Poverty is often the primary cause of ignorance...

Poverty is often the primary cause of ignorance, crime, disease, unbelief and corruption. To solve this complicated dilemma, Islam sets certain laws like the poor-rates (zakat) which is mandatory on the rich, exhortation to work, warning against wastefulness, monopolies, etc. In Islam's view, the main reasons behind poverty are: Insufficient Production. Poor Consumption Habits. Weak Distribution System. 1.

Insufficient Production One basic reason for poverty is an inadequacy in manufacturing whatever man needs, such as food, clothing, household goods, housing, etc. Underproduction is attributed to: A. Laziness and Unemployment Islam warns man against laziness and unemployment and orders him to work actively, diligently and patiently to gain the means to satisfy his needs. Islam regards work as something endearing to Allah.

Allah, the Glorified, says: “And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Apostle and the faithful; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.” Holy Qur'an (9:105) The (s) is quoted as saying: “Allah certainly likes the faithful professional” He had labelled work and seeking provisions “the greater jihad.” B.

Ignorance of Technology A man who knows how to produce machines and equipment, how to develop them and make them more efficient, can multiply his production. The result would be the satisfaction of people's basic needs. Islam urges us to seek knowledge, and to think and devise new products through inventions and discoveries. Ignorance of technology makes it impossible to progress and causes the society to be dependent on others for their needs.

The Holy Prophet (s) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every male and female Muslim.” Poor Consumption Habits The Most High says in the Qur'an: “And give to the near of kin their right, and to the destitute and the traveller; and squander not wastefully. Surely the squanderers are Satan's brothers...” Holy Qur'an (17:26-27) Squandering is the second cause of poverty.

Extravagance, prodigality and spending money on forbidden things like drinking alcohol, dancing, singing, corruption, and the production of weapons that can wipe mankind off the face of the earth, are but a few examples of the misuse of the fruits and wealth of the earth. Such abuses of wealth lead to the depletion of means, and create poverty and destitution.