Poverty Alleviation Strategies Implemented by 'Umar ibn 'Abd Al Aziz: Lessons for Muslim Economists on Achieving SDG of Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

The increasing dichotomy between economics and Islam explains why efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development in general have suffered. This article used qualitative analysis to build the case that in order for Muslim countries to succeed in alleviating poverty, in congruence with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they must apply the methodology of the leaders among the pious predecessors. The researcher has delved into classical and contemporary books that discuss the life and leadership of 'Umar ibn 'Abd Al Aziz. He then deduced leadership lessons which Muslim leaders can apply. These lessons cover Umar’s methodology in reforming the political, economic and social spheres of society. Poverty affects everyone regardless of who they are and where they come from. Treating poverty as a purely economic, social and secular issue has affected the perception of what Sustainable Development entails. The author has pointed out that from an Islamic perspective, poverty is not only physical but is also spiritual and requires relevant solutions which address its physical and spiritual elements This paper addresses poverty alleviation through selected SDGs that suit Muslim communities such that they do not violate divinely guided injunctions from the Quran and Sunnah.