Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service British Muslim charitable contributions to the UK - All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims
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All Party Parliamentary Group
on British Muslims
Faith as the Fourth
Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable
contributions to the UK
Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
Faith as the Fourth
Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable
contributions to the UK
3
The All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims was launched in 2017. The cross party group of parliamentarians is co-chaired by Anna Soubry MP and Wes Streeting MP. The Group was established to highlight the aspirations and challenges facing British Muslims; to celebrate the contributions of Muslim communities to Britain and to investigate prejudice, discrimination and hatred against Muslims in the UK. appgbritishmuslims.org facebook.com/APPGBritMuslims @APPGBritMuslims Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
Contents
Foreword 6
Executive summary 7
SECTION 1: Introduction 9
SECTION 2: Assessing the Impact of British Muslim Charities 12
SECTION 3: Social and Political Integration 25
SECTION 4: Obstacles and Barriers to British Muslim Charities 32
SECTION 5: Looking Towards the Future 35
SECTION 6: Conclusions and Recommendations 36
Acknowledgements 39
Appendix 1 40
Appendix 2 41
5
Foreword
It is a mark of their growing internationally, and indeed they start thinking more about the
importance that the All-Party represent a significant slice of the opportunities for collaboration
Parliamentary Group on British UK charity sector’s overseas aid with Muslim organisations.
Muslims has taken the time to provision. But as this report makes Working together not only
produce such a thoughtful and clear, it’s time for us to think about increases the impact we have but
comprehensive overview of the the way Muslim charities punch enriches our organisations, our
work of Muslim charities. above their weight domestically lives and our society.
too.
Britain’s Muslim charities are a The dedication of Muslim charities
tremendous force for good and Another highlight to my mind was and volunteers is an example to
this report helps us understand the evidence that Muslim charities the whole charity sector, and I
the many ways in which they are increasingly working alongside am confident they will continue
contribute to our national life. other, non-Muslim charities. I to thrive and further grow their
hope that all charities, both faith contribution to society in years to
We have long associated Muslim
based and otherwise, will now come.
charities with their work
Sir Stuart Etherington
Chief Executive
National Council for
Voluntary Organisations
Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
Executive summary
T
he APPG on British the deep concern evinced for also major players in community
Muslims launched this supporting the homeless. British cohesion, building interfaith
report to highlight the Muslim charities go beyond just relationships with Churches
contributions British giving money for food, offering and Synagogues throughout the
Muslim charitable support services to get people out UK. They also act as an effective
organisations make to the UK. of the vulnerable positions they bridge between social groups
We issued a call for submissions may find themselves in. Charity is and governing bodies, local
and held evidence hearings in also not simply monetary, but can and national, providing vital
Parliament in November 2017. be performed in the giving of time information to statutory agencies
British Muslim charities, large or professional skills. Muslims about communities in need of
and small, from grassroots donate their medical expertise support.
organisations to national to those needing assistance and
institutions, responded providing volunteer time to talk to those in SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
oral and written evidence of their destitution and treat them like INTEGRATION
work and programmes in the another human being, giving
The work of British Muslim
UK. Through the submissions, form to Islamic teaching which
charities is a strong antidote to
the APPG sought to assess the commends a smile as an act of
false assumptions about British
demonstrable impact British charity.
Muslim communities perpetuated
Muslim charities are making to
British Muslim charities seek in sections of our media. Though
communities throughout the
to help other sections of society Islam is the second largest religion
UK. These charities have seen
that can find themselves in in Britain, Muslim constitute less
exponential growth in budget
desperation or crisis. This is seen than five per cent of the British
and programmes in recent years.
population, Though small, the
Their work in an
British Muslim population is a
array of fields, from
poverty relief and
British Muslim charities play an very active one in terms of charity.
Muslims in Britain believe they
homelessness to essential role in contributing to can be equally British and Muslim
prisoner rehabilitation the social welfare of the UK. without any contradictions or
or women’s refuges
conflict in their dual identity.
shows evidence of
This is best exemplified in the
a sector that is valuable as it is
in the health based charitable Muslim charity sector with the
vibrant. Case studies presented
organisations that offer relief to commitment, by donors and
throughout the report give
the heavy stresses of the NHS. It is charitable institutions alike,
specific showcase to initiatives
further exemplified in the Grenfell to address social ills on their
and causes taken on by British
Muslim Response Unit’s deploying doorstep.
