The holy month of Ramadan is upon us, we once again give thanks to Allah for giving us the ability to benefit from its multitudinous blessings.

But this year, more than most, as we start and break our fasts, our thoughts will be with our brothers and sisters in Gaza who are being subjected to a genocide that the international community shows no willingness to halt.

And so it is left to ordinary people like us to step up and assist fellow Muslims in their hour of need. Wherever we are in the world, we are the rear lines of support for the Palestinians, their voice and their helpers.

Indeed, assisting the oppressed is exactly why IHRC was set up 27 years ago, inspired by the exhortation in the Holy Quran to defend Islam, Muslims and everyone: “And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (and of) those who say: ‘O Lord! Cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper’.” – Qur’an, 4:75

We were the FIRST organisation to designate Israel an apartheid state.

We were the FIRST Muslim organisation set up in the UK to address national and global human rights issues from an Islamic perspective.

We were the FIRST Muslim organisation to research and write reports on Islamophobia.

We were the FIRST Muslim organisation to withdraw from the government consultations from the Islamophobic PREVENT programme, a move that led to others doing the same.

We were the FIRST Muslim organisation to have a dedicated legal department staffed by trained solicitors, offering subsidised services to help Muslims and others uphold their rights.

This year we have the opportunity to help not only those suffering on the front lines, but also those in the rear such as the brave people of Yemen who face the wrath of western governments because they dare to support the Palestinians.

IHRC is not just an aid agency. Our field of activity is wide, encompassing lobbying, research, advocacy, legal assistance education and much more.

But we can only continue with your support. We recognise the difficulties many are facing in this tough economic climate. But while we may be struggling it is nothing compared to the starvation, disease and deprivation faced by our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Yemen. We need to make sure that their needs are met. This is the time to stand up and be counted, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him). Just as our beloved Prophet used to increase his giving during this blessed month, it also behoves us to go the extra mile in helping the less fortunate in the ummah.

You can donate for individual projects here or make a general sadaqa or zakat donation that we will direct to those most immediately in need.