The Qu'ran's call to alms

Article Abstract:

'Zakat,' the imperative to give alms, is deeply entrenched in the Qu'ran, being one of the five 'pillars' of Islam. A civil servant with Jordan's ministry of religious affairs defines 'zakat' as financial worship, and many traditional readings of the Qu'ran teach that it should only be given to Muslims. However recent more liberal interpretations of the Qu'ran have argued that 'zakat' must be paid to all the poor, and some of the international Arab relief agencies have extended their work to include non-Muslim communities in need.

Islam, Charities, Religious aspects, Charity

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Step out from the martyr's shadow

Article Abstract:

The heroes and history of Ireland have traditionally cast the Irish people as victims. It is argued that this is a portrayal that needs to end and that the defining of the canon of Irish history almost totally by a sense of victimhood has only served to breed a terrible negativity and vengefulness in Irish nationalism.

Ireland, Public affairs, Social aspects, Analysis, History, Irish history

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