Charity in Islamic Societies

An in-depth tour of the history of charity in Islamic societies from the beginnings of Islam to the present day.

Amy Singer (Author)

9780521529129, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 September 2008

260 pages, 17 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.7 cm, 0.42 kg

'Amy Singer's comprehensive study of Islamic charity and the institution of Islamic pious and charitable foundations (waqf) is a timely and welcome addition to the state of scholarship on this important institution across time and space. It provides background on the normative definition of charity contained in the Qur'an and hadith and takes up the question of praxis across Muslim societies from medieval to modern times.' Journal of the American Oriental Society

Muslim beliefs have inspired charitable giving for over fourteen centuries, yet Islamic history has rarely been examined from this perspective. In Charity in Islamic Societies, Amy Singer explains the basic concepts and institutions of Muslim charity, including the obligation to give on an annual basis. Charitable endowments shaped Muslim societies and cultures in every era. This book demonstrates how historical circumstances, social status, gender, age and other factors interacted with religious ideals to create a rich variety of charitable practices, from the beginnings of Islam to the present day. Using written texts, buildings, images and objects to anchor the discussions in each chapter, the author explores the motivations for charity, its impact on the rich and the poor, and the politicisation of charity. This lucidly written book will capture the attention of anyone who is interested in the nature of Islamic society and the role of philanthropy throughout history.

Introduction
1. Pray and pay alms
2. Even half a date
3. The upper hand
4. The poor and the needy
5. The mixed economy of charity
Conclusion: reorienting charity.

Subject Areas: Islamic studies [JFSR2], Islamic life & practice [HRHP], Islam [HRH], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1], General & world history [HBG]