Islamic Relief  Australia CEO, Mr Walid Ali

Islamic Relief Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO, Mr Walid Ali.

Walid has been appointed following an extensive search and an extremely competitive selection process. “Walid is an excellent choice; he is an upstanding member of the Australian Muslim community who brings with him a wealth of skills and experience from the not-for-profit sector, specifically in the field of education. Holding leadership positions across various independent Islamic schools, Walid has dedicated his career to helping students achieve their full potential and building the future leaders of our community,” said Islamic Relief Australia Chairperson Heshmat Khalifa.

“We interviewed a number of high-calibre candidates with a range of skills and experience as part of our rigorous and transparent selection process, and selected Walid based on his extensive leadership skills, his passion to drive social change and his unwavering commitment to empowering communities in need. I have no doubt that Walid will lead the organisation forward, and help us continue our work in supporting some of the most marginalised communities in the world,” Heshmat said.

“I’m honoured and excited about joining Islamic Relief Australia – one of the leading Islamic charities in Australia. I look forward to working with our passionate team of staff and volunteers, collaborating with our existing partners and forging new relationships to achieve our overall objective of improving the lives of over 1 million vulnerable people by 2022.

“One of the wonderful things about joining Islamic Relief Australia is being able to play a role in making the world a better and fairer place for some of the most vulnerable people, as guided by our Islamic values of excellence (Ihsan), sincerity (Ikhlas), social justice (Adl), compassion (Rahma) and custodianship (Amana). I hope you will all join me on this incredible journey,” Walid said.

Islamic Relief Australia team

17 January 2020

Islamic Relief Australia was honoured to attend and contribute to the Australian Government’s Bushfire Relief and Recovery Efforts Charity Roundtable, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The meeting, held in Canberra yesterday, brought together key charities involved in the bushfire response, including the Australian Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and the RSPCA, and representatives from key Government agencies, to map out the road to recovery for communities affected.  Discussions focused on how the Government and charities can align efforts to meet the increasing needs of bushfire-ravaged communities – both immediately and in the longer term.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister praised the Australian people for their outpouring of generosity during the crisis, and commended the work charities are doing on the ground to help communities in need.

Photo sourced from Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Twitter account (@ScottMorrisonMP)

“First of all, can I just say this, thank you. $200 million dollars, or thereabouts has already come out of the generosity of the hearts of Australians over these recent months. And you know better than anyone how generous Australians are. Because they are the people who support you and the amazing work that you do every day. And in times like this, when people are hurting, when people are tired, when people have had great fear and they’re trying to get their lives back together and focus on their future for their kids, for their families, for their communities, they always turn to you in the same way as they always turn to governments at these times,” he said.

Islamic Relief Australia representative, Samir Bennegadi, said:

“It was a real privilege for Islamic Relief Australia to be part of the Australian Government’s roundtable discussions today. We’re currently raising funds for the bushfire crisis and it’s important for faith-based charities, like ours, to be involved in the conversation so that we can ensure help is mobilised efficiently and most effectively.

“We’ve had an outpouring of support, locally and globally, with our partners offering both moral and financial support for our bushfire appeal.

“We’re currently working with well-established partners on the ground to ensure we don’t overlap and duplicate services and to ensure that we also honour our commitment to our donors.”

About Islamic Relief Australia

Islamic Relief Australia is a humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to fighting poverty, alleviating suffering and addressing inequality for vulnerable people globally. We seek to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people through relief, development and advocacy work. We are a network of community enablers – made up of committed volunteers, donors, community members, partners and staff – working to empower communities in need and create positive change in the world.

Established in 2010, we are a member of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW); a leading international charity made up of 14 national members –  Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Middle East, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, the UK and US – united by a shared vision, mission and identity. As a member of IRW, Islamic Relief Australia raises funds for international humanitarian projects, implements local programs and supports advocacy initiatives to address global injustices.

Founded on the timeless Islamic values of sincerity (ikhlas), social justice (adl), excellence (ihsan), custodianship (amana) and compassion (rahma), we are a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable people everywhere – irrespective of their background.

Helping our wildlife

Islamic Relief Australia is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the catastrophic bushfires engulfing Australia.

Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by the crisis; those who have lost their homes and possessions, their livelihoods and incomes, or more tragically, a loved one.

While we work with partners on the ground to identify how we can best assist those in need not just immediately, but in the longer term, we ask you to spare a thought for the voiceless – our animals. They have suffered the greatest devastation in this tragedy.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia estimates that approximately 1.25 billion animals including native wildlife may have been killed, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the ferocious blazes. So far, over 10.7 million hectares of land has been burnt across Australia, which is larger than the total area of Portugal.

Tragically, it’s feared whole species may have been lost and that the Koala may now be ‘functionally’ extinct – the species has declined to the point where it can no longer play a significant role in its ecosystem.

At such a devastating time, it is important to remind ourselves that the compassion and mercy of Islam not only relates to humanity, but extends to all creatures, particularly animals (Qur’an 6:38).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated:
“Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animal.”

To help animals affected by the fires, we urge you to donate to one of the following organisations:

WWF Australia:
https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency#gs.qp0374

RSPCA New South Wales:
https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/

WIRES:
https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: https://www.koalahospital.org.au/adopt-a-koala

Mohd Zarith Md Hanipah

On Thursday 1 August 2019, Islamic Relief Australia was honoured by a visit from His Eminence The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed. As a show of his ongoing support to the charity, The Grand Mufti joined Islamic Relief staff in celebrating a milestone for the organisation –having reached over 420,000 vulnerable people globally across its humanitarian and development activities in 2018. As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Islamic Relief Australia has supported projects and activities in 34 countries to combat poverty and injustice while providing vital humanitarian assistance to communities in need.

In the past year, Islamic Relief has benefitted over 9,000 community members in Australia through its domestic violence awareness campaign, youth development programs, migrant and refugee support, and family and women’s support interventions. Dr Ibrahim delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of giving charity and commended the organisation for building stronger, healthier communities both locally and internationally. Dr Ibrahim was also proud of Islamic Relief’s achievements and gave his unwavering support to the organisation and the work it does in transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people regardless of their background, ethnicity or religion.

The theme of Islamic Relief Australia’s current Qurban campaign is A Prophet’s Legacy, which commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and the momentous act of submission he made. As part of a global family, Islamic Relief aims to benefit over 3 million people in over 35 countries through its Qurban Program during Eid al-Adha this year. Islamic Relief Australia is made up of a dedicated group of staff, donors, community members, partners and volunteers working together to empower communities in need and create positive change in the world.

On the 19th of May, Islamic Relief celebrated the ongoing support of its high donors during an Iftar held at The Emporium.  

Individuals and organisations from all walks of life are the reasons why we can design effective projects creating positive changes in vulnerable communities around the world.  

Some of these projects include supporting emergency projects, orphans around the world and sustainable projects such as out Zakat For Prosperity project. The Zakat for Prosperity project has supported communities in West Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, through the introduction of simple adaptive farming mechanisms. 

The Sydney community supported us in the unfolding of the event, you can find their names by clicking on their hyperlinks, florals from French Inspired, name cards by Designed by A, Balloons by Rana , strawberry tower by Doms Strawberry Delights, rose hearts by Adorn roses, and the stylist of the event under the impressive work of Rima at Mrs H Events. 

We thank all our donors, stakeholders, local partners and our volunteers for dedicating their time in creating positive changes locally and around the world.

Islamic Relief Australia (IRAUS) launches the 2019/1441 Ramadan Campaign 

We are excited to announce the launch of our Ramadan 2019 Campaign ‘Change begins with you’. With the holy month of Ramadan about to visit us in the next few weeks in sha Allah, We take this opportunity to thank all our ongoing supporters and welcome our new supporters to the Islamic Relief Family. 

Ramadan 2019

We know that Ramadan is a divine and holy period in which Muslims are instructed to fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month all Muslims, regardless of age, gender, race and ethnicity are invited to ‘Change’.  

Yes, we want to change this month. We want to be the better versions of ourselves in spirituality, emotionally and physically. 

The wisdom, power, and impact of Ramadan is beyond our understanding. We are blessed with a time to reflect, renew and improve ourselves. We are blessed with a time to be self-disciplined, caring, compassionate and visionary. 

