It is the first book to be published on the charities of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf, covering their work both domestic and international. From a diversity of viewpoints, the book addresses:• The historical roots of Islamic philanthropy in religious traditions and geopolitical movements • The interactions of the Gulf charities with “Western” relief and development institutions – now under pressure owing to budgetary constraints• Numerous case studies from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia• The impact of violent extremism on the sector, with the legal repercussions that have followed – especially in the USA• The recent history of attempts to alleviate the obstacles faced by bona fide Islamic charities, whose absence from major conflict zones now leaves a vacuum for extremist groups to penetrate• The prospects for a less politicized Islamic charity sector when the so-called “war on terror” eventually loses its salience.