Giving Done Right Faith, Generosity, and Justice: Dilnaz Waraich on Muslim American Giving
What does it mean to tell the Muslim American story of generosity? Why is it important to talk about "religious justice" in philanthropy alongside other forms of justice? These are questions that President of the WF Fund and philanthropic advocate Dilnaz Waraich explores with hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette as she shares her journey from kitchen table conversations about giving back to leading narrative change work that highlights Muslim American generosity.
In this episode, Dilnaz discusses Islamic principles behind charitable giving, why trust-based philanthropy requires humility, and how interfaith bridge-building strengthens communities. She also offers candid insights about her mistakes as a donor, the power of storytelling in philanthropy, and why "you're just enough" might be the encouragement hesitant donors need to hear right now.
Additional Resources
Inspired Generosity: stories of Muslim American generosity
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy
“The Next Day” by Melinda French Gates
PBS documentary series: “American Muslims: A History Revealed”