Missing connect of charity, sustainable development agenda.

Byline: UROOJ AIJAZ

Societies are the heterogeneous combination of people where they are differentiated on the basis of their physic, by their intellect while few by their financial positions. Some lived hand to mouth and some are born with spoon of gold. The thing in common is the existence of rich in minorities where majority was struggling to meet their ends by scarce means. This division becomes worse after the outbreak of COVID-19 as it increased the class gap and added a new layer to socioeconomic vulnerabilities. It push many people survive on the border line of poverty to vicious circle of poverty.

Pakistan has strong traditions of volunteering and giving, deeply rooted in the Islamic faith of its citizens. Charity is a central tenet of Islam, which lays great emphasis on supporting the needy and poor. Although philanthropy is preached and encouraged in other religions as well, Islam makes it obligatory in the form of Zakat which is one of the five pillars of the faith. The beneficiaries of Zakat are mentioned in the Quran: the poor, the needy, those employed to administer it, those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth), (to free) the captives, those in debt, and in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer. This list of beneficiaries binds Muslims to each other, and shows the notion of social responsibility and civic duty. Thus, charity in Islam is not only a form of worship, it also links humans to each other through their obligations to God.

The concept of giving charity is fundamental to the Islamic economic system. It emphasizes social solidarity as an ideal that enjoins both justice and generosity while condemning the hoarders of wealth. The necessity and value of charity giving are articulated in the Quran through numerous terms. The meanings of these terms are integrated with one another and they are often used interchangeably. The most significant terms include Sadqa, Zakat, Khairaat, Qarz-e-hasna and 'Infaaq' etc. Every term has its own importance and needs clear understanding.

When we talk about charity in Pakistan than we stand among top generous nations as we contribute more than 1% of our GDP on charity which is twice as India contributed. As per study of Pakistan Centre for Philanthrop, Pakistanis give around PKR 240 billion (more than $2 billion) annually to charity. The same report indicates that about 98 percent of people in the country give in one form or another if not with cash, then with in-kind donations or...