Give Them the Tools… Give Them the Dignity
Poverty is a serious problem in the developing world. This is not the poverty where one could live simply with dignity. This is grinding poverty created by various in-humane reasons such as oppression and exploitation of economically less fortunate. As a result large populations are now suffering to the extent where they are ready to do anything, even selling their own children. Under such circumstances, it becomes our moral responsibility to lend our hand to such people and help them learn skills which makes them economically strong so they may live with dignity.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “(Prophet) Zakariyya (PBUH) was a carpenter.” (Sahih Muslim Vol. 2, Book 30, Number 5863)
Narrated Al-Miqdam, The Prophet said, “Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one’s own hands. The Prophet of Allah, David (peace be upon him) used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 34, Number 286)
Adult Education
The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was IQRA – meaning “Read!” or “Proclaim!” Throughout history, the value of education has been universally well recognized and honored. Unfortunately today, a large segment of the world’s population still does not know how to read or write. As a result, they are unable to achieve their goals in life because of lack of opportunities and earning potential to support their families. Each one of us can help spread knowledge and provide the means and opportunity for the poor to receive an education.
Allah, the Exalted, says in Al-Qur’an:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists)” [96:1]
“Then High above all be Allah, the True King. And be not in haste (O Muhammad SAW) with the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” [20:114]
“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). [39:9]
“Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.” [58:11]
“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” [35:28]
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” (Sahih Muslim)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Sahih Muslim)