Philanthropy and the Ummah
How crisis situations are transforming the notion of “community”
Sabith Khan, PhD student, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
Summer Intern, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
July 2013
In the Muslim world “Ummah” or Community is a trans-national force that binds people, irrespective of
geographic boundaries. But with the growing importance of nation-states and increased securitization of our
societies, there has been much controversy around the notion of what constitutes a “community” in the
Muslim imagination. Is the understanding of “community” a place-based or normative notion, based on belief,
or shared worldview? While in no way generalizable, given the small sample size, this qualitative investigation
brought out the following insights:
1. The notion of “Ummah,” is very context specific, malleable and undergoing a transformation to a
seemingly cosmopolitan outlook that includes the Abrahamic faiths, non-Muslims and at times,
all of mankind. Muslim leaders, policy makers and thought-leaders in the U.S. are veering
towards a very broad and ecumenical conception of “community.”
2. There is a growing recognition among Muslim faith-based organizations of the need to
collaborate and reach out to other faith-based groups, based on ground realities, where often,
various faith-groups are competing in the “field.”
3. Giving priorities are shifting according to a “needs-based” approach, rather than along
religious/ethnic lines. This is illustrated by the work of Islamic Relief, Zakat Foundation as well as
others who organize significant campaigns in the U.S., rather than focusing solely on
international relief, as was the case in the initial founding days of the Muslim humanitarian relief
agencies.
4. American Muslim giving is being defined by the younger generation through active campus
involvement and Muslim Student Associations that organize online fundraisers, events and
creative endeavors such as “fastathons.” The younger generation is redefining fundraising and
the use of Sadaqa (voluntary charity) and Zakat (alms-giving). These innovations will define how
philanthropy is understood and conceptualized in the U.S.
Anwar Ali Khan, Vice President of the Fund Division, Islamic Relief USA states, “My opinion is that the notion of
‘Muslim community’ comprises anyone who declares the article of faith. My definition of the Ummah means
that we help not only all Muslims, Shia, Sunnis or other sects, but also those who are non-Muslims. That is
because the Prophet said that it is important to help your needy neighbors – he didn’t specify religions.”
The future of philanthropy in the U.S. will be decided based on how these innovations and contestations play
out. But for now it seems like things are looking good and American Muslim philanthropy is poised for growth
and increased inclusion in mainstream American society and the world!