 “Change, It Begins With You”  

You’re in control of the words you say, the people you meet, the things that you do. You don’t realize the impact your words and actions have on those around you, and most importantly, yourself. 

Change begins with you. Run directly at change. 

Change begins with Bismillah. It Begins with a simple intention.  

Change begins with Ramadan.  Ramadan is your opportunity to create positive change in your life, and the lives of the world’s most vulnerable. 

The Islamic Relief Family this Ramadan  

Your Zakat 

Zakat means ‘growth’ and ‘purification’. We purify our wealth by giving a proportion of it to those that need it. As with the pruning of plants, when we cut back we create balance and encourage new growth. 

Many people choose to pay their zakat during Ramadan, a blessed month in which the reward for good deeds is multiplied. 

Find out more on Zakat here. 

Learn More About How Our Zakat Projects Creates Long Term Positive Change Here

We’re distributing food packs to 100,000 more people this Ramadan 

IRAUS in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide aims to distribute 311,000 food packs in 34 countries to benefit over 1.7 million people this Ramadan. This is an additional 100,000 people we are reaching in comparison to last year.  

Islamic Relief Australia Statement on the Horrific Mass Shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand

 Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We received the news of the horrific mass shooting and terrorist act committed against innocent worshippers with deep sorrow and sadness. These attacks are an abhorrent act of violence against all of humanity – not just Muslims – and Islamic Relief Australia stands with all those who reject such hate and extremism.

At times like this, our core value of compassion is never more important and we call on you to stand in solidarity with our New Zealand brothers and sisters during this difficult times.

Islamic Relief Australia have reached out to the local community leaders to offer its solidarity and support. We are currently considering options for providing long-term, ongoing support for the victims and their grieving families. We hope to have more information about this to share with you in due course.

Our CEO, on behalf of the Islamic Relief Family, will be travelling to Christchurch to attend the funeral and visit the affected families, offering our condolences and solidarity with the families and the local communities affected.

In the meantime, we call upon our supporters to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers,

UPDATE 1- 19.03.2019: 

Salam Family, in the last 24 hours our CEO, Salwan Ameen, and Islamic Advisor, Shaykh Khamis, have been in New Zealand interacting and engaging with the community leaders including Imam Jamal as pictured below.

The aura is universal, one of grief, mourning and endless prayers.
Imam Jamal was giving the Friday sermon ( Khotba) on the 15 March. He told us the details of the day and we can see how gravely impacted he and his strong community is affected by this.

PRESS RELEASE

A group of charitable Victorian Muslims will be lacing up their boots and strapping on their helmets in a bid to help raise funds and awareness for refugees around the world.

Islamic Relief Australia (IRAUS) in partnership with the Ali Davidson Motorcycle will be kickstarting their Harleys in the ‘Melbourne – Sydney Six-Day Charity Ride’. The two-wheeled enthusiasts will begin their challenge in Roxburgh Park on Wednesday, February 13 and visit regional towns en route to Sydney.

Ali Davidson is aiming to raise $50,000 to protect refugees, children and vulnerable families living in dire conditions affected by war, earthquakes, floods, winter, drought – all in the name of saving lives.

According to a UNHCR and UNRWA report published last year, there are currently 68.5 million people who have been forcibly displaced worldwide.

In 2018, Ali Davidson also took part in the Melbourne-Sydney motorcycle challenge raising funds for IRAUS.

In 2019 The group is using online crowdfunding site which can be found here, whereby participants and observers are able to make their own accounts and raise funds online for the general humanitarian campaign.

IRAUS community engagement coordinator Baha Yehia said the six-day journey could in some way reflect the life of a refugee, fleeing from one safe-zone to another, constantly on the run.

“It is a tough journey to be on a bike for six consecutive days. It takes a lot of physical and mental strength. Obviously, it’s no comparison to what refugees and asylum seekers go through, but it’s a good start to begin to understand just how difficult their lives can be. We know where our5 next stop and meal will be, the reality is… they don’t,” he said.

“We wanted to raise funds in a way that is different, bring a positive to bikies and attract attention for a good cause.”

