(Dis)connects between Islamic philanthropy and the international humanitarian systems: Implications for women

This paper outlines a conceptual framework to understand interactions between two large, fragmented and distinct systems – Islamic philanthropy (IsP) and the international humanitarian sector (IHS) – in relation to outcomes for women in conflict and displacement contexts. Muslim-majority countries host a significant proportion of the world’s forcibly displaced populations, yet gender-responsive approaches within Islamic philanthropic practice remain fragmented and under-documented. Islamic philanthropic tools – such as zakat, sadaqa, and waqf – operate with diverse theological interpretations, cultural practices and regulatory frameworks. This paper draws on evidence from a two-stage review of English and Arabic academic and grey literature to argue that interactions between IsP and IHS carry meaningful implications for humanitarian outcomes for women in conflict, emergencies and displacement. Our analysis serves to identify key questions for further empirical exploration to fill the evidence gap in this field.

On the one hand, our findings discuss a number of connects such as collaborations between UN agencies and Muslim donors/organisations where there is an accompanying reversal of traditional funding flows and an overall professionalisation of Islamic philanthropy which is increasingly recognised as an operationally compatible source of financing for the aid sector. On the other hand, there are disconnects between the two systems, such as divergent governance and accountability standards, securitisation agendas, financial de-risking and assumptions about neutrality. Our proposed framework situates the (dis)connects within an emerging multipolar humanitarian landscape, where Muslim INGOs, Gulf-based philanthropic systems and Islamic social finance tools are increasingly influential. The recommendations for humanitarian reform include an equal participation of diverse actors and approaches to women’s protection for more effective coordination. Advancing an inclusive humanitarian policy and mutual cultural humility and diplomacy are key to leveraging diverse aid modalities to support women in crises.