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… Read more »
Tag: zakat
Exploring the Dynamic Philanthropic Landscape of Malaysia: A Personal Perspective
The philanthropic landscape in Malaysia is as dynamic and diverse as the country itself, and it has been evolving over the years. Overall, Malaysia is rich in charitable activities and expressions of generosity, and it offers a multifaceted environment for philanthropy and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). My 28-year residence in Malaysia and a 13-year journey within… Read more »
The powerful impact of research on philanthropy and civil society
The American Muslim community continues to grow, as do the number of American Muslim nonprofits. Knowing and understanding American Muslim philanthropy is important to developing and better serving American Muslim civil society and the larger American civil society. This is why the research from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) and other institutions is important. MPI… Read more »
American Muslim Philanthropy: A Spiritual Experience
As a nonprofit professional, I discovered that the world of fundraising and philanthropy is filled with stories of everyday people making positive changes in their community and establishing a legacy that transcends their own lives. The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative published a study on Motivations of Giving, which dives into reasons why American Muslims are philanthropically… Read more »
The Essence of Ramadan: Charity, Community Support & Spiritual Growth
In Islam, the act of giving back is highly emphasized, especially during Ramadan. The holy month emphasizes the importance of zakat (required almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity), highlighting the deep generosity within the Muslim faith (MPI,2023). Zakat, a fundamental aspect of Islam, demonstrates the religion’s organized method of giving to those in need, with the… Read more »