IRAUS was established in 2011 and consists of a team of Australian volunteers, supporters and staff who address injustice and empower communities, as inspired by Islamic values.

IRAUS reflects on its Australian values and identity through its focus on local and regional issues in the aid and development space, while drawing upon the wealth of expertise and support of the global Islamic Relief family in the work it does.

The group will continue raising awareness and funds through the towns and cities they visit along the way, meeting with locals and youths including; Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Wollongong, Auburn and Padstow.

You can catch us on our Facebook Event Page or Instagram page.

Meet and Greet Locations:

MELBOURNE
Shepparton 12:30pm – February 13th

SYDNEY
Wagga Waga 7:30pm – Wednesday, February 13th
Young Mosque 12:30pm – Thursday, February 14th
Masjid Salam Wollongong 7:30pm – Thursday, February 14th
Jum’aa Location (to be confirmed) – Friday, February 15th
UMA Padstow Youth Night 5pm – Saturday, February 16th

For more information please contact IRAUS Melbourne’s community engagement coordinator Baha Yehia.

For more information via

mob: 0430 465 445

email: [email protected]

Islamic Relief Australia in partnership with Newport Islamic Society (NIS) is working on a social project in Melbourne designed to benefit the lives of thousands in the Western Melbourne community of Victoria.

“The Hive” is a  2-year, $4.2 million project that will provide facilities and services to the local culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community.

Newport Islamic Society and Islamic Relief Australia are developing a social centre that focusses on youth education and guidance, socio-cultural and physical development and services to address isolation for women and the elderly.

The project will partner with existing service providers to strengthen knowledge of, and access to services, for the CALD community. The project will also seek to address the problem of integration between the CALD community and mainstream Australian society through promoting opportunities for inter-cultural engagement. 

What is the Newport Islamic Society (NIS)?

NIS works with CALD communities in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria to identify key socio-economic and cultural needs and to provide appropriate services to the community aimed at promoting social and cultural development and integration.

The project will build upon successful ongoing activities for child/youth linguistic and cultural education through the provision of a purpose-built Community Education Centre, with more space and classes. The project will also expand NIS services – including into areas that will help to address emerging problems in the community including marriage breakdown, drug use, anti-social behaviour, screen addiction and isolation.

The project will partner with existing service providers to strengthen knowledge of, and access to services, for the CALD community. The project will also seek to address the problem of integration between the CALD community and mainstream Australian society through promoting opportunities for inter-cultural engagement.

The nationally esteemed Halal Expo has taken Islamic Relief as a Charity partner for its annual event to take place in 2017.

Director of the Halal Expo 2017, Syed Atiq ul Hassan and Yousef Hassan, Islamic Relief National Community Engagement Coordinator, joined hands on the 25th of November for a valuable and virtuous purpose, benefitting the wider Muslim society.

The agreement stated Halal Expo Australia 2017 will donate 5 percent of the gate money coming in from its event. Islamic Relief will be participating in the Halal Expo Australia (HEA) 2017 and International Halal Conference (IHC) 2017 as a charity partner operating activities in raising funds for their humanitarian appeals.

The event is a 2-day exhibition unifying people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. The exhibition presents ‘’leading producers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, importers/exporters, services providers, certification bodies, regulatory institutes, financiers, investors, bankers, travel agencies, tour operators, home and commercial builders of Halal services and allow them access for B2B and B2C networking under one roof.’

The Halal Expo 2017 will take place in Rosehill Gardens between Sat 11 – Sun 12 February, 2017. A media release recently announced by Islamic Relief stated;

“Our mission alongside Halal Expo exemplifies Islamic Values, we believe communities must be empowered to create sustainable and skilled populations.”

“The halal industry operates under a set of values including moral ethics, social responsibility and animal welfare. It’s time for us to explore this marvelous business, understand how it influences our activities”

“Islamic Relief with its partners, work together to create a better world. We thank the Halal Expo for this opportunity, and we are proud to be a part of this journey.”

The Halal Expo first took place in 2015 attracting over 10,000 visitors. Earlier this year, the Halal Expo took place in Melbourne, Sydney and the International Halal Conference.

For further information on the Halal Expo, check out their website Halal Expo 2017