After the success of our recent colloquium (December 7-8, 2022), we are seeking original contributions on the subject of Muslim philanthropy in Latin America and the Latinx U.S. While the literatures on Muslim philanthropy and on Latinx philanthropy are continuously expanding, they lack perspectives on how Latinx Muslims and Muslims in Latin America are part of a wider matrix of generosity, volunteering, and mutual aid within, and beyond, both constituencies. On the one hand, Muslims give to organizations and participate in philanthropic activism at local, national, and global levels, hoping to make the world a better place in accordance with Islam. On the other hand, people who identify as Latinx or who live in Latin America have historically engaged in acts of solidarity and mutual assistance among vulnerable populations, addressing issues related to poverty, education, health, and culture. This special issue of the Journal on Muslim Philanthropy and Civil Society will help move research on the intersections between these fields that much further. The issue's guest editor Ken Chitwood invites submissions based on original research that speak to how Muslims in Latin America and Latinx Muslims in the U.S. are engaging in a wide range of philanthropic activities, contributions to civil society, and activism to address what they see as critical issues facing the world and which they view as aligned with their faith. Submissions (read submission guidelines) can cover a broad scope of Muslim philanthropy and contributions to civil society, including nonprofit, philanthropic, and voluntary action. All the constituent terms (e.g., Muslim, philanthropy, civil society, Latinx, Latin America, etc.) are broadly defined and open for discussion, interpretation, and interrogation. The editors seek submissions from across disciplines (Anthropology, Art, History, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, Public Affairs, Nonprofit Management, Business, Philanthropy, etc.) in this emerging field. Along with standard research papers, the editors also welcome commentaries and analysis from practitioners doing work on the ground in the realm of philanthropy and/or through contributions to civil society. The latter could also include in-depth interviews with, or oral-histories from, Muslim philanthropists with a commitment or connection to Latin America or the Latinx U.S. Potential papers could address a variety of questions or points related to the above themes, including:
What philanthropic activities are undertaken by Muslims in Latin America? By Latinx Muslims in the U.S.?
What themes, issues, or people groups are Muslims focusing on and whatkinds of institutions and organizations are they creating (e.g., hospitals, nonprofit newspapers and publications, disaster relief programs, refugee and migrant aid, etc.)?
At what levels is this philanthropic activity carried out on: the local, national, regional, or trans- national/regional? What intrafaith, interfaith, or other partnerships between Muslims and other actors in civil society are being created through shared philanthropic action?
At what levels are these partnerships engaged: the local, national, regional, or trans national/regional
Does dawah count as philanthropy? Does philanthropy count as dawah? How are these terms used and applied among Muslims in Latin America or Latinx Muslims in the U.S.?
How do Muslims in the Latinx U.S. and in Latin America mix, combine, or remix classic notions of giving, charity, and aid from both Latinx and Islamic cultures and histories?
How are concepts like zakat/fitrana, sadaqa, and waqf interpreted and applied in Latin America or by Latinx Muslims in the U.S.? Are there any accents or emphases that are unique to, or particularly pronounced among, Latinx Muslims or Muslims in the region?
**Submissions (read the submission guidelines) are due February 15, 2023.** Remuneration is available for those articles accepted for publication after the double-blind review process. Questions, comments, or other queries can be made to Ken Chitwood at lacisanews@gmail.com. You are welcome to share this call for submissions with colleagues or your own networks. This special issue is being supported by the Latin America and Caribbean Islamic Studies Newsletter and its associated network (LACISA), with funding from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI), part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianaoplis, Indiana (IUPUI).