Liberal Arts Forum

Ramadan is that time of the year when money flows, mashAllah. People take part in giving and helping for the sake of God. There are many beautiful stories about sahaba and righteous people and how they gave in the past. However, generosity is not a thing of the past, Muslims still give and will continue to give based on faith and splendor of their love.

With this post I want to point out some negative aspects that have become entrenched in fund raising. Again, my intention is to work with the community to better ourselves in all endeavors for the sake of God.

Pitfalls/my concerns for fundraising committees:

Ever wonder why the community doesn’t show up for the bi-annual fundraiser?

*Do not hold people hostage during the event. If they want to give, let them do it on their own accord. Individuals should never be singled out in public and ask to donate an amount, thus embarrassing them and their family.

*Do not be melodramatic. “Muslims are dying and our women are being raped…” Yes, there are instances like that and it is very sad that this is happening in some parts of the world but please don’t make this sentence a cliche for fund raising. People become dehumanized when they hear this talk and their natural response “there’s always a catastrophe some where some time”.

*Do not scream over the microphone. When a speaker starts yelling and screaming, he will get the attention of his audience for 30 seconds and that’s about it. Please, there is no reason for over the edge doom day analysis that sounds something like “Brothers if you don’t pay for this school, don’t come back and complain that your kids are drug addicts”.

Do not hold iftar/dinner so one could raise more money. Some organizers/speakers think that they can milk a cow by delaying dinner/iftar an hour or two. The logic is that the more we ask the more shall receive. However, people may or may not donate a little extra but they will surely walk away with a malice. Please do remember this malice will hurt the next fund raising dinner that is planned six months down the road. Clearly, most organizations need fund raising in some capacity but they harm themselves by making the dinner/iftar a negative experience for someone who took time off from his/her busy schedule and donated for the cause.

Do not be cheap with food. Be frugal, but treat your guests well. Show the incoming guests hospitality and generosity by offering a good meal and a relaxed environment. This is a Qur’anic & prophetic teaching. How can we ask for a good cause in a bad way?