Who is Muslim Aid?

Muslim Aid is an international relief and development agency with its roots in the humanitarian teachings of Islam. The Qur’anic verse “… And whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all of mankind” (Qur’an 5:32) demonstrates the value of each individual life and is the ethos by which we operate. Our mission is to tackle poverty by developing innovative and sustainable solutions enabling people and their communities to live in dignity and independence.

Whilst responding to emergencies is one of our major priorities, we also work on strategic programmes to eliminate poverty that focus upon: Education, skills training, provision of clean water, healthcare and income generation projects. These projects ensure that individuals have access to basic necessities and the skills necessary to generate an income so they no longer have to depend on aid agencies for food and shelter.

Where do you work?

We work in over 70 countries across the world and have 14 field offices based in Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

Who do we work with?
Since 1985 Muslim Aid has been at the forefront of developing partnerships to assist the most deprived communities around the globe. Muslim Aid has developed a world-wide network, embracing both local and international humanitarian organisations. Together with these partner organisations we are providing emergency relief and poverty eradication assistance to those in need. By implementing projects through partners or in co-ordination with our field offices we are developing the capacity and ability of local people to help their own communities and reaching those in need.

Some of the friends we are already working with include Global Medic, UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief), Muslim Hands, BOND (British Overseas NGOs for Development). You can find more information by looking on our partners’ web page.

Do you only help Muslim countries?
No, we work to help all of humanity, regardless of race, religion or gender. Although we work in countries with a large Muslim population, these are countries that that are affected by conflict and natural disasters. We strive to work where the need is greatest. In addition, we are signatories to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which sets out non-discriminatory guidelines.

Where does Muslim Aid’s funding come from and what do you use it for?

Our funding comes from both institutions, such as DIFD and the World Bank, and thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Thanks to these funds, we can work effectively, spending a small part of our income on running costs. These costs include staff, equipment and transport costs, to ensure speedy response in emergencies, as well as food and assistance we provide to those in need. Muslim Aid is accountable to our supporters and to those who look to us for support. It is therefore important to keep costs at a level which ensures the maximum is spent directly on the poor while our work is delivered effectively and to the highest of standards demanded by our ethos of treating all with dignity. You can find more information about Muslim Aids funding and expenditure from our Annual Review.

Why is Muslim Aid different?

Muslim Aid's concept of charity is unique. It is seen as a duty rather than a favour and the right of those in need to receive it. Muslim Aid also ensures that development initiatives come from ground level so that local people are engaged in the planning, implementing and evaluation of each project. This keeps the projects socio-economically relevant and takes into consideration cultural sensitivities.

Muslim Aid takes a holistic approach when implementing a project in the field. While other NGOs may implement a project in one field e.g. education and then leave, Muslim Aid follows up with programmes in other fields. For example, after building houses for a community, Muslim Aid would then implement skills training and income-generating programmes to ensure that people can earn a livelihood. One of the ways we encourage self sufficiency is through our microcredit programme which is interest free. This is based on Islamic principles (interest is prohibited in Islam) which ensures that it is the beneficiary and not the lender who benefits from any loans.

How does Muslim Aid choose its partners?

Muslim Aid works through local partners with the sole purpose of assisting those who are in need. Muslim Aid will only choose partners assisting people requiring medicine, food, healthcare and child support for the application process.

Our partners who apply for funding must fill in a pre qualification questionnaire; this questionnaire is a legal requirement. The questionnaire requests detailed information about the organisation and details of the project. They must provide two credible references, a valid registration certificate and bank details. It must also provide details of accounts and additional funding. They must adhere to Muslim Aid’s procurement policy, equal opportunities policy, child and venerable adults policy and health and safety policy.

Once verified, all our partners are then monitored through a financial and project report, which for ongoing projects continues every 3-6 months. Muslim Aid takes any breach in their partnership agreements very seriously. If an organisation is seen to be misusing Muslim Aid funds and resources, then Muslim Aid will cease working with them immediately.
We value the support of our donors and every effort is made to make sure that every penny you donate goes to those who need it the most.

For more information on partners, click here

For more information on how we choose our partners and our work together, click here

How can I get involved?

There are so many ways to get involved, from hiking and raising awareness to fundraising for our events. Please read our Get involved page. We regularly update our website to advertise any staff vacancies and you are also more than welcome to come and volunteer at Muslim Aid. It’s a great way of developing your skills as well as supporting our fight against poverty.

If I give you my details/sign up for emails, how do I know you won’t bombard me with emails/junk mail?

Muslim Aid only contacts those who have shown support for us and have not stated that they do not wish to hear from us. Also under the Data Protection Act, anyone we contact must have given their permission to be contacted by us for causes they have shown an interest in. If you don’t wish to be contacted by us, please feel free to let us know.

Please read our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy and Security Policy.

The Rainbow Family

Please visit our Rainbow Family Microsite for any questions, click here