Who are we?

Muslim Aid was established in the UK in 1985 by community leaders from 17 Islamic organisations in response to the drought in the Horn of Africa.

We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, discrimination, homelessness, debt, unemployment, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.

What we do

We develop long-term development projects aimed at providing sustainable living for poor communities and survivors of natural disasters as well as providing emergency relief. We fill many niches and give special emphasis to capacity building, economic empowerment, education and improving child and women health.

About our work & values

We work in all parts of the globe through field offices and trusted partners in consultation with stakeholders and beneficiaries.

- Compassion and justice (Ru’ufun and ‘Adl) in all of our actions;
- Accountability and transparency (Muhasabah and Shafafyah) to all of our stakeholders, especially the communities which we work with;
- Action with quality (Amal m’a Jawadah) – our programmes reflect and fill a gap identified by the communities we work with, with longer term actions based upon need and capacity;
- Respect for rights, dignity and equal opportunity (Karamah and Sawaseyah) of all peoples;
- Empowerment (Tamkeen) communities and individuals to reach their potential.

Vision & Ethos

The Holy Qur’an describes a ‘godly’ person as someone: “giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the deprived” (51:19); while Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reminds us that: “Every good act is charity; and the person who guides others to a good act is as the one who did it; and, assuredly, God loves the act of aiding the distressed!” (al Bayhaqi). The Prophet also says that “Love for humanity what you love for yourself!” (al-Bukhari).

“Whosoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved the lives of all humankind” (Qur’an 5:32)”.

The ethos of Muslim Aid is rooted in these teachings; a belief that providing relief and aid to others is central to one’s humanity. This can, and is, performed by those of all faiths and none.