Tackling poverty on our doorstep
Initially, we started as a small group of brothers and sisters from East London, mainly from Newham, Waltham Forest and Hackney. However, our team has now expanded to various boroughs within the inner London area.
Our first aim is to raise awareness within the Muslim community about poverty and its manifestations.
Secondly, through the collection of alms, we aim at reducing poverty within our local neighbourhoods through the distribution of Zakat and sadaqah.
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam
Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a form of obligatory charity that aims to alleviate poverty and provides help to those in need.
By giving zakat, Muslims purify their wealth and promote the equitable distribution of wealth within the community. It fosters compassion, reduces inequalities and strengthens communal bonds. Zakat serves as a means of spiritual growth, reminding Muslims of their responsibility toward others and ensuring that wealth circulates, benefiting the less fortunate. Ultimately, zakat embodies the principles of charity, empathy, and social welfare that are central to Islamic teachings.
Helping one another upon good and piety
Poverty in London is not just an abstract concept; it is a harsh reality that affects countless lives. Lack of access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, education and vocational skills perpetuates the cycle of poverty for many individuals and families.
One of the ways to address this issue is by highlighting the significance of Zakat distribution in our local Muslim community.
By channelling our resources effectively through Zakat, we believe we can make a tangible difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Zakat and eeman (faith) are deeply intertwined in Islam, with zakat serving as an expression of one’s faith. Giving zakat reflects obedience to Allah’s commands, strengthens belief by fostering compassion, and reinforces the sense of responsibility toward the community.
Receiving Zakat increases the eeman of the believer and reminds them of the akhlaaq and generosity promoted in Islam in opposition to selfishness and egotistic lifestyles. It also enables needy parents to maintain their children financially and spiritually.