Muslim Hands is a UK-based charity that was established in 1993 with the aim of alleviating distress caused by the devastation of the Bosnian War. The small group of volunteers collected money, medicine, and clothes for distribution in Bosnia. Muslim Hands grew from a Nottingham-based grassroots movement to an international aid agency and NGO with a global reach, responding to critical need triggered by national emergencies.  

Over time, the organization has established long-term programs in healthcare clinics, schools, and livelihood programs in more than 30 countries. One of these countries is Afghanistan. Here’s what you need to know about how the UK-based charity is helping Afghans in need: 

How Does Muslim Hands Work? 

The charity works with its partners and offices on the ground to supply aid in a way that is efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable. The overall objective is to drive lasting, positive change in the communities it supports. It is dedicated to tackling not just the symptoms of poverty, but its root cause. In support of this mission, Muslim Hands has projects beyond providing emergency relief—it also supports communities in the long-term. 

Since 1993, Muslim Hands has raised more than £200 million thanks to the generosity of its donors. The charity has provided life-altering and lifesaving support to more than 50,000 children who have been orphaned. It has also provided more than 2.5 million people with clean drinking water. Muslim Hands seeks to alleviate poverty and serve the international community’s most vulnerable citizens by empowering local communities and addressing both short and long-term needs through a variety of different programs. 

Why Does Muslim Hands Work in Afghanistan? 

According to Muslim Hands, 22.8 million Afghan citizens currently face acute food insecurity, with 9 million of these people living on the verge of famine. In the face of a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, Muslim Hands is implementing a variety of relief programs across the country. This includes providing widows with vocational training, helping children who have been orphaned get an education, and treating patients in need. 

In Afghanistan today, an estimated 3 million children are severely malnourished, with almost half of the population experiencing food insecurity. In addition to prolonged conflict, the country has also experienced a series of natural disasters, including drought, flooding, and a devastating 5.9 magnitude earthquake. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Muslim Hands can deliver lifesaving assistance, counter malnutrition, care for individuals who have been orphaned, and enable villages to access clean water. 

What Does Muslim Hands Do in Afghanistan? 

In the Afghan capital Kabul, Muslim Hands’ Motherkind Clinic is treating malnutrition Its Tandoor Bakery provides fresh naans to nutritionally stressed families. Meanwhile, wells built by Muslim Hands are providing clean water to communities. The NGO’s orphan sponsorship program protects Afghanistan’s most vulnerable children. Every child deserves access to an education, and Muslim Hands works towards that goal. 

To date, Muslim Hands’ work in Afghanistan has helped approximately 360,000 people access free health and maternity services. The organization also facilitated the enrollment of 6,500 students at private and public schools, as well as providing vocational skills and capacity building training to 4,500 young adults. Muslim Hands has also provided emergency relief to more than 4,000 people during disasters and seasonal projects and delivered food and nonfood care packages to more than 15,000 individuals during Ramadan and wintertime. 

Why Does Muslim Hands Focus on Water Projects?  

The World Health Organization cites the provision of safe drinking water and proper disposal of human waste as having a greater impact on national development and public health than any other intervention. To that end, Muslim Hands has launched numerous life-saving projects in communities across the globe, from constructing water filtration plants to building new wells.  

As part of its holistic approach, the NGO ensures that local people understand how to use their water resources safely and sustainably. Communities learn how to operate and maintain new wells and engage in good hygiene practices. Muslim Hands establishes local working groups to manage water projects after they are complete. This means that the charity’s interventions are directly managed by the people they are designed to help. In Afghanistan alone, Muslim Hands has enabled 490,000 people to access safe water for daily use.  

What Is Muslim Hands Trying to Accomplish? 

Ascribing to the values of the faith of Islam, Muslim Hands is striving to create a fairer world for all. Every human being has the right to access to clean water and food, an education, and a means of supporting themselves, their families, and their wider communities. Rather than focusing solely on delivering immediate relief, Muslim Hands is dedicated to empowering people in the long-term. The organization approaches each situation individually, implementing new methods and solutions to drive lasting, positive change. Muslim Hands is committed to providing neutral, effective, straightforward services, ensuring that the generous donations of the charity’s supporters provide relief and lasting, positive change where the need is greatest.