Muslim charities.
to assist victims, residents and
In light of this, British Muslims
families following the devastating
IMPACT take on the social and political
fire which engulfed Grenfell
issues of the UK as their own
British Muslim charities play an Tower fire in June 2017. The aid
and seek to resolve them.
essential role in contributing to was immediate relief and longer
Homelessness and its causes
the social welfare of the UK. In term support for the victims and
are a large concern that British
Islam, charity, Zakat, is the third families affected assisting with
Muslim charities are taking on.
of the five pillars of faith obliging shelter, food, money, clothing and
The goal is to end homelessness,
all followers to give. But Zakat is legal and bereavement services
but this being a complex problem,
only one, albeit mandatory, of a to assist the community in their
requires a complex solution.
plethora of ways by which Muslims recovery.
are encouraged by faith to give British Muslim charities’
British Muslim charities impact
support to those less fortunate. dedication to ending social ills
on British society also looks to the
While Zakat is to be kept local, at the root position drives them
future. They are actively engaging
charity refers to all neighbours to consider more long-term
younger generations and seek out
of the community, Muslim or not approaches to their initiatives.
innovation through technology
and though many of the donors to The provision of essential services,
and new apps. This insures the
Muslim charities are themselves like food and shelter, and a strong
continuation of a giving spirit
Muslim, a growing proportion of commitment to education that is
within the community which
their beneficiaries are not. seen in many of these charities
evolves to keep with the times.
demonstrates a pledge to the
This bears out particularly in British Muslim charities’ are
7
whole of British society where A major barrier faced by British charities and its former chair
beneficiaries are supported Muslim charities is found in has made comments that has,
whatever their background. negative narratives that are at times, caused considerable
conveyed and amplified in the damage to the reputation of
Lastly, British Muslim charities
media and political discourse. British Muslim charities, even
act as diplomats, purveyors of ‘soft
False beliefs that Muslims though independent reports have
power’ for the Muslim community
are trying to ‘ban’ Christmas, to date found scant evidence for
and wider British society, more
‘Islamise’ Britain or have ties to claims of abuse.
generally. They are emblematic of
terrorist organisations has made
British Muslim aspirations to ‘give Much work is needed in repairing
the environment increasingly
local and live global’, connecting the relationship between British
antagonistic towards British
charity giving in the UK to a Muslim charities and the Charity
Muslim charities. Strides have
concern with human welfare Commission. There is a wider
been made to combat this through
everywhere, both at home and need to correct false narratives
wider exposure of interfaith work
abroad. that exist in greater society that
and through media coverage
is beyond the scope of this report
of local events, but the larger
OBSTACLES AND BARRIERS but which necessarily affects the
negative assumptions still loom
Muslim charitable sector.
British Muslim charities face large.
many of the same issues that This report gives the spotlight to
Added to public opinion, recent
other organisations within the British Muslim charities and seeks
counterterrorism legislation has
sector experience. This ranges to highlight the work they do for
placed Muslim organisations
from the challenge of growth and the UK and the essential role they
operating in the charitable
maintaining charity giving to the play in British society. Bringing to
sector under unduly high levels
tension of maintaining a focus on light the work of British Muslim
of scrutiny. Increased need
the local as they become bigger, charities and the issues faced
for auditing and fear of abuse
expanding their operations at by these organisations can help
in the sector for terrorism
home and abroad. Several smaller rectify some of the errors of the
financing, itself at odds with
British Muslim charities run past and begin a multilateral
available evidence demonstrating
purely off voluntary donations approach toward a mutually
reasonable cause for alarm, has
(both monetary and in service) enriching future for Muslim
heightened concerns that Muslim
but the larger ones which solicit charities, British society and all
charities are being singled out
obligatory and voluntary acts of those who find their needs met
for disproportionately negative
charitable donations strive to by the acts of charity and array
attention and scrutiny. The
keep administrative costs to the of services provided by Muslim
Charity Commission has in recent
bare minimum in order to ensure charities.
years increased the volume of
donations reach those for whom it
statutory inquiries into Muslim
is genuinely intended.
Children of Adam at work in Lincolns Inn Fields. Photo credit: Children of Adam.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service
British Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
Section 1: Introduction
I
t too often takes a religious Year holidays roused us to present around the holidays or in those
holiday to lift the blinders these findings to the public to rare instances when the going
of the everyday hustle and showcase many of the brilliant gets tough. The truth is that
bustle to reveal the reality things British Muslims would charitable organisations are year-
of the world beyond the be doing to share in the spirit of round endeavours requiring the
morning commute, the always the season. From serving meals dedication of not simply paid
busy lifestyle. This reality is to the homeless and destitute staff, but the efforts of hundreds
over 300,000 rough sleepers1 to collecting warm clothing and of volunteers, thousands of
throughout the United Kingdom. distributing ‘Winter Warmer’ volunteer hours, and donations
This reality is that the number of packs. The inspiring examples of in all forms and quantities.
Britons living below the poverty goodwill prompted us to release The parlance of the times and
line is the highest is has been in that timely pamphlet and give due the rhetoric of the media often
twenty years2. This reality is four credit to such charitable works. shed an unfair light on Muslim
million British children living charities. They function much
Charity is a core element of all the
in poverty, two thirds of whom the same as other charities in the
world’s great religions. A concern
belong to a family where at least sector, yet are often left unnoticed
with those less fortunate than
one parent is working full or part and uncelebrated. Worse, they
oneself is, in the Abrahamic faith,
time. Who stands with those who are accused of fulfilling self-
an act of devotion; a testimony to
find themselves in need of support serving political agendas or
the universal values of religion
to help them get back onto their accused of abuse for financing
and the goodwill to all humanity
feet? global terrorism, despite evidence
that they embody.
revealing the near non-existent
In December, we released a
“Our neighbours are not simply level of such occurrences.5
short summary of some of our
Asians, or Pakistanis, or Muslims.
