The Landscape of Muslim Philanthropy: An Academic Review of Giving Patterns in the US

Muslim philanthropy represents an important yet understudied dimension of charitable giving in the United States. This talk examines the landscape of Muslim philanthropy through an academic review of giving patterns, exploring how religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and institutional contexts shape Muslim charitable practices. It considers the role of Islamic philanthropic traditions, including zakat (obligatory almsgiving), sadaqah (voluntary charity), and waqf (endowment), alongside contemporary forms of charitable engagement through mosques, Muslim-led nonprofits, and broader philanthropic institutions. By synthesizing existing scholarship, the talk identifies key findings of new research, emerging trends, and gaps in the literature on Muslim American giving. It also considers the implications of these patterns for understanding religious philanthropy, strengthening nonprofit practice, and advancing a more inclusive and comprehensive study of philanthropy in the United States.

This event is part of International Education Month (IEM) programming. View the full calendar of IEM events here: https://international.uoregon.edu/IEM.

Co-sponsored by the Islamic Studies Initiative, Global Studies Institute, Muslim Studies Association, and the Arab Student Union.