Wealth

• Wealth


  A gift from God
• Spiritual wealth


  Has far greater value than material wealth
• Poverty causes great suffering in the world
• Most Christians believe it is important to try to reduce poverty
• Christians


  • They should follow the example of Jesus, who showed compassion for others
• Christians do not believe it is wrong to be wealthy
• Important to use wealth


  To help others
• Jesus: ''Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.''
• Wealth


  Shouldn't be used selfishly but unselfishly to look after each other
• Many Christians choose to tithe - to give 10 per cent of their earnings to the Church for charity purposes
• Christians support charities like Christian Aid, which work to try to end poverty
• Wealth


  A gift from Allah that should not be wasted
• Muslim beliefs about wealth


  • Muslims have a duty to care for others
  • One way to do this is to help those living in poverty and tackle the causes of poverty
• Causes of poverty in the UK and world


  • Low-paid work
  • Unemployment
  • Family breakdowns or illnesses
  • Inadequate social benefits
  • Rapid population growth leading to overpopulation
  • War and political instability
  • High national debt
  • Lack of education and opportunity
  • Discrimination and social inequality
  • Environmental problems or natural disasters
• Islamic teachings on wealth


  • Muslims should act responsibly with wealth by helping those in need
  • Understand that all possessions belong to Allah and disapprove of greed and waste
  • Help individuals according to their needs
• Uses of wealth


  • Muslims pay Zakah - 2.5% of their annual wealth is used to help the poor and needy
  • Muslims are encouraged to choose to give sadagah, which is voluntary charity
  • Many Muslims give money and support to charities that help the poor, for example Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief
  • Muslims avoid gambling and lending for profit
• Muslims are taught that Allah expects them to show concern for others
• Muslims are part of the ummah, and Islam teaches that they should care for each other as they were all made equal by Allah
• Muslims believe Allah has given them the responsibility of being good khalifahs, which means to take care of Allah's creation - this is seen to include humans, who were created by Allah
• Muslims believe they have duties given to them by Allah - one of the Five Pillars is Zakah
• Zakah is believed to purify the poor, because it means they are not tempted to be jealous
• The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it.: '(Hadith)'