The Koran
A predominant theme in any religious text is the treatment of the poor by the rich. Although not two texts state their themes identically, the holy book entitled the Koran has a definite similarity in the way the rich are expected to treat the poor as in Jesus' teachings to his followers. In the Koran, those who possess wealth are encouraged to "Serve none but Allah; show kindness towards your parents and your kindred and the orphans and the poor, and speak to men kindly, and be steadfast in prayer, and give alms;" (83.K, pg 265). This passage sets a definite tone for the topic of the treatment of the poor, and the theme continues to develop throughout this work Although the wealthy are encouraged to give alms to the poor in the name of Allah, they are in turn blessed in his eyes for this. This is shown very clearly in passage 261 o
f the Koran, where it is stated that: "Those who spend their wealth in Allah's cause are like grain that grows to seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains, for Allah will double those he pleases; for Allah both embraces and knows." The Koran goes on in this fashion in passages 215 (pg. 272), 254, 262, and 265 (pg. 275), as well as 267 and 274 (pg.276). The promise of the wealthy earning glory in the eyes of Allah for giving what they have is apparent. This shows favor towards the wealthy, whereas in Jesus' teachings to his followers, poverty is seen as divine, (5.G.o.M., pg 229). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Brief History of Civilization; Anson, Dr. Edward M.; Bowles, Charles; Fontaine, Miclelle; McGraw-Hill Publishing, Inc.; 2nd edition; copyright 1996 "Do not use your wealth for vanities, n
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Approximate Word count = 576
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
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