[Bilimsel Haber] New Book: Charity in Islamic Societies by Amy Singer

[Onur Inal]

Charity in Islamic Societies
Amy Singer, Tel Aviv University

Cambridge University Press
Series: Themes in Islamic History
Paperback (ISBN-10: 0521529123 | ISBN-13: 9780521529129) Hardback (ISBN-10:
0521821649 | ISBN-13: 9780521821643)
Published September 2008 | 264 pages | 228 x 151 mm

Muslim beliefs have inspired charitable giving for over fourteen centuries,
yet Islamic history has rarely been examined from this perspective. In
Charity in Islamic Societies, Amy Singer explains the basic concepts and
institutions of Muslim charity, including the obligation to give on an
annual basis. Charitable endowments shaped Muslim societies and cultures in
every era. This book demonstrates how historical circumstances, social
status, gender, age and other factors interacted with religious ideals to
create a rich variety of charitable practices, from the beginnings of Islam
to the present day. Using written texts, buildings, images and objects to
anchor the discussions in each chapter, the author explores the motivations
for charity, its impact on the rich and the poor, and the politicisation of
charity. This lucidly written book will capture the attention of anyone who
is interested in the nature of Islamic society and the role of philanthropy
throughout history.
Contents
Introduction; 1. Pray and pay alms; 2. Even half a date; 3. The upper hand;
4. The poor and the needy; 5. The mixed economy of charity; Conclusion:
reorienting charity.
Professor Amy Singer
Dept. of Middle Eastern & African History
Chair, Women Studies Forum
Tel Aviv University