Lucy Moore explores the directives within Islam to care for the poor and what this means in the context of the UK Election. 

As with all great world movements or faiths, even a cursory look will show that Islam has simplicity at its heart, and complexity in its practice. It is simple and pure in its directives to believers; there are five pillars of your faith: Shahadah (Belief/Faith); Salat (Prayer); Sawm Ramadan (Fasting); Zakat (Alms Giving/Charity); and Hajj (Pilgrimage). Yet it can be complex in how these translate into everyday life - as Muslims we are one community but the schools of thought and traditions found within our faith are numerous, reflecting the complexity of human life and practices.

No less may be true of the pillar of Zakat, the 2.5% of wealth that Muslims are directed to give to the poor.  Ever striving to practice our faith in the best way, the community can rightly debate where Zakat can be spent - in your immediate community? Within the country you are in? In the Muslim community specifically? Within the Ummah (the worldwide Muslim community)? Or with the needy worldwide?

When looking at who should receive help through Zakat I recalled that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said "If a single person were to sleep hungry in a town, then God's protection is lifted from that town". For me, this Hadith clarifies that the directive to feed the poor is not limited to those of your faith, but those within your reach, within your community; for me it is a narration that sits comfortably with my understanding of Allah's infinite mercy and the Prophet's grace and charitable nature, no matter who the recipient.

Turning to read this in the context of the 21st Century I can only feel that, in an increasingly globalised world, it is simply that our 'town' grows ever larger. We are now capable of affecting the lives of those we may never even meet in a way that was only vaguely conceived of in the time of the Prophet. This can be negative influence, but if Zakat is a touchstone, a pillar of our faith, as much as a practice, then surely we should strive to reach out to whoever is suffering, whoever they are and even though they may be far from us?
 
So how do I apply these fundamental principles when considering the UK General Election and in the context of the Vote Global manifesto?

It is clear to me that the requirement to give to those less fortunate, no matter how or where I do so, is a central part of my identity and beliefs as a Muslim. Hence, amongst other issues, the pledges and record of the parties on International Development, aid and support for the poor must also be a factor in deciding who I vote for.

There is a tendency for commentators talk in polemical terms rather than substantive ones, and so it may come as a surprise that there is actually consensus amongst the political parties on the need to meet our aid target of 0.7% of GNI.

There are variations of course. Labour and the Liberal Democrats plan to introduce legislation to meet our international commitments. Conservatives argue that funds should be provided only if development results can be shown. Plaid Cymru and the SNP argue they would be freed up to meet the commitment if their nations were independent and the Greens make the case for 1% of GNI being spent on aid, provided it is subject to the oversight and scrutiny of those it is intended to help.

This is where we need to start: by looking at the party policies and asking whether they compare to how we believe the UK should act. We need to read the pledges and manifestos, listen to the debates and, most importantly, use our votes.

The world is a complex place and I expect our next government to fulfil other roles as well as directing our International Development policy, and so this will not be the sole issue that determines who gets my vote. But at the very least let us make the UK’s aid and development record a key voting issue. For me, this is putting faith into practice, and remembering how the pillars of the Muslim faith can help us as we endeavour for justice in public life for all.

This blog is featured on Bond's VoteGlobal website.