findings about Muslim charitable The untold story of British
They are Christians, and Jews, or
contributions in the winter Muslim charities, in much the
anyone else around. They are all
season. A multitude of uplifting way it reaches beyond Muslim
our neighbours,” are the words
examples of charitable endeavours communities, tells a tale greater
used by Nasim Ashraf of the UK
during the Christmas and New than Britain itself. A dedication
Education and Faith Foundations
to the common welfare is
(UKEFF) to describe the charity’s
displayed through a vast array
ethos.3 “Islam is a British religion.
of programmes, projects and
We are not simply in here, we are
initiatives run by Muslim charities.
of here. Being Muslim and being
Even those rare unfortunate
British goes hand in hand… As
tragedies fall under the auspices
more and more young people
of these unsung heroes.
are becoming involved in charity
work we are seeing more that On 14 June, as news outlets across
they are one or more generations the country rolled images of the
removed from ‘home.’ This is twenty storeys of Grenfell Tower
there home, here is where they ablaze, it was British Muslim
live their life. They are British. As charities who ran towards the
Muslims, giving is an extension smoke and horror. Penny Appeal’s
of their identity, and they give Team Orange was one of the first
back to here, their home,” Dr. Bilal charities on the ground providing
Hassam of Penny Appeal told us in refuge and support for the victims
evidence to the group.4 of this appalling tragedy. In the
dark days that followed, Grenfell
In the fast paced, always changing
Muslim Response Unit (GMRU)
world of today, it is not hard to
assisted with shelter and food,
think that charities only exist
1 An estimated 307,000 individuals sleep rough or in inadequate, temporary housing in the UK. One in every 200 people in the UK are homeless, according
to Shelter”, The Guardian, 11 November 2017.
2 Record levels of poverty in working families, BBC, 16 March 2017.
3 Quote from testimony delivered by Nasim Ashraf as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
4 Quote from testimony delivered by Dr. Bilal Hassam as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
5 This is a reference to the report done by Claystone investigating Muslim charities in the UK after claims were made by the outgoing chair of the Charities
Commission that a significant threat of terrorist financing could come from the sector. This will be further elaborate in Section 4.
9
National Zakat Foundation advertisements on London Underground, April 2018
financial resources, resettlement people through this tragedy.”7 dedication to the common welfare.
support, and funeral costs. GMRU Whether the specific skills of
This is not an isolated incident.
established the first hotline for professional groups or the man
British Muslim charities also
families affected by the fire. In hours of hundreds of volunteers,
answered the call by raising
the first week, we heard how charities are utilising assets at
support funds and assisting
GMRU raised and distributed their disposal to transform how
victims of the Manchester Arena
over £148,000 progressing in week charity is done at home. The
terrorist attack in May 2017. The
two to work with fifteen different use of apps and technology is
work of British Muslim charities
charities on the ground to another facet of how Muslim
can also be seen in welfare and
supplement the work of statutory charities are creating a larger,
medical support for the elderly,
agencies. Over 3,000 meals were cross generational charitable
asylum seekers and refugees
distributed to families affected community.
among other vulnerable groups.
by the tragedy. To this day, these
The All-Party Parliamentary
charities work as the UK continues The work of these charities seeks
Group (APPG) on British Muslims
to recover from this tragedy.6 not to simply provide quick and
set out to assess the contribution of
temporary fixes, but to pursue
“It was organised chaos,” said Zain British Muslim charities in the UK
a long term resolution to the
Miah describing the scene facing and the difficulties they face. We
problems in society. While food,
the Grenfell Muslim Response set out to do this by reaching out to
shelter, and financial aid are the
Unit. “The survivors appreciated as many British Muslim charities
initial images of charity, there is
that we did not just tick boxes but as possible to conduct surveys and
a deeper strategy at work. Charity
treated them like real people and interviews with their directors,
itself is changing with society. The
investigated their specific needs. managers, volunteers, and other
integration of new technologies
We gave food, cash, and provided affiliates. The APPG looked into
and the approach to bringing
shelter, but then we ask what are a wide scope of charities ranging
people from all walks of life
the next steps to helping these from small and local networks
together works hand in hand with
6 The Grenfell Muslim Response United (GMRU) was a cooperation of numerous charities hosted by the National Zakat Foundation that responded
immediately to the Grenfell Tower fire and has continued providing aid and support to victims through the ongoing recovery. The details of their work are
reported in the Grenfell Muslim Response United Report published in October of 2017 by the National Zakat Foundation.
7 Quotes from testimony delivered by Zain Miah as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November, 2017.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency ServiceBritish Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
to UK wide charities, and even to celebrate the work of Muslim the tremendous significance of
organisations that partake in charities in Britain. We hope the their work and its value to British
international initiatives. Through findings presented here enhance society. We hope too that our
written submissions, testimony, the esteem in which Muslim efforts will encourage others to
and submission of other materials charities are held as befits the look upon British Muslims anew
(such as financial and annual wide ranging evidence of activity, and recognise that this group of
reports), the APPG sought to enterprise and human compassion less than three million people
highlight their events, projects that we had the privilege of through their charitable activities
and contributions to the United hearing about first hand. We could punch far above their weight.
