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Islamic Relief strives to alleviate the suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide without regard to color, race or creed and to provide aid in a compassionate and dignified manner. It aims to provide rapid relief in the event of man-made or natural disasters. In addition, it establishes development projects in needy areas to help tackle poverty, illiteracy and disease at a local level.

To achieve these objectives, Islamic Relief implements several different types of projects.

Development Projects
Islamic Relief's view is that relief, as important as it is, is only the beginning. Giving people the confidence to participate in their own development and to secure their own future without the need for continuing external assistance is the ultimate object. Therefore, Islamic Relief finds it essential to complement relief work with development projects such as:

• Water and Sanitation
• Health and Nutrition
• Emergency
• Education
• Income Generation
• Orphan Support Program

To read more about our Domestic Projects, Click Here

Emergency Relief Projects
Islamic Relief has helped the people of Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chechnya, Kosova and Palestine, providing rapid assistance in times of emergency. Its work has quickly become recognized in this field amongst international organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP) and the Department for International Development.

Orphans Projects
Islamic Relief has an Orphans Welfare Program which provides care for orphans and remaining members of their family. This has included the provision of health care and education within their own communities.

Seasonal Projects - Ramadan and Udhiyah/Qurbani
For Muslims around the world, the fasting month of Ramadan and the period of Udhiyah/Qurbani are very special times. In Ramadan, while Muslims perform their religious obligation of fasting from dawn to dusk, they also feel a special duty to help provide for those who remain hungry year-round. Charity is greatly encouraged during this time, and as a result, Islamic Relief is able to carry out special food distributions due to the generosity of its donors. 

Udhiyah/Qurbani is an Islamic religious practice performed at the time of Eid al-Adha (the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul al-Hijjah) involving the sacrifice of an animal. This holiday commemorates the sacrifice Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) made to God to show his devotion and commitment to Him. Islamic Relief performs Udhiyah/Qurbani on behalf of its donors, and distributes the meat to beneficiaries.

Islamic Relief’s seasonal projects during these times not only fulfill the obligation of donors but also support many beneficiaries, who are able to also celebrate as a result.

Domestic Projects

Islamic Relief has increased its focus on domestic projects greatly in recent years. Whether it is the homeless population who dwell on the streets, or those who cannot afford basic health care, Islamic Relief sees it as its duty to aid the less fortunate in our society.

Islamic Relief coordinates the annual nationwide event, 'Day of Dignity.' Taking place in 18 cities in 2008, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Islamic Relief helped provide food, clothing, medical care, and social services to people living in the most poverty-stricken areas of our nation. This nationwide effort has served tens of thousands and has quickly become an American Muslim tradition during Ramadan. 

Some of Islamic Relief's other domestic projects have included the response effort to Hurricane Katrina, which provided over $3 million in aid, supporting over 60,000 people. Other efforts have included the support of the UMMA Community Clinic, toy drives for disadvantaged children, community support programs, and much more. One of Islamic Relief’s domestic projects which has grown in recent years is the financial assistance program for families in need. Working with mosques and community organizations, Islamic Relief provides emergency financial assistance to families in need.

Islamic Relief also launched the Capacity Building Initiative in 2008. This project seeks to equip nonprofit organizations across the United States with the tools and resources they need to operate more effectively.