Head of the Islamic Medical Association Dr Abdul Majid Katme, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development and Rehman Chishti MP, Muslim Aid Trustee, Sir Iqbal Sacrani, Muslim Aid Chair Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE and Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury John Penrose MP

Ahmed J Versi

Launching the Ramadan campaign, ‘You Give We Serve’, Chairman of Muslim Aid, Dr Manazir Ahsan, said they would be “empowering and uplifting communities across the world during Ramadan.”

Speaking at the House of Commons on May 28, Ahsan said last year, during Ramadan, Muslim Aid “delivered urgent aid to countries that needed it the most. We reached over 40 countries and more than a quarter of a million people benefitted.”

Rehman Chishti MP, who hosted the event, showcased the difference Muslim Aid has made to the lives of people facing poverty, conflict and natural disaster across the world. He said “when people around have given up hope faith charities like Muslim Aid give them hope.”

Shadow International Development Secretary, Mary Creagh, said “No one would have realised the increase in food banks in this country five years ago” and added that Muslim Aid provides the much needed food support in the UK and praised its work, as “the brilliant charity that you’re doing in this special time.”

Cabinet Minister, John Penrose, said Muslim Aid is providing “a vital and essential work to the vulnerable and the weak around the world. I hope that Muslim Aid’s campaign this year is even bigger than the last.”

Guests, including donors, diplomats, media, public sector representatives and community leaders were given a glimpse of some of the work Muslim Aid has done, from providing children with access to schooling, to helping families earn a living through the charity’s Livelihoods Programme. They also saw the positive impact last year’s funding has had on the lives of those affected by conflict in Syria via a live link from Beity orphanage in Turkey.

Muslim Aid is a relief and development agency set up in the United Kingdom in 1985 to provide humanitarian assistance to disaster affected countries and to help poor and vulnerable communities overcome poverty.

Muslim Aid delivers relief and implements programmes in over 70 countries worldwide, working with all communities irrespective of faith, ethnic origin or political system.

Muslim Aid programmes include emergency relief, capacity building through water, sanitation and health programmes, education and skills training, microfinance, income generation and care for orphans and destitute children. As well as giving practical assistance, Muslim Aid tackles poverty by developing long-term sustainable solutions, advocating for a more equitable future.