Islamic Relief celebrates the start of Ramadan across the UK

In addition to our Ramadan launch at the London Science Museum, events held in Cardiff  (18 May)  and Glasgow (24 May), showcased the vital aid work Islamic Relief has delivered over the past 33 years, through which it has saved and changed the lives of over 100 million people affected by environmental and man-made crises across the world.

The regional receptions were attended by many diverse guests, including leaders from all faiths, high-profile personalities and community activists, who were reminded of the significant contribution Islamic Relief has made to disasters in Ethiopia, Gaza, Sudan, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Haiti and Nepal, among others.

Imran Madden, UK Director of Islamic Relief, was keen to express that this work does not stop when the emergency is over. He said:

“After we respond to a crisis, our dust-covered aid workers risk their lives daily to reach people that many other aid agencies cannot get to. However, once the emergency relief work is done, we don’t disappear. We stick around and help build lives and communities and societies through long-term sustainability projects so that the next time disaster strikes, local people can respond better and faster.”

Glasgow

Esteemed speakers at the event held in the Glasgow Science Centre included: Muzoon Almellehan, Malala Fund Ambassador and International Children’s Peace Prize nominee, who spoke about refugees and the importance of educating girls; Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour Party politician and Member of the Scottish Parliament; and Alison Thewliss, a Scottish National Party politician, who was elected as the Member of Parliament for Glasgow Central.

Cardiff

We were honoured to also have the following speakers at Cardiff’s Mansion House: Saleem Kidwai OBE, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales; Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council; the Former Lord Mayor, Councillor Monica Walsh; Councillor David Walker; and Councillor Ali Ahmed.

The former Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Monica Walsh, said:

“Cardiff has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and as Lord Mayor I am very pleased to attend Islamic Relief UK’s event to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and to celebrate the charity’s work. I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued hard work and to those who contribute to and support the charity.”

Each of the Ramadan events were held in exceptional venues, specifically chosen to highlight the scientific nature of Islamic Relief’s sustainable solutions to global poverty, such as water harvesting and solar power.

Amid the celebration, the speakers on the night echoed the important message of Ramadan, urging the audience to remember just how privileged they are to witness the blessed month once again and that they are in a position to give charity, unlike many of our brothers and sisters.

Donations during last year’s Ramadan, Islamic Relief received donations exceeding an incredible £100 million and we hope to exceed this amount during this year’s blessed month.