Muslim organizations have been important actors in the development of Muslim halal stand-up comedy circuits. Recognizing comedy's value for fundraising and community outreach, Islamic charities such as Penny Appeal and Human Appeal have run benefit comedy tours across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom since 2015. These organizations have actively advanced the career prospects of numerous Muslim comedians by connecting them with large audiences and increasing their international exposure. Such comedians include US performers Yasmin Elhady, Moses the Comic, Preacher Moss and Omar Regan.
This paper considers how Muslim comics and philanthropists collaboratively intervene and invest in different futures. It specifically analyzes how Muslim comedy participates in the development of new communal horizons, the activation of international solidarities, and the evolution of giving practices. In doing so, it attends to the industry politics shaping the expansion of Muslim comedy circuits and the interdependent relationship between comedy and philanthropy.