Poverty Alleviation by Way of Charity in Islamic Perspective: An Analysis of Pakistani Society

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the issue of poverty and ways of its eradication particularly, by way of charity in perspective of Islam and socio-economic conditions of Pakistani society. It explores that Islam motivates its followers to help needy and poor people by way charity and declared it a source to please Allah. Rather, Allah Almighty has made the rich segment of the society bound to contribute to the development of the society by way of reducing poverty. The Pakistani rich segment is one of the generous communities of the world that helps the poor by way of charity. However, it is a matter of great concern that in Pakistan, poverty ratio is increasing day by day and more than 50% of the population is living below the poverty line i.e. US$1.25 per day. It leads that there are some flaws in the contemporary system of charity due to which poverty could not be reduced. In this context, this paper aims to throw light on the causes due to which poverty cannot be reduced and to recommend some suggestions which may helpful to reduce poverty in Pakistan by way of charity.