Blood From a Stone
Blood From A Stone (Artistic Rendition)
I don’t like complaining. It never really brings about any change and it only tends to bring negativity to all involved. However, sometimes things need to be said to wake everyone up. I don’t think what I am saying is new, as we are all feeling the effects of the current state of the economy. Everyone is spending less, and overall I think that is a prudent course. Spending irresponsibly is partly to blame for our current state. Being frugal is always prudent.
At the same time, we do not want to become stingy, especially those of us who are of means. If the so called “trickle – down – economics” theory is to work in any way (and I am not a believer in this theory, nor do I want to see it implemented anymore), then those of means need to spend in order for some of their wealth to actually “trickle down”. I am not an economist, but such a theory seems very flawed when those who have means don’t spend and allow the majority of society to whither away as is currently happening. This is detrimental to everyone, even those wealthy individuals that are holding back. In such a case the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; not exactly the most equitable of conditions. In fact in such a state, those who cannot afford even basic necessities, will of course, turn to thievery and prey on the rich creating a society of fear and distrust. A simple analysis yes, but you can fill in the blanks for everything else that will become corrupted.
Unfortunately, this theory rarely ever produces a just and fair economic condition because miserliness and the love of material wealth almost always plagues the hearts of those who acquire wealth. These are both serious spiritual ailments and there is but one cure, Death. Well…, yes when a person dies every disease of the heart ceases to exist (only at that point our souls will reap what those diseases have sowed), but in this case it is the remembrance of our mortality that will bring a cure. Why? Because the underlying problem to both miserliness and love of material wealth is the notion that somehow the wealth is there to protect us in future times when things get bad, like it is now. However until the wealth is spent, for whatever reason, it is of no real benefit and it would be as if you did not have it at all anyway. In addition, we have absolutely no idea when death will come knocking. It could be decades from now, next year, tomorrow or even in the nex…. I think you get the point. You can’t take that wealth with you when you depart from this world, it is left behind. If that wealth is not used for something then it is of no benefit to the person who is holding on to it nor to those who might benefit from it.
One practice instituted by Islamic Law is Zakat. In fact it is one of the five main tenets of the faith. Every year, anyone whose wealth is equivalent to or more than the worth of 3 ounces of gold is obligated to give 1/40th (2.5%) of their wealth to those who are in need (those who have no wealth or less than the value of 3 ounces of gold). So that even if a miser did not spend, the Zakat would still be exacted and wealth would move around in society. And if the wealth is never spent, the Zakat will eventually eat it all and ensure that it is of benefit to as many people as possible.
I know that not all wealthy individuals are misers, and that is a good thing. But miserliness grows in the heart the longer a person holds on to their wealth with the notion that it is for that “rainy day”. I pray that our hearts are protected from becoming infected with misreliness and loving material wealth. So that in times of hardship we don’t find it easier to squeeze blood from a stone than a dollar from the hand of a miser.
JM on 23 Sep 2009 at 12:58 pm #
Sounds like socialism to me — in a different way. I have “means”. I contribute 10% to various charities. However I am under NO OBLIGATION to do so. I do it because I can, and because a part of my moral fiber calls for it.
I live debt free, except for my mortgage so I have a few bucks to throw around. However, NO ONE will dictate to me what amount, and to whom I should give it.
I left a socialist country in 1962 and I’ll be damned if I’ll ever live like that again. It serves no one.
Our current socialist president, Mr. Obama, seems to lean very heavily to take from people like me, and give it away to others. I strongly disagree with that.
My two cents worth.
Thank you for writing this article. I did in fact learn something today.
Youssef Ismail on 23 Sep 2009 at 4:12 pm #
Thank you for your view. I don’t want to get into a political discussion here, but I do just want to point out that the institution of Zakat occured well over 1400 years ago. Much earlier than any of the current political constructs and so you may call it what you will, its main purpose is to make sure that every human being has the maintainece of basic needs met; food, clothing and shelter. I too give to various charities and no one tells me to do so, but some of these in no way go to the support of the poor in our society. Zakat does. Zakat is specifically for the poor, no one else can skim off that money. I am glad you were able to learn something new and I just hope that you don’t think that Islam – its tenets, and institutions (the way it was meant to be implemented, which by the way is a far cry from what we see taking place today in its name) does not fit into any political mold of the modern world. It breaks all molds – or I should say it is a mold on to itself.
Roland Burkert on 26 Sep 2009 at 4:35 pm #
Youssef,
I am looking forward to meeting you at June Lake.
The ideas you uexpressed about social justice and the need to look after the poor are very consistent with my christian beliefs.
I find it interesting and very sad that so many americans automatically equate these values with socialism and that the term socialism has such a negative conotation in this country. I do not understand the source of the deep distrust and even hatred that some people express in this area.
Also, I must say, it would be far better for Islam if more followers spoke out against the extremists. It appears to many of us, including me, that the silence of the majority is a form of approval for the horrible acts being committed in the name of Islam, by the few. I was glad to see that your comments hint at disapproval of the extremists.
By the way, I like your photos of the fall colors and hope I can learn something from you at June Lake.
Regards
Youssef Ismail on 26 Sep 2009 at 6:28 pm #
Roland,
Really looking forward to the June Lake Loop meet up this year. And thank you very much for your views. I agree with you completely, and yes we need to raise our voices up against extremism wherever it is found as it always leads to a degradation of society, be it religious, political or otherwise. I am very glad that I am able to bring about this awareness through the medium of photography. See you next week!