Qur’ānic Explanation of Poverty, Hunger, and Sustenance in Africa
1. Allah Has Fully Arranged Sustenance on Earth
From the very beginning of the world, Allah ﷻ has arranged sustenance through various means. With the advancement of technology and knowledge, new avenues of obtaining sustenance continue to emerge.
Both the heavens and the earth are filled with countless resources of sustenance, and mankind has been blessed with the precious gift of intellect so that, through effort and labor, not only can he earn his own provision, but also care for the deprived segments of society and even animals.
Allah ﷻ has promised in the Qur’ān:
“There is no creature that moves on the earth except that its provision is upon Allah.”
(Sūrah Hūd 11:6)
This verse signifies that Allah has already determined the sustenance of every creature in the universe. However, this does not imply that sustenance will fall into human hands without any effort. Rather, striving and struggle are essential. Allah has placed the means of provision within the earth; now it is the responsibility of man to utilize those means.
2. The World is a Place of Trial
According to a fundamental principle of Islam, this world is a place of trial, where man is given the freedom to choose between the path of good and the path of evil.
- Allah ﷻ has commanded us to choose the path of righteousness and has described its rewards.
- He has also warned of the consequences of choosing the path of evil—yet has granted mankind the freedom of choice.
3. The Real Cause of Hunger and Poverty
Wherever in the world people suffer from hunger or poverty, the real cause is not a lack of sustenance. Allah has already provided abundant sustenance on earth. However:
- The main reason for poverty and deprivation is human beings who have chosen the path of evil.
- Greedy capitalists and selfish individuals hoard wealth and cause an unjust distribution of resources, which leaves underprivileged groups suffering.
If people were to earn and distribute sustenance according to the commandments of Allah ﷻ, no living being would die of hunger. The responsibility of distributing sustenance lies with mankind, and until justice prevails in this system, such crises will persist.
