The role of Islam in forging linkages between Africa and Asia from the 1970s : the case of Islamic relief and development support

As a contribution to the discussion of different aspects of Africa-Asia relations over time in this volume, the present chapter aims to highlight the role of Islam in forging linkages between Africa and Asia. Taking as a point of departure that Islam's bridging role has taken on different forms at different times and is constantly evolving, the chapter analyses a particular form of Islamic 'bridging' that emerged in the 1970s, namely Islamic humanitarianism, relief and development support. The specific ways in which Islamic relief has nourished African-Asian relations will be discussed as well as its consequences and prospects.