The Islamic Welfare State

The Islamic Welfare State explains the relationship between government legitimacy, everyday security, and lived Islam in Pakistan a major Muslim majority country. Its humanitarian spirit makes Islam a compelling, community strengthening faith, which motivates people to provide essential services to the needy and to foster moral sentiments that build social solidarity. This challenges the legitimacy of government that focuses on ‘protecting Islam’ and ‘national security’ rather than enhancing the lives of ordinary people. The book surveys the four kinds of Islamic charities—traditional, professional, partisan, and state. The focus is on ground realities, on the activities of welfare workers and beneficiaries, mostly patients and students from low-income families. The attention to the different political sentiments, which different kinds of charity foster, allows us to better understand politics and political change in Pakistan and across the Muslim world.

Candland takes us on a transformative journey, weaving together heartfelt stories, deep research, and political understanding.

Noryn Ali
Former Secretary, Baithak Schools Network

Candland’s goodwill and sincerity gave him access to charitable activities across Pakistan, allowing him to see humanitarianism in practice.

Qibla Ayaz
Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology, 
Islamic Republic of Pakistan