In their book, Alms For Jihad, J. Willard Burr and Robert O. Collins lay out in detail "the global extent, ferocity, and determination of the Islamist who are perpetrating crimes against humanity in the name of religion, and the role that certain Islamic charities have played in supporting those Islamists." (p. xi) A strong motivating factor to pursue this topic was the fact that "the authors determined as early as 1993 that the FBI was extremely cautious in its investigation of Islamic charities." (p.xii)

The depth of research and the extensive worldwide geographical reach of this work are certainly worthy of praise. The reader not only comes away with an understanding of the sources of funding for terrorist activities but, also, a clear grasp of the Islamist’s worldview.

Some examples should be noted.

First, the giving of alms is solely the business of the giver and not the government. Therefore, records are not kept and little accountability is requested regarding how the funds are used. As a result, charities, who promote their comprehensive humanitarian services, can very easily become fronts for laundering money that is then used to finance terrorist activities around in the world.

Secondly, Muslims are urged to be actively involved in the constant struggle to establish the beliefs of Muhammad as the guiding force in all areas of life—both secular and religious. It is expected, then, that one must not only accept the teachings of Islam but must, also, denounce any religious teachings or secular philosophy that contradict Islamic law. The radical Islamists, unfortuantely, in their desire to accomplish this goal have justified the use of violence as a means to the end. Therefore, funds that had been historically used for schools, mosques, hospitals, and helping the poor and needy are now systematically diverted to fund terrorism without a second thought. The source of these funds is oil revenue. "The dramatic increase in the price of oil has produced a seemingly unlimited supply of cash." (p. 34) The U.S., as the world’s biggest consumer of oil, understandably contributes the most support for terrorist activity.

Lastly, the use of deception and secrecy are at the core of radical Islam. Preaching good and doing good deeds while plotting evil causes no internal conflict within the hearts and minds of Islamists. It is not unusual for charities to regularly give contributions to religious, educational and public health programs while at the same time supporting the most militant terrorist. It is, also, common for workers who are employed by Islamic charities to simultaneously help others and plot to bomb embassies and other government buildings.

Since this worldview is not fully understood by most Westerners, it is difficult to comprehend the enormity of the threat that is posed by Islamic charities that support terrorism. Journalists and diplomats are beguiled by their noble humanitarian efforts. But we must not be fooled, their goal is to eradicate all Western influence and firmly establish Islamic (Shari'a) law whereby Muslim dominance over non-Muslims is secured.

The authors' conclude that if innocent people of the Western world cannot or will not face this reality and act to defeat it, the day will come, when, complain as we might, the harsh reality will be that we will only be able to watch as governments impose Islamic rule.