As we bid farewell to Ramadan, we look back on a month of faith and generosity, when the spirit of giving brings hope to those facing hardship. 

This Ramadan, your generous donations helped Islamic Relief distribute an estimated 121,115 food packs, reaching 651,821 rightsholders in 33 countries around the world*. An estimated 19,407 Zakat al-Fitr packs have also been delivered, supporting 102,315 people*.

And as Eid al-Fitr comes and goes here in Australia, our Eid gifts distributions are ongoing for vulnerable children around the world, with an estimated 23,265 children receiving gifts so far*.

From conflict zones to areas affected by natural disasters, our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that families in crisis got the help they needed this Ramadan. Together, we helped families break their fasts with dignity and mark this blessed month.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our distributions around the world.

Indonesia

In the West Java province in Indonesia, your donations helped us give 82-year-old Suartinah, her three children, and her 10-year-old grandson, a food pack filled with staple ingredients to prepare nutritious meals during Ramadan.

Living on a limited daily budget, the elderly widow struggles to afford basic essentials like water, electricity and household necessities, often relying on support from her children.

Receiving Ramadan packages like this helps me sustain myself for the future. This support gives me a sense of security, knowing that I have something to rely on during difficult times.

Palestine

In Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood, 36-year-old Ahmed, his wife, and their three young sons have been displaced multiple times after losing their home and livelihood in an airstrike. 

Now living in a crowded shelter, the family struggles with extreme food shortages, and Ahmed’s eldest son, Yusuf, suffers from severe malnutrition. With no income and soaring prices, Ahmed even risked his life trying to obtain a bag of flour to feed his children once. 

Islamic Relief’s Ramadan food basket provided much-needed relief, ensuring families had essential food for iftar and suhoor. This support helped ease their suffering during a time of immense hardship.

Yemen

As Yemen marks 10 years of war, our teams on the ground have reported cases of malnutrition among children are increasing in remote rural districts of Yemen.

Your generous donations meant that families in need didn’t have to face another Ramadan worrying about their next meal.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

In Bhasan Char, Bangladesh, 43-year-old fisherman Nur lives with his family of 12. “Since our arrival in Bangladesh, we have been dependent on aid and support,” he explains.

“With limited opportunities to earn a living, I sometimes go fishing in the canal and along the seashore, hoping to catch some fish.” Despite these efforts, the family’s survival relies on humanitarian assistance. 

The Ramadan food packs from Islamic Relief this year were a lifeline for Nur. 

“These packages help us prepare proper meals for Iftar, making it easier to observe fasting despite the challenges we face,” he says.

For many families, including mine, these food distributions bring relief. Without them, it would be difficult to have enough food during this holy month.

Nur is grateful, saying it “brought us relief and strengthened our faith, knowing that we were not alone in our struggles”.

Albania

For thousands of families in Albania, particularly those in rural areas and mountainous regions, poverty is a daily reality. 

With poor access to clean water, sanitation, health, and education, these families are struggling to build brighter, more stable futures.

Your generous donations helped provide families in need with vital food packs containing oil, rice, sugar, pasta, beans, dates, bulgur wheat, tomato sauce, and other essential items.

Afghanistan

Gul Bibi, an elderly woman in Kabul, Afghanistan, received cash for food assistance this month. For families in need like hers, your support means everything.

As a needy family, we did not have enough food for Ramadan. Sometimes, we had food, but other times, we did not. This support and kindness means so much to us. Thank you so much. May Allah reward you in this world and the Akhirah. Thank you so much for supporting us.

Malawi

Around 70.1% of people in Malawi are living on less than $2.15 per day.

The nation heavily depends on agriculture, making it vulnerable to climate change impacts. Climate-induced disasters, such as Cyclone Freddy in 2023, have exacerbated food insecurity and caused widespread crop failures, threatening the livelihoods of millions.

To ease the burden of those struggling to find food for iftar, we provided vital food packs to people in need.

Syrian Refugees

46-year-old Umm Mahmoud lives with her six children as Syrian refugees after being displaced from Aleppo city due to the war. 

After her husband was separated from her and she became deaf from a bombing. She struggled to support her children, especially during Ramadan. “I couldn’t afford to provide food for my children or buy them new clothes for Eid. They longed for Eid outfits or even a special meal, but I couldn’t give them that.”

Your support for our Orphan Sponsorship Program, which also helps Syrian refugees, brought relief to Umm Mahmoud during this blessed month.

I was overwhelmed with joy when [Islamic Relief] told me they would sponsor my children and provide financial support. Finally, I could afford to buy food, clothes, and household necessities, and ensure my children could continue their education.

Sudan

As Sudan prepares to mark two years of war this April, our Eid gift distributions brought hope to children living in dire conditions.

More than 3.7 million children are now reported to be acutely malnourished and many families are eating just a few mouthfuls of sorghum a day.

Your Eid gifts brought hope to vulnerable children and orphans suffering through things no child should have to endure.

Spreading the Ramadan joy

Thanks to your generosity, Islamic Relief has been able to support families in need across the world this Ramadan. While these distributions have provided much-needed relief, the reality is that for millions, the struggle against hunger does not end in Ramadan.

We remain committed to serving vulnerable communities, working towards a future where no one has to worry about their next meal. With your continued support, we can build on this impact and reach even more people in need.

May Allah accept your kindness and bring ease to those facing hardship, Ameen!

*Please note the figures mentioned in this report are currently estimates. As our Ramadan program is still ongoing, the final report with exact figures will be available in the coming months.