Some non-religious charities tend to “capitalise” on Muslim donors, particularly during Ramadan, to “seem more inclusive and generate easy income,” the head of an umbrella body has said.
Fadi Itani, chief executive of the Muslim Charities Forum, said that secular charities, especially large UN agencies, systemically targeting Muslim supporters for Zakat funds poses a problem.
He told Civil Society News: “If we consider Muslim donors as just another source of funding, this is problematic because the relationship is transactional here.
“Even across our sector, we keep reminding charities that the relationship shouldn’t be transactional between donors and charities. It’s a partnership to improve and save people’s lives.
“When it becomes commercialised this is where the problem is, we chase funding for the sake of it rather than the value of the donors who can give, what they believe in and how they can be more involved.”
‘They capitalise on Muslim giving’
Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a type of Islamic wealth tax that requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their qualifying wealth each year to Muslims in need across a range of categories.
Itani criticised charities including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) running Zakat campaigns during Ramadan as it is “not just an act of charity” for the benefit of everyone but “a form of solidarity between Muslims”.
“Overall secular charities running Ramadan campaigns to raise voluntary contribution is not a problem as long as these charities are being genuine and authentic in engaging Muslim donors and are able to demonstrate that their practice is sound and that their impact aligns with Islamic values.
“However there is still a tendency for charities to feel like they are capitalising on Muslim giving, particularly during Ramadan, in a bid to seem more inclusive and to generate easy income.”
Engagement is key
Itani said that these charities need to better understand Muslim donors, alongside any religious communities, “why they donate, how they donate and what they are interested in”.
“How can they be more involved in all operations rather than just being [seen as] another source of funding?
“Engagement with faith communities should be a journey of partnership and it should be genuine. There are spiritual belief requirements that many organisations are not aware of. We have colleagues from mainstream organisations who do not know the difference between Zakat and voluntary contributions from the Muslim community.”
Itani added that there needs to be “more understanding and education from both sides”.
“Bridges are not built from one side, they’re always built from two sides. If we have colleagues who want to engage with the Muslim community to support their causes, they need a proper programme to understand what they should and shouldn’t touch, what they should and shouldn’t involve and how to understand needs, sensitivities and stuff like this.
“There’s a missed opportunity here. When we can be more engaging and representative, we opt to go for the low-hanging fruits or easy goals.”
UNHCR: ‘We engage with faith-based organisations’
In response to Itani’s comment, a UNHCR spokesperson said the organisation has received “endorsements and fatwas from scholars and institutions in the Middle East and beyond, advising and shaping our approach to Islamic philanthropy, and guiding cooperation and partnerships with entities that are looking to create a brighter future for people forced to flee”.
“Faith-based giving, including Muslim giving, is one aspect of our engagement with faith leaders and communities, including Muslim community members, many of whom inquire about the possibility of faith-based giving via UNHCR.
“This has motivated, for some years now, an on-going process of engagement between us and various Muslim leaders, communities and organisations to build meaningful collaboration to improve the lives of the most vulnerable displaced people.”
‘Our Zakat appeal is part of an engagement strategy’
Last month, WaterAid launched a Zakat appeal to bring clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene to communities affected by climate change in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mali.
Director of communications and fundraising Jennie York said the charity “has worked with faith communities for several years and understands the importance of water to many faiths around the world”.
“Our Zakat appeal is part of an engagement strategy which includes activities throughout the year. Our Zakat policy has been underwritten by Imam Shaykh Abid Khan and is reviewed annually. We have an ongoing relationship with an expert consultant on Islamic giving and provide training for staff to understand the values and principles of giving within Islam.
“WaterAid delivers projects in many Muslim-majority countries where communities are eligible for Zakat donations. Consulting with communities and understanding Islamic values is a critical part of our approach.”
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