PHILANTHROPY IN RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE: A Study on the Concept of 'Giving' in Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism
Abstract
This article is motivated by contradictory views that depict religion as a source of truth and salvation on the one hand and as a source of misfortune on the other. Against this backdrop, this article reaffirms the position of religion as a source of truth and salvation through an exploration of philanthropic activities within the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. The philanthropic activities referred to in this paper are the concept of "giving", as recommended by these religions, and practised by their followers. This article constitutes library research that utilizes interviews with religious leaders. These sources are analyzed using deductive-inductive and logical-scientific qualitative analysis. The concept of "giving" as a philanthropic activity in these three religions encompasses diverse terminology but shares a common essence and substance in the form of belief and obedience to God, self-purification from vices, and solidarity among fellow human beings. Rhetorically, religious communities must sanctify humanistic values and goodness rather than sanctify dehumanization and malevolence
Moraref