by Shahin Ashraf Shahin Ashraf, head of global advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide, reveals the heart of an upcoming campaign to secure justice for Muslim women and girls, and how you can join the movement come November.  Islam brought clear rights for women, affirming the value and individual personhood of every woman, their right to life, education, ownership of wealth, choice in marriage and divorce, and unhindered access to mosques and sacred spaces. The last sermon by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a reminder to uphold and respect the rights of women.  Islam is also unambiguous in forbidding injustice in any form. Yet, injustice against women and girls is perpetrated…

by Zana Sahyouni Islamic Relief ramps up relief efforts after Hurricane Fiona devastates Puerto Rico On September 19, 2022, Hurricane Fiona made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane: four deaths so far, 3.2 million without power, more than 1 million left without running water, and over 32 inches of rainfall continue to cause flash flooding. Over 1,000 people have evacuated or been rescued across Puerto Rico as floodwaters continue to rise.  Hurricane Fiona hit just two days before the anniversary of Hurricane Maria which killed nearly 3,000 people and destroyed the power grid in 2017. Five years later, the island is once again in crisis. The economic impact on the…

by Zana Sahyouni At Islamic Relief USA, we believe that everyone has a right to dignity, and that is one reason why, every year, we bring Day of Dignity events to communities around the United States. Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. Through Day of Dignity, IRUSA brings volunteers around the world together to distribute food, clothing, blankets, medical care, and other services.  On Sep 10, 2022 APNA Brooklyn Community Center held their fifth annual IRUSA Day of Dignity “Back-to-School” event in Brooklyn, New York. APNA chief executive officer, Erum Hanif, brought the community together, with…

by Syed M. Hassan Islamic Relief USA has long advocated for and supported programs designed to curb food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, high costs and living in food deserts serve as major roadblocks.  For the first time in 53 years, the White House is hosting a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 28 in Washington, DC. IRUSA’s President and co-founder, Anwar Khan, will attend this event along with government officials, business executives, nonprofit leaders, researchers, and community activists, to achieve the goal of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases in the US by 2030.  “It…