Islamic Relief UK to partner with NZF to support local Muslims in need during coronavirus crisis

NZF and Islamic Relief will help nearly 600 people with a £150,000 boost by Islamic Relief UK to NZF’s Hardship Relief Fund, helping successful applicants to NZF get essential and urgent items such as food, toiletries and nappies.

As previously reported, demand for Zakat through National Zakat Foundation has risen sharply with record numbers of Muslims reaching out for support since the outbreak started.

The partnership with Islamic Relief UK is one of several efforts being made by Muslim charities and the wider community to come together to help those who are vulnerable and need and being affected by this historic crisis.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said:

“This outbreak is already causing an economic fallout that this country hasn’t seen in decades, and it is the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities who are suffering the brunt of it.

“As humanitarians inspired by our faith, we are determined to help out where we can. I am delighted that we are supporting the most vulnerable people through our partnership with NZF, an organisation that helps distribute Zakat funds to individuals across the UK.”

Iqbal Nasim, Chief Executive of National Zakat Foundation, said:

“Right here, right now, we’re seeing the immediate poverty which is being created and worsened by this pandemic. Muslims who were already struggling to get by from month to month are particularly vulnerable. Demand has already risen sharply and sadly we expect this might get worse before it gets better.

“Zakat is a collective solution to collective problems and therefore I very much welcome working together with other organisations and individuals within the community to reach and help more people in need. I’m incredibly pleased that NZF is working with Islamic Relief UK in a joint effort to help those financially affected by coronavirus through these hard times. I hope Islamic Relief UK’s action to increase the proportion of its Zakat funds being used locally inspires more international welfare organisations to do the same. Now, more than ever, is the time for local Zakat.”