Islamic Relief unveils its ‘Saving Lives Since 1984’ campaign at its flagship event
The evening, on Tuesday 16 May, began with an eye-opening film celebrating Islamic Relief’s inspiring 33-year legacy. The short film gave the 300 esteemed guests an insight into the large number of disasters across the world the humanitarian aid agency has been involved in and saving lives since being founded in 1984.
We are LIVE right now in Facebook with @GreenLaneMasjid who have supported Islamic Relief since 1984!#SavingLives pic.twitter.com/FXgxjsn9sT
— Islamic Relief UK (@IslamicReliefUK) May 16, 2017
This inspiring message reminded the guests that, amid the celebration of this exceptional work, which to date has saved and changed more than 100 million lives, we must remember how privileged we are to witness the blessed month of Ramadan once again and that we are in a position to share our blessings. Indeed, it is a time of self-sacrifice and giving generously as if one had unlimited funds, Subhanallah.
Our host for the evening, Shelina Janmohamed, an influential journalist and commentator on Islam in Britain, began proceedings by highlighting the incredible generosity of British Muslims who, last year, donated approximately £100 million during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Yet the diverse audience present on the evening reflected Islamic Relief’s engagement with every part of society and its mission to reach people in need, regardless of their race, political affiliation, gender or belief – and without expecting anything in return.
Keynote speaker Gillian Joseph, an award-winning broadcaster on Sky News, noted this in her speech – that when humanity suffers, we all suffer and we should all care. During her address, she reflected on her time spent in South Sudan recently, witnessing first-hand the impact drought is having on countless lives in the country and citing the great work Islamic Relief is doing to ensure long-term development.
This organisation isn’t just about responding, but is about building resilience and ensuring long-term development – @skygillian pic.twitter.com/ESwPzEVlg8
— Islamic Relief UK (@IslamicReliefUK) May 16, 2017
The exceptional surroundings of the Science Museum made this one-of-a-kind event truly memorable, reflecting Islamic Relief’s use of scientific interventions to deliver sustainable solutions to poverty, such as water harvesting and solar power.
Picking up on this theme, Dr Tim Winter (also known as Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad), scholar, religious speaker and Dean of Cambridge Muslim College, spoke about the guiding principles of Islam, which bestows mankind with the responsibility to ensure safe custody of the environment.
Despite the divine bounty, human resources are finite, and we have to walk gently on the earth. @IslamicReliefUK #savinglives
— Camb Muslim College (@CMC_Cambridge) May 16, 2017
We were also honoured to be joined on the night by Yusra Mardini, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and Olympic swimmer, who was part of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Yusra gave the audience a heartfelt account of her personal experiences of fleeing Syria.
The super talented & inspirational @YusraMardini in conversation with the amazing @loveinheadscarf @IslamicReliefUK pic.twitter.com/P7bSceS0LD
— Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) May 16, 2017
Each speaker delivered an inspirational message of faith, hope and humanity, reminding us that this Ramadan we must share our blessings with those less fortunate.
This Ramadan, we would like to thank you for your generous support to date. But we are asking you to help us to continue to save lives. Please donate to Islamic Relief now.
Thank you for joining us on what has been an inspiring evening. We look forward to a month of reflection & charitable giving #SavingLives pic.twitter.com/q7AApq2xNv
— Islamic Relief UK (@IslamicReliefUK) May 16, 2017