In this book, economist Jean-Philippe Platteau addresses the question: does Islam, the religion of Muslims, bear some … challenges the widespread view that the doctrine of Islam is reactionary in the sense that it defends tradition against modernity … and individual freedom. He also questions the view that fusion between religion and politics is characteristic of Islam …

Introduction: the invisible aid sector / David Tittensor & Mathew Clarke -- Is islam an obstacle for progress? The … analysis of Said Nursi / Salih Yucel -- Zakat and poverty in Islam / Jan Ali -- The changing nature of Islamic mission: the …'s empowerment: case of islamic NGOs in Bangladesh / Mohammad Salehin -- Invisible aid: islam, Muslim NGOs and development / Matthew …