Muslims believe that their religion is transnational and evolutionary. In simpler terms-we believe that the teachings of Mohammed are valid across all time and races. For many skeptics, this may be unbelievable. In many ways, they may be right, but for the sake of this entry I will be examining two of the five pillars of Islam, namely: Fasting and Alms and their relationship to Goal Number 1 of the Millennium Development Goals: Eradication of Poverty.

For the past five years, world leaders have been debating the means to eradicate poverty (or half it) by 2015. The Millennium Project, headed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, has given a doable plan to achieve this goal and all others by the set time. Looking at it from a religious perspective (being Muslim who practices Islam out of my own will-long story, I will be happy to explain later). I think that a “PRSP” has already been unveiled to the world, fourteen centuries ago.

It is not enough for people to envision what poverty is doing to the lives of people, but the destruction that it causes can only be realized if you have a “feel” of its affect. This, is the rationale that Islam gives to fasting. Currently, Muslims around the world are observing their monthly fast during the Holy month of Ramadan, which we believe is when Gabriel first started his revelations to the Prophet. Having observed the fast myself since I was the age of 9, I can honestly say that it does work. Everyday, when it is time for breakfast I thank God for the great gift that he has given me-water and 3 pieces of dates (followed by a meal of course, but it is customary to break your fast with that first).

This allows me to reflect and feel for those who are living in poverty-many of whom, especially those in Sub-Sahara Africa, consider dates and water at the same time, a luxury. A relevant quote to how Islam views poverty is referenced to Ali bin Abi Taleb, the last Muslim Khalifha (Ruler) during the Muslim Golden Age who said “God Damn Poverty. Had it been a man, I would have ordered his execution.”

My friend Jonah Wittkamper has been trying to work with young philanthropists to realize an evident truth which many philanthropists seem to overlook-humility in giving. Islam advocates that every year, any person who makes a continued income through a job, business etc…is obliged to give 2.5% of their annual income to the poor. This is what we call Zakat. It is believed among Muslims, that those who give alms should not publically announce who they gave their alms to, as a means to preserve the latter party’s dignity. Of course, not every Muslim does this anymore. If we all did, we wouldn’t have the shocking statistics which prove that the Islamic States have the lowest development indicators worldwide.

Religion doesn’t have all the answers. I believe that. But some dilemmas can be answered through faith. Alms and Fasting are two examples of how every Muslim can contribute to poverty reduction. In short, put yourself in the shoes of those who live in poverty so that you can “humbly” support them to ease their pain. Although this may not be a substantial way to solve nation-wide poverty, but it can certainly be a way for everyone, not just Muslims, to contribute to the MDGs.