Paper short abstract:

In implementing the SDGs Muslim FBOs face challenges but also opportunities to achieve full rights for women, children and marginalised communities. In spite of access to influential community and religious leaders, these very leaders may act as an impediment to the achievement of some SDGs.

Paper long abstract:

Muslim FBOs may have some sort of privileged access to Muslim communities but they also face challenges with entrenched cultural norms and attitudes which tend to marginalise women and certain groups such as the disabled and ethnic and religious minorities. With the fight against terrorism Muslim FBOs are facing increasing challenges in accessing funding and dealing with governments which have a negative perception of Muslim organisations. Muslim NGOs are finding that they need to respond even more rigorously to issues of due diligence and financial procedures. Due to access Muslim NGOs can play a role in opening access to support the achievement of the SDGs. However in spite of initiatives like the joint statement by diverse religious groups last year regarding the moral imperative to end extreme poverty and support the achievement of the SDGs, due to the power of the neo-liberal economic system in place in most countries Muslim NGOs will struggle to understand and deal with these issues especially the concept of sustainability, climate change and environmental degradation. Even the much touted Islamic financial system and Islamic microfinance have been remade in the neo-liberal model. Many Muslim FBOs need to better tackle advocacy and policy issues related to the anti-poor systems in place internationally and in nations and communities which may be obstacles to the achievement of the SDGs. Muslim FBOs will need to upgrade their capacity to play a role in peace and conflict resolution and non-violent resolution of conflicts.