A Deeper Look at Homelessness

A Deeper Look at Homelessness
By Ahmad Jenkins

Their faces are pretty much a blur, covered in dirt; clothes reeking. People pass by as if barely noticing them, occasionally someone with a heart stops to hand them pocket change, and a brief smile or small talk takes place before the cycle begins again. It's a small glimpse into a life we see every day, yet too few of us ever think would become reality for us.
It's almost too common to see a homeless man, or woman, or even family in such heart rending circumstances. It is almost as common as seeing someone waiting for the bus, or someone holding and waving sign in front of a business. Homeless people have become the invisible culture. A group of people who have almost but altogether been forgotten as we go about our somewhat busy lives. According to a 2015 Homeless Point in Time Report it was estimated that 1,283 people were homeless in Pierce County, WA; and nationwide a whopping number of 578,424 were reported experiencing homelessness in a 2014 report conducted by The State of Homelessness in America.
A Deeper Understanding of Homelessness
The problem is a huge one, but one where focus is only on one aspect of the problem. Having been homeless myself at different times of my own life, I can say, people who have never experienced it can have some extreme biases. It might sound strange but I was homeless because I chose to be. I was trying to move closer to my children, and in the process, there were nights I found myself sleeping in places I normally wouldn't have imagined. It is fairer to say people are homeless for a myriad of reasons; more than we care to consider. Many wonderful organizations help to feed, and clothe those living on the street, yet, forget one essential aspect that's rarely catered to, the spirituality of the homeless and less fortunate members of our society.
"And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but it's provision is due from Allah" (HQ 11:6)
You may be wondering what is it that I did that was so different from the hundreds upon thousands of people living in such base poverty. For me it was a personal moment when I realized just how important my faith (and that of the Muslim in general) was in the situation. I was faced with at that time – and I'm not alone. A Pew Research Group study holds that in the previous year 45 percent of Muslim American households had an income of less than 30,000 per year. It sheds light on a little seen aspect of life for Muslims living in the West, the fact that there are some of us who aren't Doctors, or Engineers; but rather working class Muslims suffering from the pangs of poverty.
"Those needy ones who are wholly wrapped up in the cause of Allah, and who are hindered from moving about the earth in search of their livelihood especially deserve help. He who is unaware of their circumstances supposes them to be wealthy because of their dignified bearing, but you will know them by their countenance, although they do not go about begging of people with importunity. And whatever wealth you will spend on helping them, Allah will know of it." (2:273)
A key factor for me was that I had a consistent spiritual model for life different from others in the same unfortunate circumstances, was that I had a consistent spiritual approach to my situation. Most people who will have never known what it's like to sleep (much less live) on the street, face each upcoming day with uncertainty, despair, and loneliness. It boggles the mind that even the 'richest' nations can have such levels of poverty. My first step was that I made it a point to clear my day every Friday to travel to the small Islamic center across town.
Having no car, I either had to ride the bus or walk; and it was well worth the effort I put into getting close to the Muslim community. There I had a solid support system that is rare for the homeless to maintain, it serves as a safe refuge to rejuvenate spiritually. It's this model, which I was able to take into those trying circumstances; which was vital to me being able to make it through. I was less lonely, could think more positively, and productively despite what I was facing, and I was less susceptible to succumb to influences that would have ruined my chances at upward mobility.
Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by men and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. The example of his spending is that of a rock with a thin coating of earth upon it: when a heavy rain smites it, the earth is washed away, leaving the rock bare; such people derive no gain from their acts of charity. Allah does not set the deniers of the Truth on the right way. (2:262 - 264)
What can Muslims do to better the suffering of the homeless population (Muslim and non-Muslim) in our society? Apart from the charity we give from our time and money, we must remember what the homeless lack more true sympathy; and aid given with genuineness in spirit. It's foundational theme in Islam is that we have true genuine sympathy for the downtrodden and needy. Along with what we give with a sincere spirit, that reflects the truest spirit of Islamic character.