ESSAY ON POVERTY ;

ABSTRACT :

Islam proposes equality , Supporting the poor through zakah (charity ) and the institution of Bait-ul-Mal , Wishing for your brother what you wish for yourself as the solution of poverty .Along with that paying your taxes in time , saying no to corruption , bribery , materialism and adopting simple life styles can be the things which we could do as our part for eradicating poverty . We can establish Small scale free dispensaries, schools , orphanages , old homes and small industrial units run by a joint fund collected from all community members on our own .Its a dilemma that we do not even give enough respect to the poor. We must have to bring change in our attitudes first. Abdu sattar Edhi is a great example for all of us . He serves thousands of poor not because he has money but due to his love for humanity .

ESSAY : Mahatma Gandhi said ;

poverty is the worst form of violence.

Poverty is generally counted among the global challenges being faced by the mankind in the twenty first century . The primary factors that may lead to poverty are overpopulation , the unequal distribution of economy among the society , inability to meet high standards of living due to high cost of living , inadequate employment and education opportunities , materialistic approach of the society and double standards.

Poverty rapes and kills the spirit of poor. Poverty entails fear , stress , and sometimes depression. It meets a thousand petty humiliations and hardships. Our religion Islam suggests the solution to each and every problem of our society . Islam has made compulsory for the rich to support the poor through Sadqah ,ushr and Zakah . If the rich people fulfill their duties to pay taxes and charities , then they can then be able to get rid rid of their greed for more . This can also help them to be humble. We must help the poor because the Prophet(P.B.U.H) said:

None of you believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.

Many of the companions of the Prophet(P.B.U.H) were very rich , but they were very generous . They donated much of their wealth for the betterment of the poor . The Europeans took the concept of charity from the Muslims but unfortunately nowadays we people have forgotten the Islamic teachings and are living highly materialistic lives and the poor who are unable to cope with that are living quite miserably . Zakat and Bait-ul-Mal are the two institutions, which if used properly, can address the problem of poverty to a great extent . The institution of Bait-ulMal has tremendous potential for reaching the poor and helping them to escape the poverty trap without engaging in the curse of loans . An assessment of both Zakat and Bait-ul-Mal in terms of their mis-utilization and rehabilitative contribution is urgently required.

Corruption and bad governance are among the key factors for giving rise to even more poverty . Competent and honest economists must be employed to tackle this situation efficiently . Anti corruption organizations should be dealing strictly with those who do not pay their taxes . Those who come forward with new ideas to combat poverty must be encouraged by the government . Instead of competing in the race of weapons , there is a need to shift our expenses towards issues like poverty.

Along with private charities proper planning and good government policies are the most important for eradicating poverty . Engaging the poor by providing them with small scale businesses , training them in free workshops , increasing their minimum wages , building more and more old homes and orphanages , even the communities can maintain such institutions on their own . Those who cant work can be provided with cash payments collected from all the community members. Free health care centers and free education for poor children must be there in every locality . Even the teachers who teach at schools in the morning time , may be employed to teach such children in the evening time in the same schools. Without education the country will not be able to progress and this will lead to even greater poverty. Each and every community must establish a joint fund for providing financial assistance to the poor members of the community at the time of need .

Abdu sattar Edhi provides shelter ,clothing and food to thousands of people and he is not even rich . All that he does is solely a depiction of strong will . determination , passion and faith in Allah Almighty. He has the heart that loves the poor . The power of love , passion and dedication are the utmost requirements to achieve any objective. Its a dilemma that we do not even give enough respect to the poor. Our this attitude develops feelings of hatred , revenge and crime . Envy compels them even to kill to attain their objectives . The poor requires something more than money . They want intelligent sympathy ; they want moral help ,which no money can buy . They want to be treated as respectable humans and not as creatures of another race . We must have to bring change in our attitudes firstly . To give these things to the poor requires a larger heart , a broader mind , and more personal sacrifice , than most rich people are prepared to give .We shall never be able to relieve the poor in any real way until we can give them our hearts as well as our money. ( 791 words )

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