spare, should be contributed to the poor. By doing this, we would be creating peace amongst the countries.

Mohammad also warns against lack of compassion in the world saying a man who" eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side"(Hadith) is not a true believer. Therefore, it is clear to Muslims their duty to the poor and less fortunate is a crucial part of being a diligent believer.

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Zakaat literally means to increase. Technically it means to purify one’s position of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount which has to be given to the poor as a fundamental Ibaadat (Worship) Zakaat is not a governmental tax, but it’s main purpose is to keep the money in circulation and by making charity compulsory, the rich are made to think and reflect on the need of their community. Thus if people become caring individuals and therefore then sin will become distanced from them.

Islam aims for life to be a test for Allah's vice-regent representation. Life is, preparation for ...

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