Muslim Aid marked four decades of life-changing humanitarian work last night with a landmark 40th Anniversary Gala at Grosvenor House, London. The event brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, public figures and long-standing supporters to honour the past, influence the present, and shape the future of one of the UK’s most established Muslim charities.
Founded in 1985 by leading British Muslim organisations responding to urgent crises in Africa, Muslim Aid has since evolved into a global NGO working in more than 70 countries. Guests reflected on this remarkable journey, from a small, faith-driven initiative to an international charity delivering wide-ranging humanitarian and development programmes.
The evening featured powerful keynote addresses from CEO Khalid Javid, Co-founder Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), and Shaykh Dr Abdal Hakim Murad. Each speaker offered personal reflections on faith, compassion and the responsibility of the British Muslim community in confronting global challenges. They paid tribute to Muslim Aid’s founders while emphasising the ongoing urgency of its work amid conflict, displacement, and deepening poverty worldwide.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi of Project2040, a long-term initiative designed to cultivate a generation of ethically grounded, socially responsible leaders. Rooted in Islamic teachings on the rights of neighbours—forty houses in every direction—the project aims to empower young people through community-led and interfaith action.
Over the past forty years, Muslim Aid has delivered life-saving emergency relief and sustainable development programmes across Palestine, Sudan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and beyond. In 2024 alone, the charity implemented 134 projects in 19 countries, investing £12.3 million to support 4.1 million people. Its work spans emergency response, housing, healthcare, education, livelihoods, food security, clean water access, and vital UK-based support programmes.
As it enters its fifth decade, Muslim Aid reaffirmed its commitment to community-centred, future-focused development. This includes the organisation’s newly launched Waqf (endowment) initiative, established to provide long-term, sustainable support for vulnerable communities both globally and in the UK.
Throughout the evening, Muslim Aid outlined its strategic priorities for the years ahead, including:
- Strengthening emergency preparedness to meet rising global humanitarian needs
- Expanding UK domestic programmes amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis
- Investing in education, livelihoods, and climate-resilient development
- Deepening youth, interfaith and grassroots community engagement
- Building long-term financial resilience through its new Waqf model
In his address, CEO Khalid Javid delivered a powerful message:
“People ask, ‘What is your aim?’ My aim—some may not like it—is for every NGO in the world to close. Because, truly, there is enough wealth for all people. No one should be dying from lack of food or water in the 21st century. Until that day comes, you have Muslim Aid. And we will not stop until everyone has enough, and no one goes thirsty.”
After the event, he added:
“This gala honoured everyone who has carried Muslim Aid forward for 40 years—our supporters, partners, volunteers and global communities. What began as a small initiative rooted in compassion and faith has become a global force for good. Our mission remains unchanged: to alleviate suffering wherever it is found and to build pathways to dignity and opportunity.”
Muslim Aid’s 40th anniversary year will continue with nationwide programmes including financial literacy workshops, youth mentoring, interfaith collaborations and climate action initiatives—celebrating the charity’s legacy while expanding its impact for generations to come.
For more information on Muslim Aid’s 40th anniversary activities and upcoming initiatives, visit muslimaid.org.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
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