By Ahmed J Versi
On November 30, Muslim Aid marked a significant milestone: four decades of humanitarian service. The commemorative evening in London brought together supporters, staff, founders, and friends to honour the organisation’s legacy, recognise those delivering life-saving work today, and imagine the world we aspire to build over the next 40 years.
Hosted by ITV political correspondent Shehab Khan, the evening opened with a moving Qur’an recitation and reflections from students, setting a tone of gratitude, remembrance, and renewed purpose. Chair Mustafa Faruqi and CEO Khalid Javid offered powerful insights into Muslim Aid’s journey and the communities it serves. Many were struck by Javid’s bold reminder that the ultimate goal of charity is to eradicate the suffering that necessitates its existence. As he put it later in the evening, the aim should be a world where “every single NGO… [is] closed down,” because human need is finally met.
Muslim Aid’s history is defined by courage and pioneering action. The organisation was among the first responders in Basra during the Iraq crisis, helped rebuild stronger and smarter after the tsunami in Indonesia, and embedded localisation and safeguarding long before they became sector standards. Even its origin story carries this spirit: founder Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) joked that the name “Muslim Aid” came from being asked to leave Live Aid after wanting to sing acapella—a reminder of the organisation’s enduring ethos of principled, independent action.
Speakers throughout the night brought Muslim Aid’s 40-year journey vividly to life. Yusuf Islam, who was not able to attend, reflected in his video message, on the founding principles and enduring mission to serve those in need. Sheikh Dr Abdal Hakim Murad emphasised the transformative power of communities united in purpose. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi addressed the pressing challenge of Islamophobia, highlighting Muslim Aid’s role in shaping a future grounded in compassion and justice. A soulful nasheed by Mesut Kurtis added a spiritual resonance that underscored the values at the heart of the organisation’s work.
A key moment was the unveiling of Muslim Aid’s refreshed logo, created by Arc Management with video support from Cre8Aura. The new design symbolises the collective responsibility of the ummah to protect the vulnerable, avert crises, and steward the earth. It reflects a balance of heritage and vision, aligned with the organisation’s 2030 Strategy to strengthen localisation, emergency preparedness, and safeguarding.
The event also spotlighted the Water for Gaza appeal, with guests donating through QR codes, forms, and a silent auction—a reminder that every contribution directly supports families in urgent need.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated above all: Muslim Aid’s story is not only one of emergency response, but of vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to a better world. Honouring former staff, current teams, and those working on the frontlines, the night celebrated four decades of impact—and the shared mission to shape an even stronger future.
[Photo: Muslim Aid CEO, Khalid Javid, speaking at the Muslim Aid event. Photo courtesy of Muslim Aid]
