With the growing and disastrous effects of climate change, it has become crucial that Muslims keep up their obligatory alms, such as zakat as well as sadaqah.
With the growing and disastrous effects of climate change, it has become crucial that Muslims keep up their obligatory alms, such as zakat as well as sadaqah.
Islamic aid is woven into the fabric of our faith. Muslims who are financially able to give are required to pay zakat and often give beyond that with sadaqah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
A charity is due for every joint in each person on 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 onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity, and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.
Since charity is such an integral part of our faith, it should be no surprise that Muslims are more generous than any other group. According to Philanthropy Today, Muslim Americans are more generous than the overall U.S. population.
As the world has grown prosperous, there has been vast wealth distribution inequality. Moreover, economic inequality has widened thanks to technological change, globalization, a decline of unions, and the actual value of the minimum wage eroding. As a result, the richest are getting richer at a faster rate.
Zakat Can Balance Inequality
While poverty is a complex issue, it is mainly the result of a lack of growth and inequality. Islamic aid such as zakat can help balance the unequal distribution of wealth and use those funds to allow people to lift themselves out of poverty. Zakat is a powerful tool to allow for a more equitable distribution of wealth. Zakat allows more people to invest, increase consumption, and allow for investment in community projects.
Islamic Aid Benefits The Giver
When a person is generous, that person receives benefits too. Giving charity is linked to increased happiness, mood, and life satisfaction. It makes people feel like they are part of a larger community and connected to others. Charitable giving is even linked to lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and inflammation.
Non-Muslims Propose “Wealth Tax”
With climate change disasters, growing economic inequality, and looming recession, non-Muslims have proposed a wealth tax. A wealth tax would undoubtedly alleviate these issues. However, there are plenty of examples of how enacting a wealth tax would ensure that the wealthy flee those regions to protect their wealth.
What’s missing? For a “wealth tax” to be effective, you must consent. The people who give need to honestly believe in the benefits of a “wealth tax,” not just for the beneficiaries but for themselves.
Muslims Can Lead The Way
Our tradition understands the very human nature of greed as an extension of our nafs (ego, base self) and uses zakat as a way to combat that. God created us and tells us in the Quran,
And you love wealth with immense love.”
[89:20]
Muslims understand that our wealth is not truly something we possess but that we are merely custodians. We know that when we give zakat, we purify our wealth and souls and elevate society with an equitable distribution of wealth.
At Zakat Foundation of America, we take the concept of Islamic aid seriously. Whether you entrust us with your zakat or giving charity, we ensure that we use those funds in a manner befitting our faith. Learn more about how you can change lives here.
