History

Key events in the history of Muslim Aid

Muslim Aid was founded in London in November 1985 by 23 community based British Muslim organisations in response to the famine in Africa and other conflicts and disasters.

In its first year, emergency relief was distributed to thousands of people affected by devastating famine in Ethiopia, continuing conflicts in Palestine and Afghanistan and widespread flooding in Bangladesh.

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.
•  Muslim Aid sent tents, blankets, food and medicines to some of the 16 million people facing famine in Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique and Sudan.
•  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.