Kingdom, and reveal scrutiny not reasonably do justice to the
and challenges within the charity immense scale of work Muslim
sector. This report showcases the charities are engaged in but we
findings of the APPG and seeks hope we have been able to capture
APPG members hear evidence from Muslim charities in Parliament, November 2017
Laura Marks and Julie Siddiqi of Nisa-Nashim give evidence to the APPG, November 2017
11Section 2: Assessing the Impact of
British Muslim Charities
O
done by British Muslim charities, local. There is a misconception
bservant Muslims
the information provided herein that Zakat goes back to other
are among the most
is merely indicative of some of the Muslim communities, but
charitable of givers
impact made by Muslim charities. Ashraf clarifies that “Zakat is not
with Islam
It is in no way exhaustive of their just for foreigners. It is for our
mandating an array
contributions to British society. community. Our neighbours are
of obligatory and
not only Asians or Pakistanis, or
preferred charitable donations as
THE LIVING SPIRIT OF just Muslims, they are Christians
acts of worship. Charity as a pillar
CHARITY WITHIN ISLAM or Jews. Zakat is for all our
of Islam, Zakat, requires the
neighbours here in Britain.”11
payment of 2.5% of disposable Islam demands a charitable
income and wealth to charity. But element to the life of its adherents. “Where the money is collected is
beyond this obligation are many Charity, known as Zakat, is one of where it should be distributed,
other forms of charity that are the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam. our job is to determine where the
esteemed as furthering an money and help is most needed,”
We heard from many British
individual’s good deeds before is how Iqbal Nasim of the National
Muslim charity representatives
God, from voluntary giving such as Zakat Foundation (NZF) explained
how Islamic teachings are
sadaqah and lillah, to endowments the role and purpose of NZF’s
practised by their institutions
(waqfs), fidya or kaffarah and distribution of zakat donations in
to give due to social needs close
qardh hasan. the UK. 12
to home. The faith element of
Traditionally focused on social our work was one of the things The NZF, as handlers of religious
and structural problems affecting survivors found most satisfactory. obligation, further noted that
poverty, hardship and natural and It added a humanity to our work. “Anyone who gives Zakat to NZF can
humanitarian disasters in Muslim We recognised the victims as be confident that its Zakat policy
majority countries around the people first”, Zain Miah of the is in line with Islamic teachings
world, British Muslim charities Grenfell Muslim Response Unit and supported by leading UK
are increasingly centring focus on (GMRU) told us.8 scholars.”13 Many of the charities
problems and communities closer featured in this report specifically
We heard from Nasim Ashraf
to home. state in their mission statements,
of UK Education and Faith
like the Al-Mizan Trust, that “To
A noticeable difficulty in making Foundation who said: “We do this
support disadvantaged people and
fair and accurate assessments of because Islam demands it of us.
deprived communities across the
impact resides in the modesty of We give as a part of our religion to
UK, regardless of their faith or
data capture by British Muslim all of our neighbours, and not just
cultural background.”14 All of this
charities. Much as they abide by Muslims.”9
together gives a rich backdrop
the Islamic ethos on giving, so do The CEO of Penny Appeal, Aamer for how British Muslim charities
they adhere to exhortations to Naeem, adeptly summarised this stand sincerely dedicated to the
do so with humility and without ethos saying that British Muslims people of the United Kingdom.
proclaiming their acts of charity. are stepping up to support Giving is the lived part of the
We could not reasonably expect to communities “not because of who Muslim life. It goes beyond
give full measure to scale of Muslim they are, but rather because of the theological and religious,
charity contributions to the UK who we are; people driven to serve becoming a cultural and ethical
and we acknowledge that while others.”10 attitude that permeates the
incredibly valuable as a guide to In Islamic teaching it is made everyday life of Muslims.
the scope of work currently being very clear that Zakat is to be kept
8 Quote from testimony delivered by Zain Miah as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November, 2017.
9 Quote from testimony delivered by Nasim Ashraf as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
10 James Caan delivers gifts of joy to sick children at the Royal London Hospital, LinkedIn, 6 December 2017. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/
james-caan-delivers-gifts-joy-sick-children-royal-london-adeem-younis
11 Quote from testimony delivered by Nasim Ashraf as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
12 Quote from testimony delivered by Iqbal Nasim as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November, 2017.
13 National Zakat Foundation (NZF) Report of the Trustees (Incorporating the Director’s Report) for the Year Ended 31 December 2016.
14 Al-Mizan Charitable Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2015-2016.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency ServiceBritish Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
CHARITY AS MORE THAN For instance, organisations like the appeals. Smaller organisations
JUST MONEY Penny Appeal and Human Appeal such as Palmers Green Mosque
work with funds being generated run entirely off of volunteer
In 2016, the Charity Commission
in the millions of pounds, but effort and only function as funds
praised Muslim charities during
they are large organisations that become available or assets can be
their peak donation period of
also work on projects outside the donated. Through the use of an
the holy month of Ramadan.
