Islamic Economic Concept in Poverty Alleviation

This study aims to describe the concept of Islamic economics in poverty alleviation. This research method is descriptive qualitative research using data sources from literature or library research (library research). The research approach uses a normative approach and a historical approach. The normative approach is used to examine the ideals of the Islamic Economic conception and then analyze how it is applied. Meanwhile, the historical approach is used to study empirical facts about poverty alleviation. The results showed that the stagnant distribution will cause inequality and social inequality. For this reason, the implementation of the zakat obligation is a very urgent need. The priority of poverty alleviation according to the concept of Islamic economics is to overcome the causes of poverty, namely improving the distribution of wealth. Zakat is the main instrument which is a solution to these various problems, especially in dealing with poverty and social inequality. In Islam, the state must create programs and facilities that can overcome the problem of poverty, guarantee a decent life for the poor and provide the economic means needed to become a source of livelihood for the poor. Islamic economics can be explored more deeply for the development of economics and its benefits in alleviating poverty.

Internal Structure of the Downtown Saddar Area of Karachi: A Geographical Perspective

The best-planned development of any area is possible when the problems of that area are well understood, well documented and closely monitored. The central city has always been a spatial location of significance although its characteristic qualities have varied considerably over time and space. This study focuses on the internal structure of the years 2007 and 2014, which refers to the arrangement of land uses of the downtown (Saddar area) of Karachi. During the past half a century, the arrangement of land uses has been focused in study of western cities however such studies pertaining to Non-Western Cities are limited in number. This has been the chief stimulating factor behind the selection of this research. Saddar area of Karachi historically has always been recognized as the main shopping center of Karachi. Apart from commercial activity, which is the major activity, the area has substantial amount of residential function, educational, administrative and many other recognized land uses. The purpose of the study is to pinpoint the salient features of internal structure of the downtown area based on the spatial arrangement of its land uses. The analyses of this study utilized quantitative and qualitative data collected through intensive field inventory and interviews. Apart from traditional cartographic techniques the study has made full use of modern technique, Geographical Information System (GIS). This study indicates the changes that have occurred in the land uses and commercial functions in the downtown Saddar. As a result of this research, it has been possible to solve the problems like traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, huge number of hawkers along the road side & foot path causing problems for pedestrians, old and damaged buildings not in use, lack of inter-shops space, noise pollution, air pollution, parking issues, drinking water problems, residential problems for migrants (job seekers) etc.