Title: Poverty and its Solution from the Quran

Introduction:
Poverty is a significant global issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The Quran
addresses poverty and offers guidance on how to address this problem with compassion,
justice, and community support. Here are some Quranic principles relevant to poverty and its
potential solutions:

1. Zakat (Charitable Giving):

One of the essential pillars of Islam is Zakat, which is an obligatory form of charity. Muslims who
meet specific wealth criteria are required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) to help
the less fortunate. Surah At-Tawbah (9:60) mentions the recipients of Zakat:
"Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect
[Zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for
those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler."

2. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity):

Besides Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to give voluntary charity (Sadaqah) to support those in
need. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177) emphasizes the virtue of spending in charity:
"Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true]
righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the
Prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler,
those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves."

3. Eliminating Usury (Riba):

The Quran strictly prohibits usury (charging or paying interest) as it can exacerbate poverty and
lead to economic exploitation. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:275) condemns usury:
"Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Devil has driven to
madness by [his] touch. That is because they say, 'Trade is just like usury,' but Allah has
permitted trade and has forbidden usury."

4. Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Groups:

The Quran emphasizes the importance of caring for orphans and other vulnerable groups in
society. Surah An-Nisa (4:36) urges the care of orphans:
"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives,
orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side,
the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who
are arrogant and boastful."

5. Work and Dignity:

The Quran encourages people to work and earn their livelihood with dignity. Surah Al-Isra
(17:26-27) emphasizes personal responsibility:
"And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.
Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful."
6. Community Support and Solidarity:
The Quran emphasizes the importance of community support and mutual assistance. Surah Al-
Hashr (59:7) highlights the concept of "sadaqat" (spending for the community's welfare):
"And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for
the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will
not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger
has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from."

Conclusion:
While the Quran provides these principles, it is up to individuals, communities, and governments
to put them into action to effectively address poverty. Combining these Quranic principles with
real-world strategies and initiatives can help create a more just and compassionate society
where poverty is tackled at its root.