Islamic Wealth Taxation and Financing Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Human Rights, Islamic Law, and the Constitution of Kenya

Islamic Wealth Taxation and Financing Public Health is a book that explores new possibilities for funding public health initiatives in countries where Islam isn't the predominant religion. It suggests using zakat, an Islamic wealth tax, as a source of revenue to boost public health in non-Islamic states like Kenya. The book highlights the importance of understanding local power dynamics, cultural and religious beliefs, and political structures when examining legal issues. It is timely and important due to its alignment with global development goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and National Development Plans. Exploring zakat as a potential solution in Kenya is particularly interesting, given the country's influence in East Africa and the potential impact of such a development in the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Ethics International Press Ltd

Islamic Wealth Taxation and Financing Public Health is a captivating and insightful book that delves into innovative funding options for public health initiatives in countries where Islam is not the predominant religion. In this case,Kenya serves as a focal point for the author's exploration. Written by a Pan-African Muslim woman, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring creative ways to enhance public health without placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.

The author delves into the concept of zakat, an Islamic wealth tax, and investigates its potential as a revenue source to improve public health in non-Islamic states like Kenya. By shedding light on the inner workings of the Kenyan legal system, the book highlights the importance of understanding local power dynamics, cultural and religious beliefs, and political structures when examining legal issues. It offers a fascinating perspective on how different legal frameworks can collaborate to address complex challenges, drawing insights from human rights law, Islamic law, and constitutional law.

One of the key reasons why this book is particularly timely and significant is its alignment with global development goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and National Development Plans. These initiatives emphasize the need for countries to find alternative funding sources without overtaxing their citizens. Exploring zakat as a potential solution in Kenya is particularly intriguing, given the country's influence in East Africa and the potential impact of such a development on the region.

The author's approach to this topic is comprehensive and well-researched. She provides a historical background of zakat and its significance in Islamic law, as well as its application in various countries. The book also explores the legal framework in Kenya, including the relevant laws and regulations related to zakat collection and distribution. Through her analysis, the author demonstrates how zakat can be used as a tool to address public health challenges in Kenya, particularly in areas such as healthcare access, nutrition, and disease prevention.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between Islamic principles and modern public health practices. The author emphasizes that zakat is not just a religious obligation but also a social responsibility that can contribute to the well-being of society. She suggests that governments can leverage the power of zakat to fund public health initiatives, such as building healthcare facilities, providing medical equipment, and training healthcare workers. By doing so, governments can ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all members of society, regardless of their economic status.

Furthermore, the author highlights the importance of involving local communities in the implementation of zakat-funded public health initiatives. She argues that zakat should be seen as a shared responsibility, and that communities should have a say in how the funds are allocated and used. This approach can help to ensure that the initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the community and that they have a lasting impact.

Another strength of the book is its ability to address the challenges associated with implementing zakat-funded public health initiatives. The author acknowledges that there may be resistance from certain groups or individuals who oppose the use of Islamic principles in public health. She suggests that governments can address these concerns by engaging in dialogue and education campaigns to promote the benefits of zakat-funded public health initiatives. By doing so, governments can build trust and support among those who may be skeptical about the concept.

In conclusion, Islamic Wealth Taxation and Financing Public Health is a thought-provoking and timely book that offers a novel approach to funding public health initiatives in countries where Islam is not the predominant religion. By exploring the concept of zakat and its application in Kenya, the author demonstrates how this Islamic wealth tax can be used as a tool to address public health challenges and contribute to the well-being of society. The book's comprehensive analysis, interdisciplinary approach, and alignment with global development goals make it a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring innovative funding options for public health.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804413302
Edition number: New ed