How to improve the poor's lot?

Common people have sharp memory and they've not stopped discussing their social and economic problems in the light of the second address of the third-time PM to the nation. Can we call them wiser than leaders?

What usually prompts Urdu, Punjabi and Pushto speaking TV watchers of Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar in an unpredictable weather to talk about 'roti' and Islamic teachings is hike in petrol and food prices.

Many old citizens sipping tea look impatient to share their observation and experience with youth in context with struggle for Pakistan, historical background, social and economic justice, political rights and human values.

They emphasise the need to look into examples set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions with a view to improving the poverty-ridden people's lot.

At such a gathering of the old and youth deprived of jobs on merit suggestion comes up that even today Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is role model for us all -- as a sincere friend, an honest and successful trader, a farsighted reformer, a brave warrior, a skilful general, an efficient administrator, an impartial judge and a great statesman.

The fact is that when masses were groaning under pangs of oppression and injustice, he rose to prominence as a saviour of the suppressed humanity. He liberated the poor from exploitation and slavery.

He proved that justice and equality were his motto. As head of a sovereign state, he met the lowest of his subjects on terms of equality, tended his cattle and tied up the goats and even cobbled his sandals.

He carried bricks on his head when a mosque was built in Madina. That's how he enhanced the dignity of labour. He established the first welfare state wherein woman was placed on an equal footing with man.

Similarly, democratic and poor-friendly were his successors. One can recall the speech of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) soon after his election as head of state: "I need your advice and co-operation; support me if I do well, counsel me if I mistake; to tell truth to a person commissioned to rule is faithful allegiance; to conceal it is treason; in my sight the powerful and the weak are alike and to both I wish to render justice."

Under Hazrat Umar (RA), improvement of agriculture and farmers' lot, patronage of female education etc. testify to his ability and efficiency as progressive administrator. He would roam in the street at night to see for himself the condition of the people and, on many occasions, he helped the poor with money and food.

Hazrat Usman (RA), devoted to serving the cause of the state and its people, donated all his wealth to the nation. He didn't take any allowance from the state for his personal needs.

Hazrat Ali (RA), a courageous and brave soldier, was also a man of sound knowledge. He lived like other caliphs in a cottage, not a palatial house, wore rough coarse clothes and took pride in doing house-hold work. He would listen to complaints of the Muslims and non-Muslims after prayers. Once he dug a well and said to his wife: "The water of this well is not for our own family, but also for all community members."

So, food, clothing and shelter problems can be solved by following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his successors.

zasarwar@hotmail.com