Muslim Advocates seeks end to charity fears
A new scheme is designed to improve the US public's view of Muslim charities
A Muslim organisation has launched a new scheme to raise the profile of charities linked to the religion and quash any fears that people may have about giving.
Legal educational and advocacy body Muslim Advocates, which was established just four years ago, has created a new "groundbreaking" initiative in the US which is designed to give Islamic third sector bodies accreditation to prove their integrity.
The creation of the scheme has been inspired by the impact that incidents such as 9/11 – and subsequent federal scrutiny – have had on the funds being raised by US Muslim charities.
It is hoped the new programme will not only provide legal guidance to charities, but also boost public confidence that donations are being used in support of humanitarian issues.
So far, the Islamic Networks Group, UMMA Community Clinic and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network have earned accreditation through the scheme, which fulfils the religious command of Zakat – that help must be offered to the poor.
Akil Vohra, the legal counsel for the Muslim Charities Accreditation Program, told CNN: "What we're concerned about is giving the right way.
"To be able to give freely is a right of all Americans."
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