Islamic Relief was founded in 1984 at a time of terrible famine in Ethiopia and the Sudan, it is now an international relief and development organisation with a multi-million pound programme sponsoring projects in over 22 countries.

Birmingham's significance as an international city is reflected in its importance as a centre for Islam. Since the late 1930s there have been communities of Muslims in Birmingham. The first settlers came from the Yemen and British India. People have subsequently arrived from the Mirpur district of Pakistan, Sylhet in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), East Africa, Kosovo and Kurdistan.

Birmingham has a wide range of mosques and support agencies and has acquired a reputation in Europe as a supportive environment for Muslims. The experiences of Islamic individuals and organisations in Birmingham have been explored in previous Millennibrum Supplements devoted to Refugees, Black History and Religion.

One significant organisation is Islamic Relief. Founded in 1984 at a time of terrible famine in Ethiopia and the Sudan, it was set up by Birmingham University Students led by its current Director, Dr Hany El Banna. Initially located in a single room it is now an international relief and development organisation with a multi-million pound programme sponsoring projects in over 22 countries. Supported by the British Government and the United Nations, Islamic relief has its headquarters in Birmingham and offices throughout the world.

Activities have included:

• emergency relief after earthquakes in Iran and cyclones in Bangladesh and India,
• enabling Bosnians to start farms, securing food and accommodation for people displaced by conflict in Chechnya,
• resettlement work amongst Kosovan refugees,
• projects providing clean water, sanitation, health, education and small business development throughout many countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.

During a recent visit, Clare Short, Minister for International Development and Birmingham MP, described Islamic Relief as a 'centre of goodness' and was 'very impressed' by the role it played in helping to combat violence, distress and intolerance.

For more information: telephone: 0121 605 5555

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
website: www.islamic-relief.org.uk

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