UK.18 Penny Appeal is exemplary ambulance, this organisation can
The Commission estimated that
in its commitment to run a sister run a mobile clinic that delivers
during the month that nearly £38
project in the UK for every project on-site healthcare and advice to
per second were donated. This
it takes on outside the country.19 the less fortunate. This requires
adds up to be £371 per person
Al-Mizan Charitable Trust works approximately £20,000-30,000
on the year.15 This inspiring
in the tens of thousands of to run one ambulance. They also
commitment to charity was
pounds and show annual growth have ambitions of delivering
displayed when the Department
flu vaccines in the future and
for International Development
purchased at bulk, those are £2.95
vowed to match fund whatever In 2016, the Charity per jab. These costs are the sole
Islamic Relief’s Ramadan Appeal Commission estimated contents of their budgets as all
raised up to £5million. This was in
2012, in 2011, Islamic Relief raised Muslim charities to raise their personnel are completely
volunteering professionals.21
over £9million.16 £100 million during
Human Appeal’s annual ‘Wrap
The National Zakat Foundation Ramadan. That's nearly Up’ campaign, in partnership
has estimated the minimum zakat
potential of British Muslims to
£38 per second or £371 with Hands on London, saw the
per Muslim in a year. charity collect a combined total
be in the region of £500 million
of nearly 25,000 winter coats
annually. The charity itself aims
and other warm winter clothing
to increase its zakat base to reach in fundraising up through 2016
for rough sleepers, refugees and
one quarter of a million zakat fiscal year.20 Larger charities
other vulnerable people in Greater
payers thereby raising an annual tend to also seek funding through
Manchester, London, Glasgow and
budget for UK spend of £80-100 grant initiatives and seasonal
million.17
The first place many will rush
to for an answer to the question
of what impact charity has on
society is to look at monetary
value. But small budgets and small
charities can make demonstrable
impact on the lives of their near
neighbours though their size and
spend does not rival that of their
larger counterparts. The scope
varies widely from organisation
to organisation. Some charities
are more local and often might
be highly specialised, thus the
amount of capital they require
may not be as much as the more
national or even international
charities that work in a variety
of different areas throughout the
sector.
Human Relief 'Wrap Up' campaign with Metro Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham. photo credit:
Human Appeal
15 Staufenberg, Jess (2016). “Charity Commission hails ‘sheer scale’ of fundraising by British Muslims during Ramadan” The Independent. 22 July.
16 Pudelek, Jenna (2012). “DfID to give up to £5m of match funding to Islamic Relief Ramadan appeal” Third Sector. 18 July. (https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/
dfid-give-5m-match-funding-islamic-relief-ramadan-appeal/fundraising/article/1141638)
17 Quote from testimony delivered by Iqbal Nasim as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November, 2017
18 Human Appeal Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2016, Penny Appeal UK Programmes Report 2016
19 From testimony delivered by Dr. Bilal Hassam with Penny Appeal as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
20 Al-Mizan Charitable Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2015-2016.
21 Given by Dr. A Samad Billoo as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
13Birmingham in 2017. they are allocated. For a charity to represent to the charitable sector
maintain its integrity, the closest is very important to society. To
While the varying budgets
scrutiny is taken to assure there add to this, the contribution
make a grand picture difficult to
are no discrepancies between British Muslims make towards
establish, the sum total attributed
what comes in and what goes out. the betterment of the UK is not
to the reports submitted to
The stringency of self-auditing in only in the pounds raised, but in
the APPG have shown two
British Muslim charities comes the services and skills provided in
major characteristics of British
about in its robustness not simply everyday life.
Muslim charities impact on their
because of a declaration from
communities.
the Charities Commission, but DEEPER SOCIETAL CHANGE
First, it represents a willingness of because Islam itself demands it. AT THE HEART OF BRITISH
the public to help their neighbours. Take Zakat for example. Zakat MUSLIM CHARITY
Many of these charities have being a religious requirement,
There is a greater story behind the
stated to the APPG that most there is an interest in scrutinising
amount raised and spent through
of their donors are Muslim and the way in which the funds are
charitable works. At face value
increasingly, their recipients collected and disbursed. The
alone, they tell of a community
are coming from outside the National Zakat Foundation has
dedicated to its neighbours
Muslim community. Based on the explained in their reports that they
defined in the broadest possible
testimony given at the hearings have consulted scholars to ensure
sense. In their allocation it tells
called by the APPG and from the that the amount of money used
a desire to end the issues that
written responses submitted, for operational expenses complies
plagues British society. The
80% or more of Muslim charities’ with the standard policy for
infographic at the back of this
donors are Muslim while a small non-profits, but also theological
report designates the sums
minority comes from non-Muslim standards as well. “[Zakat] is
raised for specific issues. These
affiliates or from larger public not just a pillar, Islam should be
donations go into food and school
events. This is in contrast to the made better by Zakat. We are
kits aimed at alleviating the reality
profile of charity recipients where shifting the idea of Zakat from
of homelessness and poverty26, but
a majority were from non-Muslim just being obligatory and poverty
beyond that they go into services
backgrounds, ranging between relief to being a strategic tool for
that not only sooth the sickness,
just over 50% to 75%.22 the benefit for those helped and
but actively work against the
for society,” Iqbal Nasim of NZF
There is, of course, a desire for disease.27 The amounts raised over
clarified.23
those who give to want their very short bursts, especially the
donations to remain local, but the In 2016, the average Briton donated £177,000 of Muslim Aid collected
local identity taken on is British £18.24 Thanks to the burst of giving in response to the Grenfell Tower
and blind to religious or ethnic during the month of Ramadan fire and the £26,000 donated to
differences. In their mission in 2016, the average British the We Love Manchester fund by
statements many Muslim charities Muslim donated £371 in 2016.25 It Human Appeal in response to the
address such issues as poverty, should be noted that the appeal Manchester Arena bombing.28
homelessness, and women and campaigns during Ramadan also
Far more important than the
children contextualising the go to international support, but
number of pounds raised, is the
situation using British statistics this should not be taken as the full
number of people helped. This is
and figures, not those simply of story. The commitment British
where the true impact is felt. This
the British Muslim component of Muslims have to the UK which
number comes directly through
these group populations. they consider home and their
the homeless given a warm meal or
neighbours, their fellow Britons
The second element, seen in the supported on a pathway towards
is significant and the commodity
financial statements printed in escaping a desperate situation.
