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In the modern world, societies face numerous challenges, ranging from economic inequality to the breakdown of family structures, environmental degradation, and mental health crises. Islam, as a complete way of life, offers comprehensive solutions through its teachings on charity, family structure and values, social responsibility, mosques as community centres, and rights for non-Muslims. Below is an exploration of 15 key societal problems and how Islam provides answers to these issues.
1. Poverty and Economic Inequality
One of the most significant issues in society today is the vast disparity between the rich and poor. This leads to social unrest, insecurity, and a breakdown of trust within communities. Islam tackles this through the system of Zakat, where Muslims are required to give 2.5% of their wealth annually to those in need. This ensures wealth redistribution and reduces poverty. In addition, voluntary charity (Sadaqah) is highly encouraged. Islamic banking, which prohibits interest and promotes fair and ethical business practices, also fosters healthy financial dealings.
Taking a look at countries without a properly encompassing wealth tax, or a complete lack of one, wealth inequality continues to rise as the wealthiest often pay little to no taxes due to a variety of loopholes designed to make the rich richer and poor poorer.
Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. Quran 2:110
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., he who gives in charity is better than he who takes it).’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1429)
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Tirmidhi)
2. Homelessness
Homelessness is often a result of poverty and a lack of affordable housing. Islam addresses this problem through Zakat and the Waqf (public endowment) system, where individuals endow properties or resources to benefit the public, for example the profits generated from a business used to fund the operation costs of a hospital. These funds can be used to provide housing and welfare services. The emphasis on communal responsibility ensures that society as a whole takes care of its most vulnerable members.
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.” (Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi)“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever helps a brother in difficulty, Allah will help him through his difficulties on the Day of Resurrection.’” (Sahih Muslim 2699)
3. Family Breakdown and Divorce
The breakdown of family structures and increasing divorce rates are leading to psychological and social issues. Islam promotes strong family ties by emphasising marriage as a sacred bond, with clear roles and rights for parents, children, and extended family members. While divorce is allowed in Islam, it is considered a last resort, and various steps toward reconciliation are encouraged before such a decision is made.
“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Quran 30:21)
"And if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them.” (Quran 4:35)
“Of all the lawful acts, the most detestable to Allah is divorce.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 2173)
“The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3895)
4. Youth Delinquency
A lack of moral guidance is leading many young people toward crime, drug abuse, and purposelessness. Islam offers a solution by making mosques the centre of moral and spiritual education to give meaning to ones life, providing a spirit of community and teaching the youth how to lead their lives in a moral and purpose driven fashion. Additionally, Islam stresses the importance of youth development, education, and discipline (embodied by the 5 daily prayers that help to create structure in ones life, helping us organise our often chaotic lives we lead today). A strong family structure and community support are key in guiding young individuals toward positive and productive lives.
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock… A man is a shepherd of his family and is responsible for his flock.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5200)“No father gives his child anything better than good manners.” (Tirmidhi 1952)
5. Corruption and Lack of Accountability
Corruption erodes trust in governance and leads to injustice. Islam demands honesty and accountability in all spheres of life, especially in governance and business. Shariah law enforces strict penalties for corruption and theft, ensuring that leaders remain accountable to both God and the people.
“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].” (Quran 2:188)
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” (Quran 4:135)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Whoever cheats is not one of us.’” (Sahih Muslim 102)
“The Prophet (PBUH) cursed the one who offers the bribe and the one who takes it.” (Tirmidhi 1337)
6. Substance Abuse
The abuse of drugs and alcohol causes societal dysfunction, health issues, and crime. Islam addresses this by prohibiting intoxicants like alcohol and drugs all together, fostering a healthier society and reducing crime rates linked to substance abuse, drunk driving and organised crime. For those struggling with addiction, Islamic rehabilitation programs focus on spiritual healing, discipline and community support.
“O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Quran 5:90)
“Every intoxicant is Khamr, and every intoxicant is unlawful.” (Sahih Muslim 2003)
7. Environmental Degradation
The environmental crises, including pollution and overconsumption, threaten the planet’s future. Islam teaches that human beings are stewards of the Earth (Khilafah) and bear the responsibility to protect and preserve it. Ethical treatment of animals, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation are principles embedded in Islamic teachings as well as the moderation of consumption being the key to reducing waste in todays world.
