Survey Finds Muslim Americans Gave $1.8 Billion in 2021
Muslim Americans gave $1.8 billion to domestic and international causes in 2021, a study at the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI reveals.
According to the report, Muslim American Zakat Giving 2022 (23 pages, PDF), in 2021 the average Muslim-American household donated $2,070 as an act of zakat, the third of five pillars of Islam. Based on an online survey conducted from January 25 through February 15 this year, the study found that the largest beneficiaries were international nonprofit organizations, which were awarded 25.3 percent of all zakat funds, followed by governments (21.7 percent) and domestic nonprofits (18.3 percent). The study also found that 14.7 percent of zakat donations are made informally, whether in person to relatives or others, and 12.7 percent through other remittances.
“The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is an important time in the Muslim charitable calendar. It is likely that much of these $1.8 billion are donated or pledged during the month of Ramadan,” said Shariq Siddiqui, assistant professor of philanthropic studies and director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “It is critical that nonprofit organizations and charities find meaningful ways to engage with Muslim-American donors around Ramadan.”
“Zakat funds help provide lifesaving and life-enhancing aid to populations in need around the world,” says Islamic Relief USA CEO Sharif Aly. “[Last year’s] figures just underscore the strong sense of generosity and altruism of the Muslim-American community.” - Philanthropy News Digest
(Photo Credit: Getty Images/FatCamera)
" Muslim American Zakat Giving 2022 ." Lilly Family School of Philanthropy report 04/14/2022. " Muslim Americans gave $1.8 billion in religious giving in 2021, have more inclusive definitions of philanthropy ." Lilly Family School of Philanthropy press release 04/14/2022.
