Exploring Anonymous Giving in Muslim Philanthropy in a British Context: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Societal and public tensions arise when donors and donor sources remain unknown. This paper presents perspectives on anonymous giving’s salience in Muslim philanthropy, from pilot research in Britain. Qualitative interview data findings, from purposively selected individual respondents in London and the English North West, contrast with literatures concentrating on anonymous giving’s problematic nature. Thematic analysis showed anonymous giving’s reinvigoration, resolution of practice challenges, through support for well managed charitable schemes and attractiveness to younger donors, and roles in faith-led renewal, including reinforcement of humility in giving. Although themes combined to emphasize anonymous giving’s evolutionary nature, its advantages for beneficiaries were considered minimally and the existence of uncharted, informal giving “workarounds” was acknowledged but unexplored. Moving from individual to charitable organization perspectives, across sub-national contexts, is proposed to enhance the work’s theoretical contribution. The case is made for anonymous giving as a Muslim philanthropy literature focus in its own right.