Religion: Wealth and Poverty

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        Muslims are permitted to have wealth, but are not permitted to show it off in an extravagant way. Out of this wealth they must help the poor and needy in certain ways such as paying Zakah, which is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman whom possesses more than the nisab (threshold). The rich can also help the poor by giving Sadaqah, which is charity. It is given as a gift from a person's own wealth. Allah reminds us:

        '' O you who believe! Shall I leave you to a bargain that will save you from grievous suffering? You are to believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive hard in Allah's cause with your possessions and your lives: this is for your own good-if only you had known it.'' Al-Quran as-Saff 10-11.

        Zakah is necessary to help create an economically balanced economy. Zakah will necessitate the rich paying a small part (2.5%) to help those designated, so the rich get richer with blessings and the poor get richer financially. The original meaning of Zakah means to 'purify' and through paying Zakah a Muslim's wealth becomes pure and blessed. It also helps to purify the giver of Zakah from greed and stinginess. Zakah is paid after the nisab has been reached and is only paid once a year. Allah in the Quran determines the distribution of Zakah:

        '' Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the funds: for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to the Truth; for those in bondage and in debt in the cause of Allah and for the wayfarer Thus is ordained by Allah. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.'' Al-Quran 9:60

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        Sadaqah is not compulsory, but is greatly blessed as the giver is making a sacrifice of their wealth. Sadaqah can take on many forms and need not be just a gift of money, everyone can give Sadaqah. A kind word or a gesture is an act of Sadaqah. The Prophet once said:

        ''Each person's every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings is a charity; a good word is a charity; ...

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