Practical Spirituality and Religious Giving: Pluralism and New Forms of American Muslim Giving

Abstract

Islam and the concept of charitable giving, Zakat, is over 1400 years old. Yet in pluralistic America, this concept is under constant reinterpretation as new generations of American Muslim seek to find meaning and relevance. I argue that Islamic philanthropy is forming new ‘moral geographies’ by incorporating elements from market-based notions of philanthropy, and is becoming more secular and ‘strategic’ in its direction. This paper provides a typology of giving and maps the trajectory of giving toward Muslim Aid organizations. Looking at the messaging and marketing material of major American Muslim charities, I track the movement away from religious and altruistic giving. Preliminary findings suggest that American Muslim giving has been transformed by a move to secular motives for philanthropy and by the rise of more self-oriented, consumption-driven giving behavior. I conclude that Muslim nonprofit organizations are today contributing to the meaning of philanthropy, through the creative and pragmatic interpretation of religious principles and cultural norms. I also suggest that this trend can also be considered a part of the ‘practical spirituality’ prevalent in America.