(Siasat News)In every religion of the world giving alms and donations to the poor has been emphasized. The help given to the poor should empower them and make them independent.
These thoughts were expressed in the meeting organized by Confederation of Voluntary Organization Associations (COVA) held on the topic of “Alms for Self-Dependence”.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, in his address, said that in Islam, greater emphasis is laid on alms giving and people were largely persuaded for it.
Quoting the saying of prophet Mohammed (PBUH), he said that on the Dooms Day, Allah (SWT) will ask his creatures that when I was ill, you didn’t take care of me, when I was hungry, you didn’t feed me, when I needed garments, you didn’t give me clothes.
The person would ask the Almighty: Oh God-! You are free from all these things and how is it that you needed them? Then Allah (SWT) would say you didn’t feed that man when he was hungry and he asked for food from you. Had you fed him, you would have found me there. When such a person was ill, had you taken care of him, you would have found me there. Had you given clothes to that person, you would have found me there.
Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani told that in Islam, service to people has been ranked as worship. Not only this, if there is any lapse in performing any worship, the individuals have been asked to compensate it by giving alms to the poor. Allah (SWT) has graded the good deeds. Ten times virtues have been assigned for worship. On reciting every word of the Quran, ten virtues have been allotted but if any help is provided to a poor man, Allah (SWT) has promised to give 700 times virtues.
Representatives of the Parsis, Mr. Manikshaw Debra told that the meaning of “Parsi” is alms giving. He told that from his religious point of view, poverty is the root cause of sin.
Father Anthony Raj Thimma told that Christianity is identified with alms giving and welfare deeds. Adequate emphasis is given in Christianity on Alms giving; people’s service has also been persuaded.
Mr. K.M Bhambak, founder of Jain Tribhuvan Prasavadham, Medchal told that Jainism is an ancient religion, which promotes alms giving and Self-Dependence. He told that in their divine scripture “Aagam Shastra” Alms giving is emphasized at seven places. He told that by giving alms to one Jain Sadhu is equivalent to giving alms to 100 persons. He told that in the divine scriptures of their religion, a person could find an access to God through alms giving.
Mr. Singharakshika Anand told that in Bhudism there are three kinds of Alms giving: the one in which materials are given as alms; the other that is given to save someone’s life; and the third is to persuade the righteousness of God. He emphasized that by giving alms; people should be made independent so that they shouldn’t seek anybody’s help from others.
Representative of Brahmakumaris, Sister Ms. Anjali told that there is a need to empower people in every field. She told that after death everything associated with human beings would be nullified but anything that would be useful to anyone is his good deeds. She told that by giving alms, we should empower an individual.
Mr. Vimal Rao, highlighted the importance of alms giving in Vedic Dharma. He told that the greatest alms giving are spreading knowledge. He told that by giving alms inequality in society could be eradicated.
Mr. Manak Singh Nasthar told that the founder of Sikhism said that a person couldn’t find an access to God unless he distributes his hard earned income to others. He told that Sikhism has discarded dependence on Alms. This is the reason that no beggars are found in Sikh Religion.
Mr. Syed Mazher Hussain, Director of COVA conducted the meeting. He emphasized the need to give alms to the poor and the needy. He also highlighted the efforts made by COVA in this direction.
—-Siasat News