| This was an exploratory study intended to gather information on social welfare needs among Muslim-Americans, as well as initial information on the operations and practices of Islamic organizations and mosques offering social services. The study illustrates the conceptualization of social welfare in Muslim communities. It also shows some of the ways the community was affected post-September 11th; and the significance of religion for Muslim-Americans and Islamic organizations and mosques. The study used a descriptive design. The sample included ten interviews with directors of Islamic organizations and mosques, and one-hundred twenty-eight surveys with Muslim-American students. Three major questions explored in the study were: (1) What constitutes social welfare in the Muslim community? (2) What are the affects of post-9/11? And (3) How significant is religion in Muslim communities? The overall notion of social welfare within Muslim communities resembles the U.S.'s 19th-century doctrine of Islam & Social Welfare charity, or charity associated with traditional religion. The study describes the kinds/types of programs offered by Islamic charitable organizations and mosques (e.g., cash assistance, food pantries, legal assistance, daycare, job training, and medical services). In the context of post-9/11 initiatives, while some directors of Islamic organizations and mosques stated that they experienced discrimination (e.g., hate mail, obscene telephone calls and voicemail messages, etc.), most also indicated that they received "a lot" of support from their local communities. Survey respondents stated that they had become more "religious" since 9/11. Respondents reported that religion exerts great influence in their lives, often turning to God and prayer when facing difficulties. Data collected showed that it also exerted significant influence on agency services that, first and foremost, offered visitors a place of worship in addition to other social services. |