that Ramadan and British Muslims
annual reports, is the way in which Al-Mizan Charitable Trust has
22 The charities who reported back to the APPG on these rates, held the common 80% or higher for rate of Muslim donors contributing to their funding while
the recipients tended to vary slightly more. Charities that give direct funds or assistance had a better idea of the proportion of help they offered to different
groups, while charities that provided for care packages or food bank/soup kitchens had a harder time estimating this number as their disbursement
occurred through a third-party group or to a bulk population that was not properly recorded.
23 Quote from testimony delivered by Iqbal Nasim as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November, 2017.
24 UK Giving 2017, an overview of charitable giving in the UK. Charities Aid Foundation, April 2017. p 11 https://www.cafonline.org/docs/default-source/about-
us-publications/caf-uk-giving-web.pdf
25 Staufenberg, Jess (2016). “Charity Commission hails ‘sheer scale’ of fundraising by British Muslims during Ramadan” The Independent. 22 July.
26 Al-Mizan Charitable Trust APPG on British Muslims Written Submission 22 November 2017.
27 Muslim Doctor’s Association (MDA) APPG on British Muslims Oral Submission 23 November 2017.
28 Grenfell Muslim Response United Report published in October of 2017 by the National Zakat Foundation, Human Appeal Annual Report 2016.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency ServiceBritish Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
been able to support or 12,000 model, which allows the charity GIVING IN TIMES OF
families living in poverty. 29 This to assess applications on a case TRAGEDY
is the nearly 5,000 individuals by case basis, permits it to adapt
Charity is contagious. The acts
and families eligible to receive to arising needs. Increasingly, the
illustrated throughout this report
Zakat funding that the NZF have charity finds itself the ‘first port
offer a more hopeful alternative
assisted. 30 For example, the of call’ for statutory and public
to the more common stories
refugees given financial support sector agencies seeking a partner
that run on the evening news
to help them get by week to week to whom clients of Muslim
which emphasis conflict or strife.
and those refugees of professional background can be referred safe in
Charities are the unsung heroes
backgrounds who have been the knowledge that their religious
in our local communities whose
given a new lease of life in the UK requirements will be met.
work happens almost in stealth.
through financial support to sit
More specifically, British But times of national tragedy or
conversion exams so that they can
Muslim organisations are also national crisis brings the work of
regain their dignity and a sense of
transforming the cultural charities into full public view. No
themselves in their new habitat.31
sentiment towards helping more so that during two recent
It also shows in the women and orphans. Penny Appeal has incidents of tragic proportions.
children who are counselled produced the first Islamic
and helped through abuse and Guidance Document about BRITISH MUSLIM CHARITY
hardship. This starts with the Adoption and Fostering to RESPONSE TO THE
general dedication shown by promote these practices and GRENFELL TOWER FIRE
numerous Muslim charities address the needs of children in
On 14 June 2017, a fire broke out
for caring for and assisting the care. 34
in the twenty-four-storey public
homeless and displaced. Al- Mizan
housing flats of Grenfell Tower
Charitable Trust specifically
in North Kensington. Of the 129
prepares care packages for
flats in the tower, twenty-three
Mothers Days (packages filled with
housed victims. Seventy-one
supplies for new mothers) and for
people died as a result of the fire
Back to School (packages filled
and over seventy suffered physical
with uniforms and stationary
injury. The fire took over twenty-
supplies).32 The National Zakat
four hours to control, believed to
Foundation traces its founding Photo credit: GMRU
have started at 1:00 on Wednesday
back to a case of domestic violence
Helping prisoners gain access on the fourth floor. Most of the
and to cases of financial hardship
to opportunity and supporting tower suffered severe damage
among British Muslim women.
