In this episode, we talk to Dr. Amira Mittermaier whose book, ‘Giving to God: Islamic Charity in Revolutionary Times’ is set against the backdrop of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi’s rise to power. The book draws upon Dr. Mittermaier’s ethnographic fieldwork in Egypt’s Cairo that oscillates between seemingly apolitical spaces of charity and highly politicized spaces of protest. Mittermaier comes to recognize that despite their apparent disparity, these two fields share a dedication to justice and communal engagement, both of which hold ethical and political importance. Therefore, her exploration of Islamic acts of generosity navigates between these two realms, each carrying distinct concepts of justice and the definition of an ideal society.
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Produced By Ergo Studios Hosted By Saniya Ahmad Production and edited By Abhay
In this conversation, Dr. Mittermaier talks about how her interlocutors provide and accept assistance, how these actions align with Islamic ideas of divine fairness in the world, and how charity influenced people's perceptions of the Tahrir Square uprisings. Mittermaier's anthropological method enables us to comprehend the intricacies of charity as a multifaceted practice among Muslims. By exploring the relationship between donors, recipients, and God,, Dr. MIttermaier offers an alternative framework to conceptualize an Islamic ethics of giving.We invite you to engage with us on social media, share your thoughts and experiences, and join the conversation. You can write to us on ergostudiosin@gmail.com Your support is invaluable, so please consider leaving a review or feedback for us.
Originally published for Haqq on 10/09/2023