“And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Quran 7:56)
“It is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you.” (Quran 6:165)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2320)
“Do not waste water, even if performing ablution on the banks of a flowing river.” (Ibn Majah)
8. Racism and Discrimination
Racism divides societies and fosters injustice. Islam upholds the equality of all human beings, regardless of race or ethnicity. In his final sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly condemned racism and promoted the unity of mankind, reminding us that we are all equal in the sight of God.
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Quran 49:13)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘O people, your God is one and your father is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action.’” (Musnad Ahmad 22978)
9. War and Conflict
Wars lead to immense suffering, loss of life, and displacement. While war is permitted, strict rules of engagement are enforced to safeguard civilians, infrastructure, and the environment.
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah.” (Quran 8:61)
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Quran 2:190)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not commit treachery or mutilation.’” (Muwatta Malik 21.3.10)
“Whoever kills a soul unjustly, it is as if he has killed all mankind.” (Quran 5:32)
10. Unemployment
High unemployment rates contribute to economic instability and social unrest. Islam emphasises the importance of work and discourages laziness. Zakat and Islamic welfare systems support those in need, while efforts are made to reintegrate them into productive roles in society.
“It is He who made the earth tame for you — so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision — and to Him is the resurrection.” (Quran 67:15)
“And We have certainly made the means of livelihood for you therein. And little are you grateful.” (Quran 7:10)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘It is better for any of you to take a rope and cut wood (from the forest) and carry it on his back (and sell it) rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1471)
"Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one’s own hands.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2072)
11. Mental Health Issues
Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are on the rise. Islam addresses mental well-being by promoting a sense of purpose and connection with God. Through community support, family unity, regular prayer, and spiritual practices, Islam helps individuals find emotional peace and psychological stability.
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)
“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true believers.” (Quran 3:139)
“The strong man is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who can control himself in the face of anger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6114)
“Sadness and anxiety are from the devil. So turn to Allah and seek refuge in Him, and your hearts will be calmed.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
12. Crime and Violence
Rising crime rates create insecurity and fear. The Sharia has strict punishments for crimes such as theft and murder, while also promoting rehabilitation and forgiveness. The mosque serves as a hub for moral education as well as helping those in need to reduce crime as everyone has someone to turn to for help, reducing the incidence of crime by fostering ethical behaviour in the community.
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (Quran 16:90)
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right.” (Quran 6:151)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 13)
13. Isolation and Breakdown of Community
Urbanisation, technology, and individualism are causing increasing social isolation. Islam offers a solution through mosques as community centres, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Regular community prayers, gatherings, and support networks ensure that individuals remain connected and supported by their society. The promotion of extending greetings of peace to strangers is another fascinating aspect of Islam that helps break down animosity within the community.
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Quran 3:103)
“The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 49:10)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 481)
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Musnad Ahmad 9024)
14. Overemphasis on Materialism
The pursuit of wealth has lead to greed and a loss of spiritual values in many societies. Islam teaches that wealth is a test from God and that true success lies in faith, good deeds, and moral conduct, rather than the accumulation of material goods. Zakat and Sadaqah serve to purify wealth and reduce the attachment to materialism whilst helping to redistribute wealth to those who need it most.
“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.” (Quran 57:20)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6446)
“If the son of Adam had two valleys full of wealth, he would desire a third…” (Sahih Muslim 1049)
15. Global Hunger and Food Insecurity
Hunger and malnutrition affect millions around the world. Islam addresses this through Zakat, which can be directed to provide food and resources for the hungry. Islamic teachings promote fair trade, sustainable agriculture, and the sharing of resources to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities. During the Caliphate of Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, within two years of his reign, poverty was completely eradicated and food was provided not only for the poor but the animals in the land.
“Spread wheat on the tops of mountains so it cannot be said that a bird went hungry in the land of the Muslims.” — Umar ibn Abdul Aziz
“O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth.” (Quran 2:267)
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.” (Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi)
“The best charity is to satisfy a hungry person.” (Bayhaqi)
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