Social Welfare Services and Dawah in “Autochthonous” Islamic Centers in Colombia

Abstract

In various cities throughout Colombia, Islamic centers provide welfare services to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Some organize food distributions in the streets of deprived neighborhoods, while others receive recipients directly on their premises. In each case, the aim is to help people in the name of Islam, including non- Muslims. What are the objectives of the welfare activities developed by Islamic organizations? What are Muslim actors’ motivations and expectations for their charity work investments? What is the relationship between philanthropy and dawah? This article takes up these questions through empirical case studies in Colombia in order to discuss how several Islamic centers in the country, whose aim is to attract “autochthonous” Muslims—those not descended from migrants or colonists—concretely organize charitable practices and examine the actors’ motivations as well as the theological and ideological rationales that underlie them.