Every year, Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan and Eid by sharing their wealth through charitable donations of Zakat and sadaqah. Every year, millions of people choose to help build a better future for the world’s poorest people through Islamic Relief.
Our local knowledge, experience and global reach allows us to operate effectively and efficiently. In 2011, we carried out our largest Ramadan and Qurbani food distributions ever - getting food to some of the poorest people in 27 countries around the world. You can read about some of the people you've helped here.
In the month of fasting, our basic reliance on nourishing food is more evident than ever. Experiencing the challenge of going about our day's work without food or water gives us a brief insight into the lives of those who regularly abstain without choice, due to poverty.
Hunger Crises
Conflict, drought and poverty are just a few of the causes of food shortages that people are facing this Ramadan. With your help, Islamic Relief has helped to deliver emergency food supplies to people caught up in the upheavals and aftermath of the Arab Spring in Libya and Tunisia, and continues to help those affected by events in Syria and Yemen.
In West Africa millions of people are facing a hunger crisis after a devastating drought caused food shortages and spiralling prices across the Sahel region. We are working in Mali, Chad and Niger to provide emergency food and water to those worst-affected. We're also providing nutritional support and child healthcare to communities facing acute malnutrition through health screenings, treatment and prevention, and supporting nutritional centres.
Sustainability
In addition to combating hunger, we are also tackling its causes by providing sustainable solutions to drought and fluctuating food prices. Initiatives such as cereal banks, farming support, livestock provision and employment opportunities all help to get crisis-hit communities back on the track to self-sufficiency.
None of this work is possible without your continued support. This Ramadan, help us to build a better future for some of the world's poorest people.