The Nature and Extent of Philanthropy amongst the Rainbow South African Muslim Community

Philanthropy for Muslims is almost second nature as it constitutes a basic article of faith. In the South African context, Muslims over the years have established formal and informal agencies to nurture the institution of charity. Muslims give to a diverse number of causes both within and outside of the community. This paper examines what motivates South African Muslims to give, the patterns of giving, the causes supported and some of the social dynamics permeating the act of giving. It examines the quantitative dimension of giving and the difficulties associated in forming any concrete estimates of giving. Community mechanisms regulating the institution of charity is explored which highlights attempts at co-ordinating a fair distribution of resources to credible causes, but at the same time contains subtle interests to preserve narrow theological interests.