Islamic Relief Celebrates 30 Years

Islamic Relief Celebrates 30 Years

This year, Islamic Relief marks its 30^th anniversary. Founded in 1984, Islamic Relief has since grown massively and is now operating in over 40 countries throughout the World. It began in response to a terrible famine that swept Sudan, and its first donation was the equivalence of 20p from a nine-year-old boy. Two of its founders were NHS doctors who worked with an enthusiastic team of volunteers from a small office in the Moseley area of Birmingham. They raised £100,000 for those affected by the famine and established what has grown into one of the world’s largest Muslim faith based NGOs and a worldwide annual income of over £100 million. All praise be to Allah, that over the last 30 years we have been able to respond to crises all over the world, from Chechnya to China; from Pakistan to Palestine; from India to Iraq, from Bosnia to Bangladesh.

To mark our 30^th anniversary, a reception was held in our Head Office in Birmingham, both celebrating and reflecting on the journey of Islamic Relief over the past few decades. At the reception, we were joined by staff, supporters and volunteers. We also in the presence of community groups and mosques including FOSIS, UK Muslim Scout Fellowship, Approachable Parenting, Green Lane Mosque and others.

Keynote speeches were given by our CEO, Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, and International Development Secretary Justine Greening. Dr Ashmawey focussed on the growth of Islamic Relief over time, and how it has developed to be different approached to international development than other organisations, with dignity and integrity at its heart. He presented a heart-warming speech reflecting on the story of Prophet Yusuf, and the Qur’an. Justine Greening discussed some of the vital work we have been doing across the globe, and commended the speed and precision which our programmes are executed. She met and spoke with a number of our staff and supporters.

The event was a warm and friendly evening, full of inspiration, reflections and hopes for the future. We are indebted to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers and staff, who have enabled Islamic Relief to go from strength to strength.

The Minister’s speech can be found on the UK Department for International Development (DfID) website