Abstract
Terrorism persists not simply because of its violence or ideology but because the networks that sustain it are embedded in the everyday relations of markets, politics and faith. This article analyzes the social logic of terrorism financing by integrating sociological theory with recent research on the misuse of charity, informal value transfer systems and digital currencies. Empirical evidence from Kazakhstan and Central Asia is combined with international examples of hawala systems, crowdfunding platforms and cryptocurrency campaigns. The study highlights three levels of analysis: micro-level interpersonal trust and kinship ties, meso-level religious and ethnic communities, and macro-level transnational networks supported by states and ideologues. The findings underscore the need for counterterrorism policies that address social and theological drivers alongside financial controls. Religious literacy, interfaith dialogue and inclusive economic development are identified as critical components of sustainable prevention. This study reconceptualizes terrorism financing as a morally legitimized social process by showing how religious obligation and social capital translate trust into transnational resource flows.