List of the Best Muslim Charities in the UK

A recent report revealed that British Muslims donate significantly more to charity than the average UK resident. Many donors in the UK are passionate about supporting the needy and Muslim donors also give charity to fulfill their religious obligations. To help donors maximize the impact of their contributions, a number of Muslims charity organizations are raising funds online for various causes. Explore the top 10 Muslim charities in the UK to make an informed decision and support a cause that’s close to your heart. 

Transparent Hands

Transparent Hands Limited is registered as a charitable organization in the United Kingdom and allows donors to contribute through the Gift Aid programme. The platform raises funds through an online crowdfunding program and supports surgical and medical treatments in Pakistan.

Transparent Hands has been making quality healthcare accessible for patients who are unable to access medical facilities due to financial constraints. The organization’s initiative to set up free medical camps has particularly benefited those in remote and rural areas, marking a significant contribution to healthcare accessibility. Today, Transparent Hands is counting among top 10 Muslim charities in the UK. 

In addition to providing over 3,000 free surgeries and medical procedures to the underprivileged, Transparent Hands has treated more than 200,000 deserving patients through free medical camps. The organization also educates communities with preventive healthcare sessions. 

Muslim Hands

Founded in Nottingham, UK, in 1993, Muslim Hands is an international non-governmental organization. Over the past three decades, it has been focusing on providing aid in emergencies such as natural disasters, wars, and extreme poverty. Beyond immediate relief efforts, Muslim Hands also implements long-term development projects in these countries, aiming to create lasting positive change for communities in need. 

From 1996 onwards, Muslim Hands expanded its scope, launching various projects, including a Women’s Hifdh Centre (for Quran memorization), an orphan sponsorship program, and initiatives in Europe and the Balkans. This expansion allowed the organization to address a wider range of humanitarian needs beyond immediate crisis response and emerge as one of the best Islamic charities in the UK. The founder, Syed Lakhte Hassanain, was awarded Pakistan’s Star of Excellence Award, the country’s third highest category of awards. In January 2013, Muslim Hands was also nominated for the “Charity of the Year Award” at the British Muslim Awards.

National Zakat Foundation (NZF)

The National Zakat Foundation (NZF) is a UK-based charity that has been making a positive impact since 2011. Founded by Azim Kidwai, NZF focuses on helping Muslims in need throughout the United Kingdom. The organization’s primary goal is to collect and distribute Zakat, a form of Islamic charity, to support individuals and communities. 

In 2023 alone, the National Zakat Foundation assisted over 17,000 Muslims who required urgent help. NZF features numerous stories about how charitable giving can transform lives. By sharing these experiences, the organization helps donors understand the significance of their contributions and the tangible difference they make in people’s lives.

The success of the National Zakat Foundation allowed it to spread its roots in five other countries including, Australia and Canada. 

Human Appeal

Founded in 1991, Human Appeal is a British international charity organization. Headquartered in Manchester, it was originally known as Human Appeal International, but the organization rebranded to its current name in 2018. While maintaining a strong presence in the United Kingdom with offices in Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Leicester, Human Appeal has expanded its reach and established presence in Spain, France, and Ireland.

Human Appeal has launched several high-impact campaigns, with emergency funds for Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Bangladesh standing out as their most prominent initiatives. The organization has also made notable contributions through its orphan sponsorship programs. It also has an ongoing campaign to provide hot meals in Gaza. Additionally, Human Appeal has focused on delivering essential aid, including hygiene kits to Sudan and medical care for displaced mothers and children in northern Syria.

Al Khair Foundation

Al-Khair Foundation, established in 2003, has grown to become one of the top 10 Muslim charities in the UK. Led by Imam Qasim and Rashid Ahmad, the organization focuses on addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, emergency aid, and disaster relief. Al-Khair’s journey began with the establishment of an Islamic school in Croydon. The success of this initial venture led to the opening of multiple schools overseas, to expand educational opportunities to the underprivileged.

The Al-Khair Foundation (AKF) has demonstrated its commitment to global disaster relief through notable contributions. In 2010, AKF provided significant support to victims of the Pakistan floods, and in the same year, assisted those affected by the Haiti earthquake. The organization also took the lead in working with survivors on the ground when Japan experienced an earthquake in 2011. AKF continues to work on its ultimate mission: to provide aid to those in need and offer crucial support during emergencies and disasters.

Conclusion

Muslim charity organizations in the UK play an indispensable role in helping the local as well as the international communities. Each organization discussed in the article shares a common goal: serving humanity. By donating to any of these top 10 Muslim charities in the UK, you can help create positive change not just in the UK, but worldwide.