Photo: Imam Qasim, Founder of Al-Khair (Courtesy of Al-Khair Foundation
Nadine Osman
The Al-Khair Foundation (AKF), a leading Muslim humanitarian aid charity, hosted a 5,000-visitor’s conference at the Excel Centre in London to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
Visitors to the Al-Qur’an Conference on January 15 were treated to lectures by renowned Islamic experts, including the guest of honour, Shaikh Qari Bashir Ahmad Siddiq, one of the most senior scholars at the Prophet’s Mosque [Masjid a Nabawi] in Madinah, whose students include four past and present Imams of Maccah and Madinah.
The conference also included key speakers from Al-Khair School, which was founded with only five students, highlights of charity projects, and the Grand Final of the Saut ul Qur’an competition.
AKF, which started in Croydon in 2003, has now delivered more than £250 million worth of aid to disaster and conflict zones as well as establishing a range of acclaimed UK support projects.
“This was one of our biggest ever events, and 2023 marks 20 years of unprecedented growth, and we are now ready to embark upon the next stage of our mission,” says Imam Qasim, Chair and Founder of Al-Khair. “It was amazing that we could give back to our students and guests with such a prestigious event, and it was great to see so many people attend.”
It has grown into a trusted and valued force in responding to natural disasters and conflicts over the last 20 years, with projects spanning 80 countries.
AKF is frequently among the first aid organisations to arrive in countries devastated by floods and earthquakes and is lauded for its work in constructing infrastructure ranging from fresh water supply wells to hospitals.
The final of Qur’an competition featured eight talented five- to 15-year-olds who had won through 100 participants in auditions and eliminators, heightened the excitement.
The conference was presented by IQRA Bangla TV, in partnership with the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, and the winner of the Qur’an competition received a trophy and cash prize.
AKF has built up a global following and has increased its influence and impact every year with initiatives such as expanding its faith school, establishing Iqra TV, and its work across unemployment, education, women’s empowerment, and domestic violence. It has also provided help through floods and storm damage in recent years in the UK.
