Exploitation of the Poor Chapter Notes | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Christian and Muslim Responses to Unfair Pay

Exploitation of the Poor

• Exploitation involves abusing power or wealth to coerce people into performing tasks for little or no compensation.

• It manifests in various forms, including unfair wages, excessive loan interest rates, and human trafficking.

• Exploitation occurs globally, and those in poverty often feel compelled to accept unfair treatment due to limited alternatives.

The Situation of Unfair Pay

• Workers should receive a fair wage for their labor.

• Some companies pay wages below what is considered fair in the country of employment because:

  • It is easy to exploit individuals with few job alternatives.

  • Some countries lack minimum wage laws.

• Companies exploit these conditions by offering low wages and poor working environments to maximize profits.

• Factories forcing long hours for minimal pay are known as ‘sweatshops.’

• In the UK, the National Minimum Wage, introduced in 1999, aims to prevent exploitation.

• A higher ‘living wage’ exists, representing the minimum hourly rate needed for a basic standard of living.

Christian Responses to Fair Pay

• Christians advocate for fair compensation.

• God created all humans in His image, making everyone equal and valuable.

• Justice and equality are central Christian values.

• The Golden Rule states: "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).

• Christianity has a history of advocating for fair trade to ensure workers receive just wages.

Muslim Responses to Fair Pay

• Muslims support fair wages.

• Islam teaches that all people are created by Allah and are equal before Him.

• Justice and equality are fundamental principles.

• Workers and employers form a brotherhood with mutual responsibilities:

  • Workers should be diligent and honest.

  • Employers must provide good working conditions and fair pay.

• Wealth should be earned through honorable means.

• The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) declared in 1990: "All workers shall be entitled - without any discrimination between males and females - to fair wages for his work."

Christian and Muslim Responses to Excessive Interest on Loans

The Situation of Excessive Interest on Loans

• A loan is money borrowed and repaid over time.

• Some companies exploit those in financial need by charging exorbitant interest rates, making debt repayment challenging.

• Such lenders are called ‘loan sharks.’

Christian Responses to Excessive Interest on Loans

• The Old Testament prohibits charging interest: "Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest" (Deuteronomy 23:19).

• Modern Christianity permits interest but opposes excessive rates that exploit the poor.

• The Bible warns: "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor" (Proverbs 22:22).

• Money, seen as a gift from God, should be earned honestly and used responsibly to help others.

Muslim Responses to Excessive Interest on Loans

• Charging interest (riba) is forbidden in Islam, known as usury.

• It violates Shari’ah law and exploits the poor, exacerbating poverty.

• Muslims with wealth are encouraged to share it for the benefit of others, not to exploit them.

• The Qur’an advises patience with those struggling to repay loans: "If someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease" (Qur’an 2:280).

• Islamic banks provide interest-free loans.

Christian and Muslim Responses to People Trafficking

The Situation of People Trafficking

• People trafficking, or human trafficking, involves illegally transporting individuals across countries for purposes like forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ trafficking.

• Victims, often refugees or migrants, lack legal status in their destination country, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

• Trafficking is a highly profitable criminal industry, often called ‘modern-day slavery,’ targeting vulnerable people seeking better opportunities.

Christian Responses to People Trafficking

• Christianity unequivocally condemns human trafficking.

• All human life is sacred, created by God, and equal in His eyes.

• Trafficking violates the principle of agape (unconditional love) and the command to "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

• Justice and equality are paramount, and exploitation is unacceptable.

• Christian organizations, like the Salvation Army, provide support and aid to trafficking victims.

Muslim Responses to People Trafficking

• Islam strongly denounces human trafficking.

• All people are equal before Allah, and justice and equality are core principles.

• Trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals, contradicting Islamic teachings.

• The Qur’an praises efforts to "liberate those in bondage" (Qur’an 2:177) as a virtuous act.