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ISNA Commends the Treasury Department’s Statement on Muslim Charitable Giving

Source: ISNA

(Plainfield, IN – August 27, 2009) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) commends the recent statement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that recognizes the importance of charitable giving for Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

In a press statement released yesterday, the Treasury Department states that it “recognizes the particular importance of charitable giving throughout the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims in America and around the world.” It goes on to underscore that charitable giving “is a fundamental characteristic of many faiths, and zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred obligation for Muslims.”

The full statement of the U.S. Department of Treasury can be read online at: http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/tg268.htm

ISNA has been meeting regularly with the Treasury Department to address the issue of charitable giving in the post 9/11 environment and has worked closely with Muslim organizations to develop clear guidelines and standards to meet legal obligations. ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson and Vice President Imam Mohamed Magid met with Treasury Department officials early this month.

ISNA will continue to work with the Department to make sure that the Muslim American community is able to fulfill its religious obligation in accordance with the rules of law and the best practices of the charitable sector.
 
Contact:
Louay Safi
Director of Communications and Leadership Development
louay@isna.net
(317) 838-8130