Philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the foundational values of Islam. Sadaqah, or voluntary charity; zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam which mandates annual giving; and waqf, or endowment, are some of the key categories of Islamic charitable practices.
Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph who ruled the Muslim empire and a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him,) is a prime example of Islamic philanthropic values. In 650 CE (common era), during severe drought and food shortages in Madinah, Uthman Ibn Affan sent a caravan of 1,000 camels with urgently needed supplies to people suffering in the harsh conditions. Despite receiving lucrative offers from merchants to gain business profit, he chose to donate all the goods to the people free of charge, knowing the ultimate reward comes from Allah for helping those in need.
The lesson from this story emphasizes that humanity should come before profit in the context of business and leadership during times of hardship. Islam discourages exploitation and hoarding, advocating instead for selflessness and community support. Recognizing the potential for capitalistic greed in many well-intentioned initiatives, Muslim philanthropy further becomes an anchor that advocates for overcoming greed for long-term and sustainable success.
In the United States, the philanthropic sector is worth billions of dollars, and there are more than 1.54 million charitable organizations in the country, according to the Muslim American Zakat Report. In 2022, total U.S. charitable giving amounted to $499.3 billion, according to Giving USA. According to the 2023 Muslim American Zakat Report published by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University, the top three preferred causes of zakat distribution are:
- Hunger alleviation
- Poverty alleviation, and
- Immediate relief.
These numbers, however, do not account for the other philanthropic acts required by Islam.
When donating 1,000 camels, the third Caliph did not just put his money towards the cause, he personally went to distribute goods and connect with people, employing a holistic and human approach. Like Uthman, Muslims view different philanthropic acts, such as monetary donations and volunteering, as a means of developing within themselves a compassionate, considerate, and engaged individual, rather than simply a transactional act to benefit society. The 2023 Muslim American Zakat Report revealed that Muslim Americans donate because they think that those who have more should help those who have less. Zakat is viewed more as an act of philanthropy and charity rather than a tax. It should not be advertised but rather practiced as a way of life
As a healthcare executive who has served in both private and public institutions, I have been engaged in various philanthropic ventures. Beginning from my work at HCA Healthcare, I dedicated my work on revitalizing our health outreach programs directed at addressing health disparities within underserved and minority communities—specifically in the interests of cancer screenings, AIDs and other sexually transmittable infections, as well as other preventative health measures. By working hand in hand with local health departments and other healthcare entities, I believe in the concept of unionizing the healthcare industry for the betterment of humanity.
More recently, in my appointment as the Executive Director for American Muslim Health Professionals, I have guided our mental healthcare program, facilitating over 20+ Mental Health First Aid trainings across a spectrum of community leaders, healthcare practitioners, and educators.
By juxtaposing Islamic principles and history with innovative forms of philanthropy, we can find common ground in our mission to address social inequities and foster community development.
About the Author
Shoaeb Basha, currently serves as the Executive Director of American Muslim Health Professionals, a non-profit organization fostering collaboration between Muslim professionals from diverse sectors of healthcare who seek to advance public health, social justice, and civic engagement within their communities.
Appointed in December of 2023, Shoaeb has worked on expanding various segments of AMHP, including its core programs such as mental health, advocacy for underserved communities and professional development.
Prior to joining American Muslim Health Professionals, Shoaeb served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for HCA Healthcare, the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services, overseeing business development initiatives and optimizing healthcare deliveries.
Shoaeb is an affiliate of the following: Federation of American Hospitals, The Child Welfare Advisory Council, The Behavioral Health Advisory Council, National Association of Healthcare Quality, Healthcare Administrators Association, American Public Health Association.
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