Islamic Relief USA responds to Islamophobia and negative rhetoric against Islam by continuing our commitment to providing humanitarian relief and development to the most vulnerable individuals both at home and abroad, thereby demonstrating our core values of compassion, social justice and sincerity. We categorically condemn and abhor violence and extremism in any form. Following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we endeavor to overcome divides and unify communities through our humanitarian work, partnerships and advocacy efforts. We allow the essential work we do to speak for itself. By focusing on our humanitarian mission, and serving the world’s most vulnerable people, we showcase what Islam truly is about.
We want people to know the truth about our work and why we do it. We believe that investing in advocacy allows us to eliminate obstacles that could otherwise prevent us from doing our work effectively and reaching people in need all across the world. With the various challenges Muslims in America face, we recognize that we need to advocate for issues that are relevant to our mission and impact all domestic charities working to respond to humanitarian needs. That is why, in addition to continuing our programmatic humanitarian work, we have focused in recent years on increasing our advocacy efforts and dedicated resources to the task. We want to be part of the conversation, so we engage with the media to share positive stories that showcase the best of the American Muslim community.
We educate, engage, and partner with various agencies within the federal government, including the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Health and Human Services. We facilitate dialogue with members of Congress and with state and local officeholders, such as mayors of the cities where we have offices and members of city councils. The Mayor of Alexandria visited our Alexandria, Virginia and read the City Council Statement of Inclusiveness, and are regularly invited to attend the New York City Mayor’s annual Ramadan iftar. When we talk to our leaders and representatives, we educate them about the great work our donors support and how we are working to make an impact in key humanitarian areas in their communities and around the world. Beyond the wide array of events that we host, we also engage extensively on policy, especially in coalition on matters related to our humanitarian work and protecting the space for non-profit organizations to implement their missions.
We find that by building relationships through engagement and education, and being good neighbors, we can transform sentiments of distrust and fear to curiosity, appreciation and, ultimately, friendship and unity.