<P> The Song dynasty (c. 1000 AD) government supported multiple forms of social assistance programs, including the establishment of retirement homes, public clinics, and pauper's graveyards . </P> <P> According to economist Robert Henry Nelson, "The medieval Roman Catholic Church operated a far - reaching and comprehensive welfare system for the poor ..." </P> <P> The concepts of welfare and pension were put into practice in the early Islamic law of the Caliphate as forms of Zakat (charity), one of the Five Pillars of Islam, since the time of the Rashidun caliph Umar in the 7th century . The taxes (including Zakat and Jizya) collected in the treasury of an Islamic government were used to provide income for the needy, including the poor, elderly, orphans, widowed persons, and the disabled . According to the Islamic jurist Al - Ghazali (Algazel, 1058--1111), the government was also expected to store up food supplies in every region in case a disaster or famine occurred . (See Bayt al - mal for further information .) </P> <P> There is relatively little statistical data on transfer payments before the High Middle Ages . In the medieval period and until the Industrial Revolution, the function of welfare payments in Europe was principally achieved through private giving or charity . In those early times, there was a much broader group considered to be in poverty as compared to the 21st century . </P>

Old age and social security essay in english