The Role of Religion in Social Welfare
By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam
13 February 2026
Abstract:
Religion plays an important role in building a healthy and balanced society. It teaches values like justice, kindness, patience and helping others. Without religion, people may become selfish and lose balance in life. All religions encourage social welfare and care for the poor, weak and needy people.
In Islam, social welfare is organised through zakat, charity and waqf. Zakat is not only charity but a system to reduce poverty and keep wealth circulating in society. It teaches generosity and prevents wealth from gathering in a few hands. Islam also stresses caring for orphans, widows and travellers.
Other religions also teach welfare. Hinduism promotes charity and public good. Sikhism teaches service and equality. Christianity teaches forgiveness, kindness and helping others.
Therefore, religion motivates people to spend their wealth for others and creates a peaceful, fair and cooperative society.
Main Points:
1- Religion teaches justice, patience, kindness and prevents people from becoming selfish and harmful in society.
2- Islam introduces the zakat system to reduce poverty and distribute wealth fairly among people.
3- All religions encourage helping poor, weak, orphans and needy members of society regularly everywhere.
4- Social welfare in religion is duty, not choice, and creates a balanced economic social system.
5- True faith motivates people to spend wealth for others and promote peace in society.
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Religion is a basic and primary need of society. The truth is that without religion life is not only incomplete, but its beauty also cannot be fully experienced. Religion connects individuals and communities with important values such as justice, morality, patience, gratitude and worship. It also teaches the difference between right and wrong. In reality, people who have no fear of God or who are indifferent to religion often lose balance in life and fall into extremes. A meaningful and organised life requires moderation and balance, and this quality is mainly produced through religion.
Religions play a fundamental role in social discipline and welfare. The concept presented by religions for organising society is very significant. For example, caring for neighbours, supporting the oppressed and raising a voice against injustice and social inequality are encouraged by religion. Respecting the rights of parents, children, husbands and wives improves social order. Therefore, the comprehensive concept of social organisation presented by religions cannot be denied. Religions have also drawn human attention to another important aspect: social welfare.
When we study the teachings of world religions, we find important guidance regarding welfare. In Islam, the concept of social welfare exists in the form of zakat (obligatory charity), voluntary charity, endowments (waqf), and the prohibition of interest.
In the Islamic way of life, acts of worship connect a person to God, while zakat is a fundamental economic and social pillar that plays a key role in purifying wealth, promoting welfare and reducing poverty. Zakat is not merely a financial act of worship but a comprehensive system that reforms both the individual and society. The idea of zakat in Islam is deep, wide-ranging and wise. Its purpose is to prevent wealth from concentrating in a few hands and to support weaker members of society.
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Qur’an often mentions prayer and zakat together, showing its importance:
“Establish prayer and give zakat.” (Al-Baqarah: 43)
This verse shows that just as prayer is a means of spiritual reform, zakat is a means of economic and social reform. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is built upon five things… giving zakat…”
The obligation of zakat declares that Islam considers wealth a trust, not absolute ownership
Zakat is not simply charity or tax; it is based on a moral and social philosophy. It purifies wealth from greed and selfishness. The giver learns generosity, sympathy and sacrifice. It prevents unfair distribution of wealth and offers a permanent solution against poverty. It also keeps wealth circulating in society and removes economic stagnation.
It must be understood that in Islam social welfare is not optional but a religious duty. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet repeatedly emphasise caring for orphans, the poor, travellers, widows and vulnerable members of society. Both the state and society are responsible to ensure that no person remains deprived of basic needs. Islamic welfare is not limited to financial help; it also includes dignity, self-reliance, equal opportunity and social justice. Therefore, the Islamic economic system presents a permanent and organised welfare structure rather than temporary charity. In addition, waqf institutions and the prohibition of interest also play important roles in social welfare.
If we study other religions, we also find similar teachings. In Hinduism, concepts such as daan (charity) and public welfare are present. Swami Dayanand Saraswati presented a welfare system based on the following principles: God is the owner of everything; true knowledge comes from God; truth must be promoted and falsehood rejected; people should always do good to others; justice, love and compassion must be practised; knowledge should spread to remove ignorance; and one should share prosperity with others and participate in social welfare.
Similarly, the Sikh tradition emphasises contentment, brotherhood, purification of the self, kindness to living beings, equality of men and women, service to others and acceptance of God’s will.
Christian teachings also promote social welfare. For example, it teaches not to hate or insult others, to forgive wrongdoing, to avoid revenge, and to help those who ask for assistance. Instead of responding to evil with evil, a person should show patience and kindness.
After examining all these teachings, it becomes clear that religions contain a solid system of social welfare. Therefore, respect for religion and living according to its teachings are necessary. We can observe in real life the positive role played by religious welfare concepts. If a person spends his wealth for social welfare, what power motivates him to do so? Clearly, such thinking develops only when a person has sincere faith and devotion to religion.
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Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist.
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