Dr. Tariq Cheema, Courtesy of pf
The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre published its first edition in what promises to be an annual series of insight into the movers and shakers of the Muslim world. EntitledThe 500 Most Influential Muslims 2009, the book categorizes Muslims' influential capacities into 15 categories: scholarly , political, administrative, lineage, preachers, women, youth, philanthropy, development, science and technology, arts and culture, Qu'ran reciters, media, radicals, international Islamic networks and issues of the day. As part of an ongoing series each week those receiving mention in North America will be highlighted. This week those who seem to have influence on the philanthropy will be highlighted. In this category, there is only one person honored who is living in the United States and North America.
Dr. Tariq Cheema founded the World Congress on Muslim Philanthropy. The WCMP is a Chicago-based organization that has an annual conference that works hand-in- hand with the Nonprofit Empowerment Group, a consulting firm. It is headed by a revolving steering committee. It is focused on global philanthropy not so much American philanthropy. It is also not a particular Muslim or Islamic organization despite its title. It seeks to be non-denominational and non-religious. In the global arena many important stakeholders have attended their congress event. Dr. Cheema also co-founded Doctors Worldwide. More writing about the WCMP can be found in Azizah magazine in an article entitled, "Generous Giving."
Although, This Examiner does not want to take away from the recognition of Dr. Cheema's efforts on the global scene, It was sad to read no American philanthropists recognized in the 500 book. Dr. Cheema is Pakistani by birth, and Turkish by residency. There are many American philanthropists, and much American Muslim philanthropy taking place in America. These efforts are seemingly going unrecognized in the absence of a body that recognizes them as such, like the WCMP harnesses on the international scene. This Examiner attended and was part of the Steering Committee for the 1st World Congress on Muslim Philanthropy, which took place in Istanbul, Turkey. It would be important to see a group based in the United States harness the philanthropy that exists here, share best practices and give recognition to American Muslim philanthropists. There are efforts underway in this direction. The Muslim Advocates group based in California is providing a service to rate Muslim nonprofits on their transparency and legitimacy. This is a great roadmap for those interested in donating for charitable purposes and for those who have more long-term interests in philanthropy. ACCESS in Dearborn, Michigan, has also started working with gifting-groups.
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