Giving and Godliness: Analyzing Charity Dynamics and Effectiveness in Shia Islam in Dialogue with Effective Altruism

My PhD dissertation critically analyzes the effectiveness of Shia religious charitable practices through philosophical inquiry and the framework of Effective Altruism (EA). I examine how Twelver Shia donors understand and practice charity, focusing on key concepts such as equality, rights, and priorities which underlie moral cosmology and charitable effectiveness. Utilizing Foucault’s archaeological and genealogical approaches, I trace the historical and discursive evolution of major Shia fiscal practices—particularly Zakat and Khums—showing that they are dynamic categories shaped by changing contexts rather than static legal rules. I try to identify barriers to effective religious giving and explore ways to optimize Shia philanthropy for both community-focused and global contexts, engaging critically with EA’s utilitarian emphasis on efficiency while foregrounding the cultural and ethical dimensions of religious giving. My research aims to enrich global debates on philanthropy by challenging reductionist models and proposing more holistic understandings.