Islamic Charities and Islamic Humanism in Troubled Times

Islamic charities and Islamic humanism in troubled times is the fruit of twenty years' reflection on Islamic charities, both in practical terms (including allegations of complicity with terrorism) and as a key to understanding the crisis in contemporary Islam. On one hand Islam is undervalued as a global moral and political force whose admirable qualities are exemplified in its strong tradition of humanitarianism. On the other, it suffers from a crisis of authority that cannot be blamed entirely on the history of colonialism and stigmatisation to which Muslims have undoubtedly been subjected - most recently, as a result of the 'war on terror'.

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the current status of Islamic charities from a wide range of approaches - theological, historical, diplomatic, legal, sociological and ethnographic - and makes use of primary data from the United States, Britain, Israel-Palestine, Mali and Indonesia. The discussion is widened to explore the potential for a twenty-first century 'Islamic humanism', devised by Muslims in the light of the human sciences and consolidated in durable institutions throughout the Muslim world. With this in mind, contentious issues such as religious toleration and the meaning of jihad need to be addressed.

The readership includes academics and students at all levels, professionals concerned with aid and development, and all who have an interest in the future of Islam.