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About us

Islamic Relief, a leading Muslim charity, is an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by a group of medical doctors and activists.

Since 1984 we have saved and transformed the lives of over 120 million people. By responding to disasters, rebuilding lives and preparing people in case disaster strikes – we save lives before they are lost.

In addition to providing disaster and emergency response, we also promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender.

Our Statement of Purpose

By inspiring trust and delivering with excellence, our mission is to empower people across the UK to act together to save and transform lives.

Our Mission

Together we will inspire and enable people to respond rapidly to disasters and fight poverty through our Islamic values, expertise and global reach.

Islamic Relief Values

We remain guided by the timeless values and teachings of the Qur’an and the prophetic example (Sunnah).

Sincerity (Ikhlas)

In responding to poverty and suffering, our efforts are driven by sincerity to God and the need to fulfil our obligations to humanity.

Excellence (Ihsan)

Our actions in tackling poverty are marked by excellence in our operations and the conduct through which we help the deserving people we serve.

Compassion (Rahma)

We believe the protection and well-being of every life is of paramount importance and we shall join with other humanitarian actors to act as one in responding to suffering brought on by disasters, poverty and injustice.

Social Justice (Adl)

Our work is founded on enabling people and institutions to fulfil the rights of the poor and vulnerable. We work to empower the dispossessed towards realising their God-given human potential and develop their capabilities and resources.

Custodianship (Amana)

We value and protect the Earth and its resources, including its people, and we aim to honour the trust people place in us to be transparent and accountable.

Our partners

Islamic Relief has implemented projects within the UK Aid match programme

We are an implementing partner for the UN Refugees Agency

Islamic Relief is an implementing partner for the UN World Food Programme

Islamic Relief is an implementing partner for the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO)

Islamic Relief has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government Humanitarian Fund (HEF) to help provide vital aid to vulnerable communities

Affiliations and memberships

Islamic Relief is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee

We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women to strengthen joint work on empowering women

Islamic Relief has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council

We are registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales

Islamic Relief is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements and NGOs in Disaster Relief

Islamic Relief is a member of British Overseas NGO’s for Development

We are the first Muslim charity to be awarded Core Humanitarian Standard certification

Islamic Relief is a member of the CHS Alliance, a global alliance of humanitarian and development organisations committed to making aid work better for people

Islamic Relief is a founding member of the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

We are a signatory to the Global Charter for Change

We are part of NET, via MCF, which means that we can respond swiftly to emergencies in the UK

Awards and accreditations

‘Charity of the Year’ at the Charity Times Awards 2023

‘Charity of the Year’ at the Third Sector Awards 2022

Highly Commended for ‘Digital Innovation of the Year’ at the Third Sector Awards 2020

‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the Third Sector Awards 2019

Highly commended for ‘Best Charity Film’ at the Third Sector Awards 2019

Awarded the ‘Bond Innovation Award’ in recognition of our inventive approach to helping to eliminate extreme poverty. This was award to our Alternative Livelihoods for Orphaned Families (ALO) programme in Bangladesh

Awarded The Princess Royal Training Award 2018, in recognition of our work with our volunteers

Our volunteer programmes are accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) – part of the City & Guild Group

About us

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