About Us

Islamic Relief is an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984. Islamic Relief South Africa was registered as a Section 21 for non-profit company in 2004.

Islamic Relief works with communities to strengthen their resilience to calamities, and we provide vital emergency aid when disasters occur.

We help the impoverished access basic services, including education,water and sanitation, as well as healthcare. We provide lasting routes out of poverty through our sustainable development schemes. Our integrated approach to progress is transforming communities worldwide.

We tackle the root causes of poverty and make sure that the world’s most vulnerable people have real influence in both our programs and advocacy.

THE VISION

Inspired by our Islamic faith and guided by our values we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

THE MISSION

Exemplifying our Islamic values,we will mobilise resources,build partnerships, and develop local capacity as we work to:

• Enable communities to mitigate the effect of disasters, prepare for their occurrence and respond by providing relief, protection and recovery.
• Promote integrated development and environmental custodianship with a focus on sustainable livelihoods
• Support the marginalised and vulnerable to voice their needs and address root problems of poverty

We allocate these resources regardless of race, political affiliation, gender or belief, and without expecting anything in return.

THE VALUES

We remain guided by the timeless values and teachings of the Qur’an and the prophetic example (Sunnah), most specifically:

Sincerity (Ikhlas) – In responding to poverty and suffering, our efforts are driven by sincerity to God and the need to fulfil our obligations to humanity.

Excellence (Ihsan) – Our actions in tackling poverty are marked by excellence in our operations and the conduct through which we help the deserving people we serve.

Compassion (Rahma) – We believe the protection and well-being of every life is of paramount importance and we shall join with other humanitarian actors to act as one in responding to suffering brought on by disasters,poverty and injustice.

Social Justice (Adl) – Our work is founded on enabling people and institutions to fulfil the rights of the poor and vulnerable. We work to empower the dispossessed towards realising their God-given human potential and develop their capabilities and resources.

Custodianship (Amana) – We uphold our duty of custodianship over Earth and its resources, and the trust people place in us as a humanitarian and development practitioner to be transparent and accountable.