5 Islamic Steps to Eradicate Poverty
The world annually celebrates, on October
17 each year, the “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty,” which
represents a violation of human rights. The Prophet (peace
be upon him) sought refuge from it more than 14
centuries ago, saying: “O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from poverty, lack and
abasement, and I seek refuge in Thee lest I cause or suffer wrong” (Ahmad).
The history of celebrating this day dates
back to October 17, 1987, when over 100,000 people gathered to honor the
victims of extreme poverty and hunger in Paris’ Trocadéro Square, where the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948.
Later, on January 22, 1992, through
Resolution (47/196), the United Nations General Assembly declared October 17 as
the “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty,” urging countries to
dedicate this day each year to undertake specific activities aimed at combating
poverty.
The United Nations defines poverty as more
than just the lack of income or resources or the absence of a sustainable
livelihood. Its manifestations include hunger, malnutrition, and limited access
to education and essential services.
A true Muslim is required to confront poverty and work to eradicate
it, seeking refuge from it not only by words but through daily action and
planning, as follows:
First: Draw closer to Allah, perform acts of worship,
increase good deeds, remembrance, and seeking forgiveness, as this brings
sustenance. Allah says: And whoever is mindful
of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources
they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is
sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a
destiny for everything.” (At-Talaq 65:2-3)
and “Saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, ˹for˺ He is
truly Most Forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain, supply you with
wealth and children, and give you gardens as well as rivers.” (Nuh 71:10-12).
Second: Give charity abundantly; it is one of the greatest
means of blessing wealth and increasing sustenance. Allah says in a Qudsi
Hadith: “O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you” (Muslim),
and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Wealth does
not diminish by giving Sadaqah (charity)” (Muslim). Charity
also protects its giver from calamities and hardships, as the Prophet (peace
be upon him) said: “The people of correctness in this
world are the people of correctness in the Next World. The people of the
incorrect in this world are the people of the incorrect in the Next World” (Al-Hakim,
Al-Albani).
Third: Maintain family ties to increase sustenance and avoid
poverty. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The world is
only for four persons: A slave whom Allah provides with wealth and knowledge,
so he has Taqwa of his Lord with it, nurtures the ties of kinship with it, and
he knows that Allah has a right in it. So this is the most virtuous rank.”
(At-Tirmidhi).
To emphasize that maintaining family ties
attracts sustenance, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and
that his lease of life be prolonged then he should keep good relations with his
Kith and kin.” (Al-Bukhari).
Fourth: Avoid usurious dealings. Whoever wishes to purify his
wealth and sustenance should avoid interest (riba). Allah says: “Allah has made interest fruitless and charity fruitful”
(Al-Baqarah 2:276), meaning He nullifies the wealth of usury and removes
its blessing. He also says: “O believers! Fear
Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ˹true˺
believers. If you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger!” (Al-Baqarah 2:278–279), declaring interest a
war from Allah and His Messenger—a great warning that indicates the severity of
the sin.
Fifth: Rise early to seek sustenance, take necessary
measures, perform work diligently, plan carefully, seek knowledge, acquire
required skills, and rely on Allah sincerely. The Prophet (peace
be upon him) said: “If you were to rely upon Allah with
the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go
out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.” (Ahmad
and Ibn Majah).
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