Eradicating poverty through charity

For Muslims worldwide, Ramadhan is the most sacred period for deep reflection, sacrifice, solidarity, and joyous family gatherings. During this month, they observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset.

During the holy month, Muslims also unite in acts of kindness and charity and make donations known as zakat with the belief that the giver is purified through the act of transferring wealth to the poor.

Although charitable giving is bedded down on the doctrines of all religions, it holds a great place in Islam, therefore, it is made an obligation on Muslims in the form of zakat. It is mandatory for the wealthy to give zakat to those who are poor.

Charity in all aspects means demonstrating compassion towards the deserving ones. It serves as a reminder to attempt to meet the needs of others for the greater good of the community.

If a Muslim feels the suffering of his or her fellow human being and desires the same happiness and comfort for others that they desire for themselves, it is a natural response for them to donate to charity in order to alleviate the suffering.

Today, the world is filled with people who cannot find food, water, and other basic facilities for their survival. Hunger, thirst, and weakness experienced during the period of fasting remind believers to have a glimpse of the suffering of the impoverished. This, on the other hand, motivates them to aid the needy.

Significantly, experts find zakat as a powerful source for contributing to the United Nations' goal to alleviate poverty and hunger, improve health, education, and access to water and sanitation, reduce inequality and protect the environment.

According to a study published in Palarch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt, there are some striking commonalities between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and zakat. Both of them stand for what is good for the whole of humanity.

“Since Islam strongly advocates socio-economic balance and justice, the idea that zakat can be aligned and should fit into SDGs”, the study recommends.

Amongst the core joint concerns of zakat and SDGs is poverty. Elimination of poverty and enabling economic growth are among the goals that need to be religiously pursued for achieving SDGs.

“Central to all these efforts is the idea of a holistic well-being for the human race that transcends the generations to come without comprising their rights to the same. This is consistent with the understanding of what is entailed in the ultimate human rights in Islam”, it adds.

To drive home the argument, the study highlights the examples of Malaysia and Indonesia which are actively involved in utilising zakat for the purpose of poverty reduction.

In these two countries, says the study, zakat is recognised as the effective mechanism in tackling social issues such as eradication of poverty. This is further strengthened by the financial inclusion program through Islamic social financing used in Islamic civilisations as crucial components to achieve the objectives of poverty reduction and economic growth.

Thus, we see that the institution of zakat is an important institution in the Islamic framework, which has the potential to play a key socio-economic role in the society.

So by giving charity during Ramadhan, not only one is helping those in need, but also purifying one’s own wealth and earning the forgiveness and blessings of the Almighty.