their rehabilitation or the and twenty-two apartments at the
Between 25-35% of NZF’s projects
spread of healthcare knowledge neighbouring Grenfell Walk were
are directed towards projects
among the homeless are further also destroyed. Recently installed
supporting vulnerable women.33
examples of the multi-faceted cladding on the side of the
They maintain over 27 beds for
interventions Muslim charities are building is being blamed for the
victimized women. NZF regularly
implementing to help individuals rapid spreading of the fire. Many
receives referrals from larger
and families in the UK. What residents reported being ignored
charities, such as the British
charity does is empower people by the authorities in the aftermath
Red Cross, Refugee Council,
to help each other. This is seen of the fire which occurred in a
Refugee Action, Victim Support
in donations, but even those who London Borough with a high
and the Women’s Aid network,
have nothing to give monetarily wealth disparity between rich and
seeking support for clients
can help their neighbour through poor. A public inquiry ordered by
without recourse to public funds
giving time and volunteering, a Prime Minister Theresa May is
who are in need of emergency
resource which many smaller currently ongoing.35
accommodation, financial
charities thrive on.
support or other necessities. The In response to the Grenfell Tower
flexibility in NZF’s operational fire, the Grenfell Muslim Response
Unit (GMRU) was formed. British
29 Al- Mizan Charitable Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2015-2016.
30 National Zakat Foundation (NZF) Report of the Trustees (Incorporating the Director’s Report) for the Year Ended 31 December 2016.
31 National Zakat Foundation APPG on British Muslims Testimony 2017
32 Al-Mizan Charitable Trust APPG on British Muslims Written Submission 22 November 2017.
33 National Zakat Foundation APPG on British Muslims Testimony 2017.
34 Penny Appeal “UK’s first Islamic Guidance Document on Adoption and Fostering” 21 March, 2018. House of Commons. (https://pennyappeal.org/news/
uks-first-islamic-guidance-document-adoption-and-fostering)
35 BBC “London fire: A visual guide to what happened at Grenfell Tower” 13 December 2017. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40301289)
15had just ended. Of the nearly charities to support twenty-two of
14,000 in attendance from all the victims. Charities which are
over the UK, mostly teenagers Manchester based, like Human
and families, twenty-two people Appeal, led the way on creating
were killed by the blast while online donation pages where
over one hundred were physically Muslims could pledge financial
injured. Many more were left with support for the victims of the
mental and emotional trauma that Manchester Arena attack. While
continues to this day. This was the the media narrative in response to
deadliest attack in the UK since such incidents can often present
the bombings of 7 July, 2005.37 a conflictual reading of British
Muslims and relations with
Planning across multiple agencies
wider British society, the work of
within Greater Manchester
British Muslim charities portrays
made the response rapid and
a divergent picture, one of British
collaborative. Arena staff,
Muslim communities coming
paramedic and ambulance
to the aid of their fellow citizens
Zain Miah of the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit services, British Transport Police,
and neighbours; denouncing acts
recognised for the charity's efforts at Progress local hospital personnel, and
1000 hosted by the Evening Standard. Photo of violence which seek to drive
other members of the community
credit: London Evening Standard. communities apart by embracing
rapidly responded to the attack
endeavours which bring
Muslim charities partnered and many other members of the
communities together.
with emergency response community stepped up to assist
services, local councils, and local with the aftermath and healing
CHARITY THROUGH
organisations to assist the victims needed following the attack. The
DONATION OF SKILL OR
of the fire. Over 400 people were Kerslake report into the response
EXPERTISE
assisted by the GMRU. £40,000 to the attack highlighted areas for
were provided to victims in need of improvement for future responses. The impact of British Muslim
financial assistance alongside the The report also commended the charity work is also seen in the
service of thousands of hot meals Greater Manchester Police and mobilisation of its people into
and assistance with emergency denounced instances of unethical the greater British community.
calls. Emergency shelter was behaviour by the press.38 Again, charity is more than simply
provided for thirty of the victims pounds or hours donated. Charity
British Muslim charities, such as
and fifty funeral services were provides a wonderful opportunity
Big Iftar, used existing ties to the
paid for by the GMRU. The unit for all elements of society to
community to provide aid and
provided legal assistance and translate their talents and
support for victims of the terrorist
arranged the funerals and burials passions into acts of neighbourly
attack. Twenty-two victims39
of those who had lost their lives, love. While soup kitchens, food
were assisted and over £25,000
assisting families in giving their banks, and temporary shelters
were raised by British Muslim
loved ones a dignified end.36
BRITISH MUSLIM
CHARITABLE RESPONSE TO
MANCHESTER ATTACK
A similar effort was also put into
the response to the Manchester
attack on 22 May 2017.
At 22:30 on the night of Monday, 22
May a suicide bomber detonated
an explosive device, that included
approximately two thousand
nuts amongst its projectiles, just
outside the Manchester Arena
where an Ariana Grande concert Mobile medicine for the homeless, Muslim Community and Education Centre, Palmers Green mosque,
photo credit: Palmers Green mosque.
36 Grenfell Muslim Response United Report published in October of 2017 by the National Zakat Foundation
37 The Kerslake Report: An independent review into the preparedness for, and emergency response to, the Manchester Arena attack on 22nd May 2017.
