Poverty is one of the greatest struggles faced by humanity.To be poor means living without basic needs, and it is a very hard and painful life.On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we are reminded that every person deserves dignity, equality, and the chance to live without hunger or fear. Poverty is not only about lack of money but also about lack of opportunity, health, and education.
Across the world, millions of people sleep without food, children drop out of school to work, and families live without proper homes. Breaking this cycle is a responsibility we all share.
Islam gives a beautiful solution to poverty through the system of Zakat. Zakat is the practice of giving 2.5% of one’s wealth every year to the poor and needy. Its purpose is to balance wealth in society and ensure that no one is left behind.
The Quran reminds us: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
This verse shows that when we spend for others, blessings multiply in our own lives. It is not a loss, but a great gain both in this world and the Hereafter.
If we look beyond religion and simply adopt this principle as human beings, the results would be extraordinary. Imagine if every individual who earns shared just 2.5% of their income to help the poor, hunger would reduce, shelters would rise, and opportunities would open up.
This small percentage is not a burden on the giver, but it becomes a huge blessing for the receiver. It gives hope to widows, education to children, food to hungry families, and medical help to the sick.
History shows that when communities practised zakat sincerely, poverty almost disappeared. It created harmony, justice, and unity.
Today, the world spends billions on luxuries, yet many struggle for a single meal. The solution is simple: sharing what we have.On this day, let’s reflect on our role in society. Let’s commit to giving, sharing, and helping in whichever way we can.
Eradicating poverty is not a dream, it is possible. With compassion, fair distribution, and a sense of duty, no one should remain poor in this world.
Afiya Sajjad
Margao, Goa
270 Journalists Killed in Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
Renowned journalist Mehdi Hasan has revealed that 270 Palestinian journalists killed since the war beganon October 7, 2023. He was addressing the “Together for Palestine” fundraising concertalongside international actors and artists at Wembley Arena on September 18.
Hasan, CEO and editor-in-chief of the new media company Zeteo, cited shocking figures: 270 Palestinian journalists killed since the war began, more than in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War combined.
He also accused western media of failing in its duty. He said audiences had been “lied to, manipulated, misled, gaslit” for nearly two years. Hasan stressed that local Palestinian reporters were on the ground, documenting events under fire.
Leading a chant of “You can’t bomb the truth away,” he declared that every fallen journalist left behind evidence that cannot be erased. He concluded with a defiant promise: “You will not silence Gaza. You will not silence Palestine. You will not silence the truth. And one day, Palestine will be free.”
Shakeel Danish
Meerut, UP