Economic justice and empowerment are important concepts within the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While each tradition has its own unique perspectives, the ICJS Justice Leaders Fellowship (JLF) laid bare just how many common themes and principles underpin the Abrahamic religious views on these issues.
As a Christian, I am most familiar with the Christian perspective of economic justice. Christianity places a strong emphasis on economic justice and empowerment. Jesus Christ’s teachings often highlighted the importance of caring for the marginalized and disadvantaged members of society. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called for compassion towards the poor and the hungry, and he challenged his followers to share their resources generously. There is also the notion in Christianity that human nature is sinful and undeserving on its own. It is only through the grace of God that we are given strength, skills, and purpose for the use of serving out God’s will and caring for others. “The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24).
I see this as a fundamental principle of who I am at my core. I do not believe that I have earned anything purely on my own accord—it has always been through God’s gifts that he’s bestowed in me that has allowed me to attain anything in life. This bleeds into my financial earnings. I do not believe that my financial earnings nor the earnings of others belong solely to me or those who earn it. I adhere strongly to the Christian concept of “tithing,” or giving away 10% of my annual earnings, productions, or possessions. There have been times in my life when I have relied on the tithing of others to get me through. Similarly, I have given to those in need, and will continue to, for no other reason than that all human beings deserve to live with dignity—and do not have to “earn” their place in this world.
Throughout my time in the JLF, I learned that these themes are repeated in Judaism and Islam. The concept that every human life is sacred, and that humans are created in the image of God, is a shared tenet. As such, they also advocate for fair economic systems, combating poverty, and challenging societal structures that perpetuate inequity.
Like the concept of Christian “tithing,” the Jewish tradition is rooted in the principles of tzedakah, the duty to give to those who are in need. The Jewish faith places great importance on caring for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, and there is a strong emphasis on communal responsibility to alleviate poverty and promote economic equality. Furthermore, Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of individual empowerment. The concept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” encourages Jews to actively work towards creating a just society. This includes promoting economic opportunities for all individuals and addressing systemic inequalities.
Islamic tradition, too, emphasizes the importance of economic justice and empowerment. The concept of zakat, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requires Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to those in need. Zakat is seen as a means of purifying one’s wealth and ensuring the welfare of the less fortunate. It is considered a religious obligation and a form of social solidarity. Islamic tradition recognizes the importance of individual empowerment and economic self-sufficiency. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged his followers to engage in trade and commerce, and entrepreneurship is highly regarded within the Islamic faith. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge and engage in economic activities that benefit themselves and society as a whole.
In conclusion, I learned that the most central concept of my faith is shared by all Abrahamic religions. Economic justice and empowerment are significant concerns in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. While each tradition may have unique practices and specific teachings, they all share a commitment to caring for the marginalized, promoting fair economic systems, and empowering individuals. These religious perspectives provide a moral and ethical framework for addressing poverty, inequality, and economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of communal responsibility and the equitable distribution of resources. I intend to further my understanding of these shared fundamental values through closer study of Jewish and Muslim texts.
Ali Morris is the Senior Manager for Housing Development, Community Development Corporation, and was a 2022-2023 ICJS Justice Leaders Fellow. Learn more about the ICJS programs for community and nonprofit leaders here.
Baltimore is part of a national conversation around questions of justice, race, and community. Members of the ICJS Justice Leaders Fellowship consider how Jewish, Christian, and Muslim teachings and practice can contribute to the public conversation about (in)justice. Opinions expressed in this blog are solely the author’s. ICJS welcomes a diversity of opinions and perspectives. We do not seek a single definition of justice between or within traditions.