Wealth and Poverty

Question 1

Wealth and Poverty in Britain

Answer 1

• Britain is described as a materialistic society
• 2015- the UK was found to be Europe’s most generous country
• Money is needed to survive
• The UK is a very wealthy country
• 2 million in the UK are malnourished and 3 million are at risk of malnourishment

Question 2

How should Christians make use of their wealth?

Answer 2

• Spiritual worth is more important than materialistic worth
• Value should be based on action rather than their monetary worth
• How someone acquires their wealth is important
• Jesus taught that wealth does not make people happy
• Jesus warns his disciples money can take the place of God in Matthew 6
• Methodists and Quakers oppose gambling as it is profit of someone’s expense
• Voluntary work, giving to charities

Question 3

How should Muslims make use of their wealth?

Answer 3

• All wealth is a gift from God, humans are caretakers of God’s wealth
• It is a Muslim duty to support others and care for the poor
• Zakah and Sadaqah is collected
• Some occupations are forbidden (not money lenders)
• They disagree with the idea of interest and the Qur’an forbids gambling
• Charity is an important part of Muslim faith
• Wealth should be used to help and not harm others

Question 4

Types of Giving in Islam

Answer 4

• Zakah = Sunni and Shi’a are expected to give 2.5% of their wealth per year
• Khums = Shi’a Muslims are expected to pay a 20% wealth tax to religious leaders
• Sadaqah = Voluntary giving; any good deed done out of compassion
• Zakat-ul-Fitr = At the end of Ramadan donations go to the poor, so all people can eat a good meal on Eid

Question 5

CASE STUDY - CHRISTIAN AID

Answer 5

• Aims to challenge systems that favour the rich and stop poverty
• Work in partnerships in over 60 countries
• Works on the basis of a belief in one God
• Cares for the Earth
• Gives all people dignity and respect
• Fights justice and inequality
• Agape
• Organises projects to help people

Question 6

CASE STUDY - ISLAMIC RELIEF

Answer 6

• Founded in Britain in 1984, guided by Muslim values in over 40 countries
• Show compassion, love, sincerity and justice
• Provides both long and short term aid (shelters, education, healthcare)
• Responds to disasters

“our vision, inspired by our Islamic faith.”

Question 7

CHRISTIANITY - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON HELPING THE POOR

Answer 7

“The Rich Man and Lazarus” - LUKE 16:19-31

“The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats” - MATTHEW 25

Question 8

ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON SHARING WEALTH

Answer 8

“giveth his wealth, for love of him…to the needy..and to those who ask.” - QUR’AN 2:177
- shows that the Ummah provides for all people including those who ask for help

Question 9

ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON SHARING WEALTH

Answer 9

“whoever saves a soul, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” - QUR’AN 5:32

Question 10

ISLAM - SOURCE OF WISDOM ON SHARING WEALTH

Answer 10

“[and who] establishes prayer and gives Zakah…those are the ones who have been true.” - QUR’AN 2:!77