American Muslim philanthropy is at a pivotal moment, navigating a period of heightened visibility and complexity. Recent debates, religious guidance, digital fundraising practices, and federal scrutiny of nonprofits have brought new urgency to longstanding questions about how and where Muslims give. During the most charitable month of the year for Muslims, as many consider where to give zakat and sadaqah, these questions are particularly critical.
Join the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) for a timely discussion examining the current state of American Muslim philanthropy and its future., grounded in data from our 2019 report American Muslim Philanthropy: A Data-Driven Comparative Profile.
ISPU’s research shows:
- American Muslims are primarily motivated to give by a sense of religious duty (17%) and the belief that those with more should help those with less (20%)
- Muslims are equally likely to give within (53%) and outside (52%) their faith community
- When giving outside their faith community, 81% contribute to domestic poverty alleviation, a higher rate than any other faith group surveyed.
- Nearly half of Muslims (48%) give to civil rights organizations within their faith community, reflecting the social and political realities many face
Against this backdrop, our webinar will dive into some of the current conversations on Muslim philanthropy, including research insights and expert perspectives on the ethical, legal, and civic dimensions of giving in the American Muslim context. The webinar will bring together scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to answer questions such as: what principles should guide American Muslim giving today? How can American Muslim philanthropy lead in times of distress? And how can American Muslims best serve their communities and nation as they navigate attacks on non-white Americans, minority religious groups, immigrants, and other marginalized populations while staying true to the concerns and challenges facing the broader ummah?
