In recent years, the global rise of Muslim humanitarian NGOs and grassroots social work organizations has been significant, particularly in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority societies. These organizations often label themselves as “Islamic” to emphasize their identity and adherence to Islamic principles. However, a closer examination reveals that many of these organizations inadvertently deviate from core Islamic teachings in their practices and policies. This article explores how a Maqasid approach can realign social work and humanitarian aid with Islamic principles, ensuring that these efforts truly reflect the spirit of Islam.
The landscape of welfare services has evolved significantly, with Islamic organizations playing a crucial role in providing aid and support. Unlike traditional welfare mechanisms rooted in ancient Muslim institutions, these modern organizations often adopt secular NGO models while maintaining an Islamic identity. Despite their valuable contributions, there is a growing concern that some practices within these organizations contradict Islamic teachings, highlighting a need for a more aligned approach.
Navigating the discourse on Islam within Western academia presents unique challenges. Islamic perspectives often face resistance due to a perceived lack of objectivity or normative content. This skepticism stems from a broader trend in Western academia that favors deconstructionist approaches, treating Islamic concepts with doubt and historical criticism. However, it is essential to recognize that all knowledge construction is influenced by underlying assumptions, and a balanced approach is needed to appreciate Islamic teachings as a coherent and consistent message.
The Maqasid approach, rooted in the works of classical and contemporary scholars like Al-Ghazali, Al-Shatibi, and Ibn Ashur, integrates Islamic norms with higher purposes. This methodology aims to align Islamic teachings with the spirit of the Qur’an and Sunnah, offering a holistic view that transcends partialist interpretations. By considering the entire Revelation as a coherent system, the Maqasid approach helps resolve apparent contradictions and emphasizes the importance of primary sources in understanding Islamic principles.
To bridge the gap between Islamic teachings and the practices of Muslim organizations, it is crucial to apply the Maqasid Methodology. This involves a critical reflection on both literature and reality, analyzing charitable practices from a sociological perspective. Key issues identified in Muslim faith-based organizations include emphasizing ḥasanāt-oriented motivation, ignoring recipients’ needs, lack of etiquette and ethics, discrimination against non-Muslims, and using welfare for da’wah. Many Muslims focus on obtaining divine rewards (ḥasanāt) for charitable deeds, often neglecting the genuine welfare of recipients. This self-serving motivation contradicts the fundamental Islamic teaching of caring for others’ well-being. Faith-based organizations sometimes provide services without understanding the actual needs of recipients, leading to a mismatch between intentions and outcomes. Effective social work should prioritize tangible results and real social impact. Ethical issues arise when organizations assume they know better than the beneficiaries, leading to patronizing attitudes and disrespect. Accurate communication and ethical standards are essential in aligning with Islamic teachings. Islamic teachings emphasize helping all individuals, regardless of religious affiliation. Prioritizing Muslims over others contradicts the inclusive nature of Islamic charity. While both charity and da’wah are important, they should not be conflated. Social work should focus on compassion and service, without using it as a tool for religious conversion.
The Maqasid Methodology offers a comprehensive framework to align Islamic social services with the principles of Revelation. By conducting a circular analysis of Islamic scriptures and field practices, Muslim organizations can ensure that their actions reflect genuine Islamic teachings. This approach emphasizes the central principle of raḥmah (compassion) and prioritizes serving humanity for its welfare and general interest. Embracing Islam as a worldview involves manifesting compassion towards all creation, aligning with the prophetic teachings of unconditional love and service.
In conclusion, reforming Muslim organizations to adhere to Islamic principles is imperative. By doing so, they can overcome the confusion between a broad Islamic identity and Islam as a coherent worldview, ultimately fulfilling the fundamental objectives of compassion and service as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
By Dr. Baptiste Brodard
Senior Research Fellow at the Maqasid Institute