June 28, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
NEW BOOKS
Islamic Perspective on Charity: A Comprehensive Guide for Running a Muslim Nonprofit in the U.S.
by Khalil Jassemm
Islamic nonprofit groups have the potential to provide humanitarian aid and promote the United States in the Middle East and around the world, writes Khalil Jassemm, chief executive officer of Life for Relief & Development. But because of strict new laws governing international charities and negative stereotypes of Muslims strengthened by the 2001 terrorist attacks, he says, these organizations must be very careful not to invite unwarranted criticism or suspicion.
“It is vitally important that they be proactive and positive, by increasing their capacity, effectiveness, and professionalism, and adopting complete transparency in their everyday operations,” Mr. Jassemm writes.
The book describes the Muslim orientation to charity — one of the Five Pillars, or believers’ duties, of Islam — as well as the current environment for Islamic organizations, including federal and state laws, the Patriot Act, voluntary guidelines for Muslim charities, and a look at what management practices are most effective.
Mr. Jassemm tailors nonprofit-management advice specifically to Islamic groups, but he also offers general guidelines, including tips on selecting boards and committees, running capital campaigns, using the Internet, creating strategic plans, and managing public relations.
Charity, Mr. Jassemm writes, “does not simply consist of getting donations and delivering those donations to the recipients.” He exhorts Muslim charities to be as responsible and accountable as possible, and to create strong partnerships with the U.S. government and fellow nonprofit organizations.
Publisher: Authorhouse, 1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, Ind. 47403; (888) 519-5121; http://www.authorhouse.com; 524 pages; $28.95; ISBN 978-1-4259-3160-5.
