The Islamic Tradition is formed on five pillars, one of them being the obligation of the wealthy towards those in poverty. Whilst the underlying principle is one of compassion, this pillar, called Zakaat, really goes beyond compassion towards others but also one of rights and responsibilities, which incidentally is also connected to our intuitiveness for such a responsibility. The poor have a right over those who have surplus wealth.There is much to discuss regarding the Islamic Pillar, but in the meantime click here for a most informative lecture by Peter Singer at the Oxford University, about the ethics of poverty.
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