In the Name of Allah the Compassionate the Merciful
Social Security in the First Century
The old Christian man had worked his lifetime to make a living but did not have any savings left in the end. As he had become old and blind, he was left with no choice but to beg. He would stand by an ally and ask for people’s help. People would give him a bare minimum out of pity, which he could hardly make a living from it.
One day, Amir al-Mu’menin Ali Ibn Abitalib (PBUH) passed by the same ally and saw the old blind man. He requested an investigation on the old man’s past.
Imam Ali (PBUH) expressed his shock, saying to his companions:
“Up until he was able, you made him work; but now that he is in such a condition, you have left him? His history shows that he has worked for as long as he could have and served [the community]. Pay him a fixed amount from the treasury (Beyt al-Mal)”1
(Selection from Dastaan Raastaan by Murtadha Mutahari)
Quran and Etrat Online University offers condolences to all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 21st of the Month of Ramadan, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the symbol of justice and courage, the father of the nation and the commander of the believers,Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH), and commemorates the Nights of Qadr.
Footnotes:
1. Wasail alShia, vol. 15, pg. 66
source: Roshd website.