Within the last twenty years, the world has witnessed disasters that have overwhelmed vulnerable communities, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, famine, and man-made disasters such as war. Often these events occur suddenly and without warning.

Islamic Relief's Emergency and Relief Programme helps provide immediate assistance - food, medicine, shelter and blankets - to those in dire need following a crisis. IR delivers vital aid when it is most needed, and also works with local communities in the aftermath of an emergency to help rebuild lives. It is committed to long-term economic and social development through projects ranging from landmine awareness to water and sanitation programmes.

Ongoing support for the Emergency Relief Fund is crucial to sustain the initial relief response. The Emergency & Relief Waqf aims to ensure that the suffering of the needy is never forgotten - providing IR with the vital resources to respond to future disasters rapidly, efficiently and effectively.

Some of our most successful Emergency and Relief operations have been in Chechnya, Afghanistan, Palestine, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Pakistan, India, Ethiopia and El Salvador.

Particular emphasis is given to the most vulnerable groups - the elderly, women and children.

 

Ways to join in

The following illustration (using a fictional character) is an example of how people can get involved.

Farida found out about the Waqf scheme after reading some Islamic Relief publications. After some enquiries she decided to invest in a single Emergency & Relief Waqf share. She opted to make regular monthly payments of £44.50 through her bank using a standing order form, over a period of 20 months. Farida chose to have the Waqf Deed in her mother's name.

Did you know?

Qalawoon Hospital, Cairo was initiated by Al Mansoor Saif al Din Qalawoon (1284 AD). It was originally a palace for one of the Princes of Cairo, which he later converted. The hospital was distinguished by the quality of treatment and amenities which it offered. In the grounds of the hospital there was also a school, library and a mosque. The entire institution was funded solely from Waqf donations. Wealthy individuals would stake a Waqf of at least 1000 Dirhams (silver coins) a year.