The Islamic Society: Small team, big impact, from Horsforth to hearts around the world

One of the five pillars in Islam is Zakat, a religious duty for every Muslim to provide charity and the literal meaning of the word is 'to cleanse'. Sadaqah Jariyah is a concept in Islam which means 'ongoing charity'. Charity in Islam varies from providing financial aid, to smiling or relieving someone of hardship.

British Muslims are the top ranked charity-givers in Britain and it is estimated that Muslims give £100 million to charity during Ramadan (the month of fasting) each year - that's £38 per second. This figure is likely an underestimate as it does not include charity given to mosques and non-Muslim charities. And yet, Muslims face more poverty than other religious groups in the UK, which makes this even more generous.

Leeds Trinity University's Islamic Society, with support from Dr Shames Maskeen, Lecturer in Psychology and Associate Director of The Race Institute at the University, has been changing lives globally through charity. Over the past four years, the Society has raised over £15,000 for causes around the world.

During a charity week in October 2023, we raised over £4,500 in one week through challenges, bake sales, auctions and events. The proceeds went towards providing children access to education, healthcare, mental health support as well as rebuilding homes and providing access to clean water across 33 countries.

Countries where we have supported families have included Mali, Yemen, Afghanistan, Palestine, Somaliland and Kosovo, enabling children who have lost a parent or are struggling in a life of poverty and strife to feel safe, secure and more hopeful about the future.

Thanks to its commitment to projects like this, the Islamic Society was recognised with the Small Team, Big Impact award by the national organisation Charity Week.

Early last year, the Islamic Society launched an emergency appeal for Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria via our charity partner Minhaj Welfare, a registered charity who focus on supporting those in the Middle East affected by crisis. In February 2023, three large-magnitude earthquakes devastated the lives of thousands, with the impact spreading tremor across the Middle East. As a Society we have raised over £1,400 to support the setup of mobile kitchens to provide cooked meals and distribute them to those in need as well as setting up shelters and providing medical assistance.

Faisal Hussain, Managing Director of Minhaj Welfare Foundation, was appreciative of our support and expressed his thanks to the Leeds Trinity Islamic Society for its continued support and commitment to the cause. He has also shared heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people his charity serves and provides regular updates on the work happening across the globe.

The Islamic Society, in collaboration with Minhaj Welfare, raised over £4,000 to improve access to clean water among some of the most vulnerable groups in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as to provide food packs to countries in Africa. 'The Messenger of Allah (saw) was asked, 'Which charity is best?' He replied, "[Providing] water"'. [Abu Dawud - Islamic quote].

This year we hosted our first Iftar (an evening meal eaten after the sun has gone down during Ramadan) event on campus, bringing together Muslims and non-Muslims to celebrate the work of the Islamic Society. There were over 70 people in attendance including students, staff, and senior leaders. This event was about fostering deeper connections within our academic community, and whether people observe Ramadan or not, the principles of empathy, respect, and shared experiences guide us. Over £1,500 was also raised for hot meals for those in need in Uganda and Zimbabwe

This is just a small taster of the work the Islamic Society has been doing over the past year, and this is what you can be a part of by joining. It's more than just a society, we are helping to make a real difference across the globe and change the lives of the less fortunate with the blessings that we have been given. From Horsforth to the hearts around the world.

Samia Begum is President of the Islamic Society at Leeds Trinity University.

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