Inspiring Muslim Philanthropy
By Muhi Khwaja
If you think about Islam through the five pillars, each of them are personal ways we build our relationship with Allah directly. Our faith encourages us to be charitable in private and publicly. Zakat, as an institution, should help redistribute resources and be allocated locally, where the need is greatest. If this was followed, we could eradicate systemic issues of hunger, homelessness, and so much more. All of this is to say, as Muslims we are obligated to be mindful of what we spend and those of us with the capacity to give, have the responsibility to help those in need.
As individuals, many of us plan for our career and try to set milestones for education or our personal lives. But how often do we set goals or plan for our charitable giving?
If an organization has a strategic plan, it is our duty as individuals to align ourselves with their mission and vision. We must put our time, talent, and treasures to 'enjoin in what is good'. Organizations must collaborate with one another. Think of what makes your (favorite) organization unique. Who else is in that space? Can they collaborate? The answer should always be yes.
I want to inspire Muslim philanthropy. AMCF is in the space of helping families distribute their sadaqa/zakat in a productive way and helping nonprofit organizations become more sustainable.
If you haven't heard about us until now, I'm glad you finally have. We're going to change the way American Muslims donate. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we need to plan better. Allow AMCF to help you plan your charitable giving, based on goals with your family. AMCF can also help nonprofits create short and long term plans for sustainability. AMCF is here for you so that you can be there when your community needs you. I'll simply share our website link so you can explore more: https://amuslimcf.org.
I invite you to embrace your God given talents and resources to help move the American Muslim community forward. There is no time better than now to make a difference. What are you waiting for?
At your service,
Muhi
P.S. I'm looking forward to taking over Instagram for MPower Change. Follow @AMuslimCF & feel free to follow me @MuhiKhwaja (I occasionally post photos of my dog & cat along with a bite or two).