Understanding Islamic Charities

Philanthropy is a vital lens through which to examine the dynamics of the Muslim world. Islamic charities harness enormous material and human resources, as well as organizational capacity. Many in the West view Muslim philanthropic enterprises with considerable skepticism because of accusations of material support for, or condoning of, acts of violence against civilians. Drawing on CSIS's regional and functional expertise, Understanding Islamic Charities explores the variety of roles that Muslim philanthropies play in different countries, their interactions with national and international institutions, and the boundaries and connections between their philanthropic roles and their political impacts.

Jon B. Alterman is senior fellow and director of the CSIS Middle East Program. Karin von Hippel is senior fellow in the CSIS International Security Program and codirector of the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project.