Charity, Almsgiving: Targeting Giving According to the Holy Scriptures
THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
By T. Muruganandham
INDIA---All religions advocate charity and lending a helping hand to those in need. Almsgiving has its roots in religious doctrines, associated as it is with many after-life benefits and spiritual uplift of the giver. However, over a period of time, people seem to have forgotten the subtle difference between helping the underprivileged and almsgiving perhaps of the grey area in between. For, religions never profess offering alms to a person who is physically fit to work. [link]
By T. Muruganandham
INDIA---All religions advocate charity and lending a helping hand to those in need. Almsgiving has its roots in religious doctrines, associated as it is with many after-life benefits and spiritual uplift of the giver. However, over a period of time, people seem to have forgotten the subtle difference between helping the underprivileged and almsgiving perhaps of the grey area in between. For, religions never profess offering alms to a person who is physically fit to work. [link]
- In Hinduism and Buddhism, begging is advised only for those who take to ascetic life.
- Islam asks its followers to give alms to the destitute, poor, those unable to pay off their debts, stranded travellers and others who are in need of help.
- In Christianity, almsgiving to the poor is regarded as one of the highest duties of a believer.
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