Dear readers, did you know that Islam’s Bayt al-Mal laid the foundations for modern social welfare?

Well, long before modern governments developed welfare systems, Islam introduced a comprehensive financial and social framework known as the Bayt al-Mal — the Public Treasury. Established in the Prophet’s era and strengthened under the Rightly Guided Caliphs, it ensured wealth circulated fairly, the vulnerable were protected, and prosperity was shared rather than hoarded.

The Koran reminds us: “And in their wealth is a known right for the beggar and the deprived.” (51:19)

Wealth, in Islam, is not a private entitlement but a trust (amanah) from Allah. It carries responsibility. A society rooted in Islamic principles cannot allow extreme poverty on one side and unchecked excess on the other.

The Bayt al-Mal system was built on justice, compassion and social duty.

The wealth was drawn from various sources — zakat, sadaqah, public revenues, and more — and these funds were used to support widows, orphans, travellers, the poor, the elderly, and the sick. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab famously patrolled the streets at night to ensure no family slept hungry.

Under his leadership, stipends were provided for children, new mothers, and those unable to work. This made the early Islamic welfare model one of the most humane and advanced in history.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reinforced this ethic of generosity and justice: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Such a society thrives on compassion, fairness, and spiritual accountability — not greed.

Islam teaches that charity purifies wealth and protects society from decay. Allah says: “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and increase them in righteousness.” (Koran, 9:103).

Indeed, sincere charity, not the kind that is used to avoid taxes, but charity that is a purifier of wealth and hearts.

People often think that if they give away, they will be the lovers but this is not so; as the Prophet declared: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim).

Meaning you will lose nothing for giving in charity, indeed you will be more enriched. Such is the mercy and compassion of Allah and how generously he rewards good deeds.

When the rich share with the poor, blessings increase, resentment dissolves, and dignity is preserved.

Yet in today’s world, inequality has widened dramatically — from the filthy rich amassing unimaginable fortunes to the raggedy poor struggling daily. This imbalance is not merely economic but spiritual. Greed erodes compassion; hoarding suffocates community.

Unfortunately, a painful reality exists that Muslim nations are not immune to hoarding wealth. Sadly, many countries that identify as “Islamic” have succumbed to the same global trend of materialism and inequality.

Some have drifted from the Koranic commands of justice and the Prophetic model of welfare. Instead of uplifting the poor and ensuring fair distribution, wealth often accumulates among elites while ordinary people struggle.

This deviation from the way of the Koran and sunnah is one of the greatest tragedies facing the Muslim world today.

Fortunately there are modern voices speaking on wealth inequality. The urgency of addressing economic injustice is growing.

A recent episode of the talk show On All Fronts, aired every Tuesday at 8pm and hosted by Llewelyn Simmons, explored this very issue.

The renowned activist and author Chuck Collins — a longtime voice against wealth inequality — was the guest speaker. He provided insightful analysis on how concentrated wealth harms societies, echoing what Islam taught 1,400 years ago: a community thrives only when resources circulate and care for the vulnerable is prioritised.

Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the world's wealth inequality, once said: “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”

These words ring true.

Inequality is not about scarcity — it is about excess. Resources exist in abundance, yet greed distorts access. Gandhi’s reminder calls us to balance fairness with compassion, ensuring communities grow and flourish together.

The Islamic model of the Bayt al-Māl teaches that collective prosperity comes from justice, charity, responsibility, and compassion leading the way to a prosperous society. Today’s world desperately needs a return to these values.

Allah warns strongly against hoarding wealth and withholding charity: “And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah — give them tidings of a painful punishment.” (Koran, 9:34)

A modern-day fact of action in motion is that in his early twenties, Chuck Collins gave away the wealth he inherited from his great-grandfather, showing that he not only talks the talk but truly walks the walk — a prime example of action rather than mere lip service.

Allah encourages generosity and gives a final divine reminder: “Whatever you spend of good, He will replace it.” (Koran, 34:39)

Prosperity comes not from accumulating wealth, but from sharing it, circulating it, and uplifting others. Only by returning to the Koran and sunnah, not in name but in practice, can our societies heal inequality and rediscover true human dignity.

Remember, Allah will ask us how we used the wealth He entrusted to us, so we must give generously — for none of it will accompany us when we leave this world … for a certainty, we can’t take it with us when we go!

Although we are most focused on financial charity, we must remember that charity comes in many forms. An act of charity is any sincere action done to help, support, or benefit someone in need — seeking the pleasure of Allah and expecting nothing in return.

Sister Pat shared with me the following, reminding us that In Islam, acts of charity (sadaqah) are broad and beautiful. They include:

• Giving money, food, or clothing to the poor

• Smiling at someone

• Offering a kind word

• Helping someone carry their belongings

• Visiting the sick

• Feeding an animal

• Removing harm from the road

• Supporting widows, orphans, and the vulnerable

• Teaching beneficial knowledge

• Donating time, skills, or effort to help others

• Making a quiet prayer (duaa) for someone

• Giving your time to listen when someone feels alone.

These small actions, done sincerely, create a more compassionate and connected community — the true spirit of charity that Islam encourages.

Prophet Muhammad said: “Every good deed is charity.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad reminded us that if we think we have nothing to give — “Your smile in the face of your brother is charity.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1956)

This means even the smallest act of kindness counts. So you see, the opportunities to be charitable are countless. Let's not miss them.

“O Allah, grant us pure hearts and charitable spirits; make us among those who give with sincerity and live with compassion. Ameen.”

Bermuda, may we embody charity in all that we do. Have a blessed and purposeful week, filled with the spirit of charity.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam