Thursday, April 24, 2025
One Half of the World Does Not Know How the Other Half Lives
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
23 April 2025
A philanthropist medico friend of mine who helps the poorest of poor people and treats them free, told me that he recently met a very poor old Muslim patient and his family. They said, "Hum Log Itne Muflis Hain Ki Muflisi Hum Se Sharma Jaaye" (We're so poor that even poverty is ashamed of us). Shocked beyond words, I remembered reading long ago, " We were so poor that we didn't even have poverty."
This encapsulates the profound depths of destitution experienced by marginalized communities. This poignant statement challenges the conventional understanding of poverty, as it suggests that their circumstances were so dire that the very concept of poverty seemed irrelevant.
These words capture the visceral reality of impoverishment that strips individuals of the basic necessities of life, rendering the notion of poverty itself ironically insufficient. By delving into their dire circumstances, this statement serves as a stark reminder of the true extent of destitution and addresses the urgent need for social and economic equity. It's true that one half of the world does not know how the other half lives.
If we truly believe in the value of every human life, we cannot ignore the plight of those living in poverty. It raises the ethical question of how we should respond to the suffering and deprivation endured by those living in poverty. If we genuinely believe in the equal value of all human lives, it becomes impossible to turn a blind eye to the struggles and hardships faced by individuals who lack basic necessities and opportunities.
This is a reminder that we have a moral obligation to take action and address the challenges of poverty, as we strive to create a more just and equitable world. The greatest tragedy is not poverty itself, but our indifference to it. Poverty, with its countless ramifications, continues to wreak havoc around the world, stripping individuals of their rights, dignity, and potential.
But what makes this tragedy even more profound is our collective indifference, as we turn a blind eye to the sufferings of millions. It is through our inaction and lack of empathy that poverty continues to persist, deepening the divide between the privileged and the marginalized. To truly conquer this tragedy, we must acknowledge our role in contributing to it and actively work towards a solution, for it is only through compassion and collective effort that we can bring about lasting change. Poverty is not merely a random occurrence or a stroke of bad luck, but rather a consequence of systemic injustices that must be confronted and rectified. It emphasizes the idea that poverty is not an inevitable outcome, but rather a product of social, economic, and political structures that perpetuate inequality and deprivation. By recognizing poverty as a result of systemic injustices, it emphasizes the urgent need to address and overturn these injustices in order to alleviate the suffering and inequality experienced by millions worldwide. This calls for a comprehensive approach to tackling poverty, one that encompasses structural changes and transformative measures aimed at creating a more equitable and just society for all.
I must add that in this regard, Islam plays a significant role in poverty eradication through its emphasis on social justice, charitable giving, and economic principles that promote fairness and well-being. Key elements include obligatory charity (Zakat), encouragement of private charity (Sadaqah), and a system of Islamic finance that avoids usury (interest) and promotes equitable economic practices.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes caring for the poor and needy (Khaki) for, all are equal and equally entitled to live in an egalitarian and dignified manner. To quote Dr Muhammad Iqbal, 'Haqeeqat Ek Hai Har Shai Ki, Khaaki Ho Ya Noori / Lahoo Khursheed Ka Tapke Agar Zarre Ka Dil Cheerein ' (The embedded reality is the same in all the creatures, regardless of the ostensible disparities/ The blood of the sun oozes out when the heart of a particle is wide open). The chasm between the haves and the have-nots will have to be bridged.
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/world-other-half-lives-pverty/d/135268
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