Press Release - Archive

Six months after the devastating Abruzzo earthquake, Islamic Relief Italy has completed its work in Onna.

Much of the town of Onna was completely destroyed by the earthquake, leaving people in need of shelter and other essential aid. Islamic Relief staff and volunteers started work in the region immediately after the disaster which affected tens of thousands of people.

Since the earthquake Islamic Relief has provided emergency aid including blankets, food, hygiene kits and clothes to people who lost their homes in the villages of Monticchio, Bagno and Onna. Toys were also donated to a new nursery school built after the disaster.
 

Paolo Gonzaga, Country Director of Islamic Relief Italy said, “In the last six months we have met Pope Benedict XVI, we have organised community meals and have provided recreational activities for the people of Onna.

We have also collaborated with the Civil Protection of Italy and other Catholic and secular associations with mutual satisfaction and respect. Above all, we have worked with the population, which welcomed us warmly and who supported our work, asking us to stay as long as necessary.

Dozens of Islamic Relief volunteers from many a variety of countries, from Egypt to Morocco, Algeria to Pakistan, assisted the aid efforts in Onna by cooking and serving lunches and dinners for the victims of the earthquake.

Paulo Gonzaga said, “I would like to thank each family in Onna who welcomed the Islamic Relief team so warmly. The wonderful people of Onna will always be in our hearts.

HRH The Prince of Wales praises Islamic Relief's work over the past 25 years

HRH The Prince of Wales praised international aid agency Islamic Relief for its "outstanding work in providing humanitarian aid to literally millions of the most vulnerable people over the past quarter of a century." The comments came as part of a speech made by the Prince of Wales at the charity’s 25th anniversary Gala Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on 17th December 2009.

The celebratory event brought together Islamic Relief's supporters from around the world and also marked the contribution and achievements of the British Muslim community who have helped make Islamic Relief the global humanitarian operation it is today, working in over 30 countries.

As Guest of Honour, and in the presence of many other dignitaries, HRH The Prince of Wales, said: "Islamic Relief's fine achievements bear witness to the energy, dynamism and selflessness of our British Muslim community.

“We hear rather too much misleading information about a small minority of your community and not nearly enough about the vastly more numerous acts of compassion and commitment which characterise the work of Islamic Relief and its supporters. That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is why I was so happy and proud to come here this evening, to celebrate these achievements with you.”

The Prince of Wales also paid personal tribute to the “vision, passion, and sheer dedication of a truly extraordinary and remarkable man,” Dr Hany El Banna, co-founder of Islamic Relief.

The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Saleh Saeed, said: "Back in 1984, setting-up an international NGO based upon Muslim principles and practice was not an entirely feasible proposition.

As a result, I am all the more proud of the thousands of dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters and donors who have enabled us to deliver emergency relief and sustainable development programmes in a working alliance with some of the world's most vulnerable communities." The Gala Dinner comes at the end of a year of celebrations around the work marking the achievements of Islamic Relief over the past 25 years, thanking its many supporters and paying tribute to the strength and spirit of those it has been able to reach through its work. For more information contact: Husna Rashid on 0207 593 3256 or Husna.rashid@islamic-relief.org.uk

To view The Price of Wales’s full speech, please click here

Islamic microfinance an ethical alternative to modern banking for poor communities

The global economic downturn has brought the ethics and sustainability of modern banking practices into question, but could Islamic microfinance provide a more equitable alternative to current economic challenges?

Although many organisations offer microcredit to poor communities, few initiatives use Islamic finance principles which prohibit the use of interest. Many Muslim borrowers refrain from accessing interest-based loans for fear of breaching their religious principles while interest can also keep poor communities trapped in a cycle of debt and prevent them from becoming self-sufficient.

Islamic microfinance promotes ethical investment and business practices among micro-entrepreneurs. The focus is on “fairer” lending procedures for the poor, the sharing of risk between lender and borrower, the prohibition of interest and the imperative only to invest in ethical ventures.

The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide Saleh Saeed said, "Although around half of those living in absolute poverty worldwide are Muslims, less than one per cent of global microfinance programmes are Shariah compliant. This is one of the reasons why many Muslims choose not to use financial services as they do not conform to their religious beliefs.

“In order to lift people out of poverty it is extremely important that the finance and development community work together to increase and strengthen the availability of Islamic financial services, particularly amongst the poor where access is most limited.”

International aid agency Islamic Relief has developed the use of Islamic microfinancing techniques in development and helps some of the poorest communities and those worst affected by the recession to become economically self-sufficient. These loans have helped tens of thousands of people from Bosnia-Herzegovina to Bangladesh, Pakistan to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, set up or expand their own businesses, allowing them to live with dignity and independence.

In Pakistan where three-quarters of the population live on less than $2 a day, Islamic Relief is working with HSBC to expand its microfinance programme. D Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Islamic Relief’s Head of Policy and Research said, “In Pakistan our Shari’ah-compliant microfinance project not only provides the capital to help people set up their own businesses but also provides essential training and support to ensure the success of these ventures.”

“We are currently working with HSBC to provide loans to vulnerable people across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but are looking to expand to other parts of the country in the near future. We are very proud that over 40 per cent of the beneficiaries of this project are women and many are widows who are now supporting their entire family through their businesses.”

As part of Islamic Relief’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Islamic Relief is leading discussions on Islamic microfinance as a solution to poverty. On 19th January 2010 you can join the debate at a unique microfinance conference at the law firm Clifford Chance, London.

The event will give delegates the opportunity to learn more about the theory and practice of Islamic microfinance, and how it can be used as part of sustainable development programmes. There will also be the opportunity to discuss the future of Islamic microfinance as a solution to poverty.

Chairing the discussions will be Mohammed Amin who heads up PricewaterhouseCoopers Islamic Finance practice in the UK. Keynote speakers include Dr Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Head of Policy and Research at Islamic Relief Worldwide, Amjid Ali, UK Head & Senior Manager, HSBC Amanah Global, and Riaz Hassan, National Sales Manager for HSBC Amanah.

For interviews with Dr Ajaz Ahmed Khan or other keynote speakers, and for more information about the conference, please contact: Samia.ahmed@islamic-relief.org.uk

Photo and case studies regarding Islamic Relief’s microfinance programmes are also available.

Islamic Relief celebrating its 25th anniversary with the preview of the ‘Hope and Empowerment’ photo exhibition at the City Hall in London.

Photographers Stefano Massimo and Shaista Chishty displayed the images of beneficiaries from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kenya and Yemen. The images highlight some of the issues and challenges that people in the developing world are facing and also showcase some of the projects which Islamic Relief is implementing with the support of UK and worldwide donors.