<![CDATA[This study examines the extent to which Islamic humanitarianism can counterbalance Western-dominated norms and structures of global aid. Combining decolonial theory with norm localization, it develops the concept of localized universalism to explain how Islamic humanitarian actors articulate independently grounded universal ethical commitments while selectively engaging with international humanitarian standards. The study employs a qualitative document and literature review of scholarly works published primarily between 2000 and 2025, including literature, organizational reports, zakat statistics, regulations, and fatwas on Islamic humanitarian actors in Indonesia and beyond. It also includes illustrative cases involving Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Dompet Dhuafa, BAZNAS, mosque-based philanthropy, and the UNHCR Refugee Zakat Fund. The findings reveal three interrelated patterns. First, Islamic actors re-ground humanitarian values in Islamic traditions, such as humanity, solidarity, and non- discrimination, in Islamic ethical and jurisprudential traditions, exemplified by Muhammadiyah’s al-Ma’un theology and Fikih Kebencanaan. Second, Islamic social finance—including zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf— provides substantial and recurrent humanitarian resources, although these remain predominantly domestically oriented and under-realized relative to their estimated potential. Third, authority rarely shifts to Muslim communities; legitimacy is conferred by certifiers, UNHCR, and the Indonesian state. The article terms this pattern “localized universalism”: epistemically rich but structurally limited decolonization. These findings contribute to debates on decolonizing humanitarianism by shifting attention from the localization of aid delivery toward the deeper question of who possesses the authority to define humanitarian universality.]]>
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