Key events in the history of Muslim Aid

Muslim Aid was founded in 1985 when leading British Muslim organisations joined together to respond to the endemic humanitarian crisis in Africa.

1987 – 1988

• Emergency supplies provided to millions of Afghan war refugees fleeing across the border into Pakistan. A country office in Peshawar, Pakistan was opened to set up education and healthcare programmes for the incoming refugees.
• Muslim Aid sent medicines, food and blankets to alleviate the suffering caused by severe drought in Sudan, floods in Bangladesh and Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica.
• Additional funds were distributed in Somalia, Mozambique and Chad to help victims of famine.

1989 – 1990

• Long term sustainable development programmes began to be incorporated into Muslim Aid’s activities.
• Iranian earthquake survivors received much needed medical treatment at two large health centres established in Rostamabad and Loshan.
• Conflict in Palestine and Kashmir caused the deaths of thousands, leaving many orphaned and widowed. Muslim Aid provided food, medicines and shelter in Kashmir and funded schools, orphanages and health centres in Palestine.
• Orphan sponsorship scheme was set up, initially helping 76 children in six countries.