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RETURNING TO THE ROOT

Charity to eradicate poverty

FAIZAH A EERINA
The greatest irony for mankind is the inability to recognise that, as we engage in conflict for our rights, we often neglect the responsibility that comes with them. The responsibility towards the human race; for all our fates are eventually tied together. We forsake the commitment that we have towards other people and set the profound label of 'charity' when we do engage in acts of kindness. It is to be questioned, however, whether we can continue calling it charity instead of taking accountability for it.
Charity is present in the essence of all religion. Charity in Judaism is found in the Mitzvah of Tzedakah, which interprets to the "good deed of giving" and entails giving a portion of an individual's personal resources for the greater good. In the broader sense, Tzedakah is derived from Hebrew and refers to fairness, justice or righteousness. Giving the poor, in Judaism, is more than an act of generosity; it is a duty, an act of being fair to all (Judaism 101 1999).
In Christianity, 'charity' was translated as agape in the earlier version of the Bible for King James and is literally translated as Tove' in the modern versions, representing the mutual love between man and God that is displayed through the selfless love towards one's fellow man. The Gospel of John enlightens, "If anyone has material possessions and
sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (John 3:17-18).
The Buddhist perspective on charity is more symbolic and the act of giving voluntarily in Buddhism is driven by the belief that, living things need to co-exist by depending on one other. However, an essential practice in Buddhism is Dana, which is a Pali and Sanskrit word, connot-
ing to the virtue of generosity. Similarly, in Hinduism, the practice of Dana, emphasised in the Rig Veda, refers to donating a portion of your income as a virtuous act to the ones in need or in distress. The other characteristic, according to the Upanishads, goes hand in hand with Danais Daya, i.e. love or compassion for all forms of life.
In Islam, one of the five pillars of
Shahadah is Zakat, meaning "that which purifies" and it entails giving Sadaqah, signifying 'voluntary charity’. Zakat is an obligatory act of benevolence and involves any act of charity performed out of love, friendship, generosity, or compassion. Investing in Sadaqah is explained in the Quran, "Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance thatWe have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." (63:10)
Poverty does not take birth naturally, but emerges at the interference of human beings and it can be overcome by our very hands; only if we offer it to those in need and be just by giving. Mother Teresa worked devotedly to create this balance and overcome distress, suffering and poverty. It is in her remembrance that 5th September, the day of her passing, was officially declared in 2012 as the International Day of Charity by the United Nations General Assembly. This year, the United Nations will focus on 'eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions'. However, the solution to poverty is opportunity, not purely charity.
We need to build such opportunities by shaping a future that resists an inequitable economic system. The stem of the future is the children of today and by sowing the seed of knowledge within them, we provide
them with the mightiest ammunition- The Pen. When we invest in the future of the children by instilling knowledge, we provide them with a route out of poverty. These children will pay it forward as they get equipped with confidence and knowledge and turn out to lead a more productive life. Many organisations are looking into educating underprivileged children.
One such organisation is JAAGO Foundation, which connects the children in need with benevolent individuals through a sponsorship programme. The sponsors selflessly choose to contribute a small amount of their earnings each month to educate them and make a difference. A monthly donation of only BDT 2000 provides a child the access to educational necessities, supplementary nutrition, health care benefits and prospects to leam significant life skills. By donating at JAAGO Foundation, our contribution will not only create prospects for a child in need, but also provide them the opportunity to liberate themselves from the grasp of poverty.
As John Bunyan said, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."
To leam more about JAAGO, visit their official website: https://jaago.com.bd
The author is the Communication Manager of JAAGO Foundation.