(https://www.kerslakearenareview.co.uk/media/1022/kerslake_arena_review_printed_final.pdf)
38 The Kerslake Report
39 Big Iftar written submission to the APPG on British Muslims, 23 November 2017.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency ServiceBritish Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
through British Muslim charities. vulnerable groups via the work
of Palmers Green Mosque. What
ADDRESSING BRITISH they learned working in disaster
HEALTHCARE struck areas could be used at
home in the UK, albeit in a very
The winter time tends to bring out
different context. “Instead of
the worse of the ongoing stress
getting everyone together for a
on the NHS to meet the demands
weekend or multiple day trip, this
of the UK. Lack of funding and
can run constantly on only an
shortages of medical professionals
hour or two a day without having
leave even the professionals
to travel,” is how Shaykh Talat of
themselves feeling that the care
Palmers Green mosque described
given to patients is not sufficient
the initiative.41
for what they need. The state
of hospitals and surgeries has The focus of the initiative is to
been described as “war zone provide healthcare education.
Photo Credit: Human Appeal
medicine.”40 A few of the British They operate from an ambulance
Muslim charities contacted that allows them to bring
are a vital piece of the mission for this report have worked to healthcare check ups to the less
for charitable work, helping one’s alleviate the stress on the NHS fortunate. They can also get people
neighbour involves numerous by capitalising on valuable social in contact with the help they need,
other potential assistance capital: British Muslim medical but are not a transport service.
services. The British Muslim professionals. Everything they do is completely
community has a great wealth in voluntary and their budget is
the variety of its capital that can One example of this is the Health
based only on the upkeep costs of
be dedicated towards helping and Nutrition Development
the ambulance. “Our main aim is
the less fortunate. Healthcare Society (HANDS) which started
prevention, we learned in Calais
professionals, financial and with medical professionals
working with the other groups
business consultation, educational travelling to Calais and Dunkirk
around, that there was a missing
and social service specialisation, in France as well as to Greece to
element. No one was looking into
and many other expertise have assist refugees. The skills and
the hygiene and basic healthcare
been converted into altruism expertise employed there were
standards of the area. That is
mobilised back in the UK to help
British Muslim Charity Response to the Grenfell Tower
Tragedy
S
eventy-one people died and over distribute cash to those who lost all their material
seventy individuals were injured as belongings. Through the Ramadan Tent Project,
a result of a fire at Grenfell Tower in meals were provided and £2,000 worth of food
North Kensington on the morning of vouchers were issued. GMRU did not stop with
14 June, 2017. As smoke rose from the the immediate response for the needs of the day
tower block and amidst the horror in the streets but also brought the skills and talents to the table
below, the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit (GMRU) through organising and giving legal assistance and
brought together twenty-two organisations from the arrangement for funerals for the families who
service and faith organisations and a small army lost loved ones in the tragedy. In the combined
of volunteers to answer the needs of the victims efforts of the GMRU, speed, compassion, and
of this tragedy. Within forty-eight hours of the dignity exuded from this brilliant display of the
fire, the GMRU established emergency helplines Muslim community coming to the aid of their
to meet the needs of survivors and victims. fellow neighbours in a truly dark moment in
Temporary housing and relief was organised recent history.
and through support workers at the Al-Manar
mosque in west London, a system was set up to
40 Marsh, Sarah and Denis Campbell (2018). “NHS Crisis: ‘I live in fear I’ll miss a serious ill patient and they will die’” The Guardian. 11 Jan.
41 Quote from testimony delivered by Shaykh Talat as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
17where we naturally fit in.” 42 start-ups.45 British Muslim
organisations not only strive to set
The mobilisation of healthcare
new standards for charitable work
giving is also seen through the
in the UK, but on the global level
development and growth of the
as well.
Muslim Doctor’s Association
(MDA). In 2004, a group of While only 7.2% of donations in
doctors, dentists, dietitians, the UK were made online, the 17%
pharmacists, and other healthcare of them that were made via mobile
professionals came together to devices has grown between 2014
donate their skills through the and 2015. This continued growth
MDA.43 They were dedicated to of online giving needs to be
increasing healthcare standards in recognized by the charity sector
their communities and combating as it is a major point of entry for
health inequalities. They provide getting the millennial generation
free healthcare education and life into charitable work.46 The
style advice while also holding incorporation of new technology
seminars to educate the public on and apps into the charity sector
various healthcare matters. “We can assist with micro-donations.
want to address health concerns This was demonstrated with the
for the community. We address UN World Food Programme’s use
women’s health, childcare health, of the Share the Meal app, which
issues of hypertension, diabetes, allowed donors to make a $0.50
Muslims contributing to 'green-up' initiatives run
and knowledge about cancer by Ahmadiyya Young Muslims Association. Photo
donation with a few taps on their
screenings. We also hope to clear credit: AMYA mobile device. Between the launch
up misunderstandings about MDA also contribute their of the app at the end of 2015, over
mental health and address the work through developing 13 million $0.50 meals have been
stigma that faces the community,” health technology to aid the shared.47 While the charity sector
said Dr. Hina Shahid.44 Their aim underprivileged. One app they are has been slow to catch onto the
is largely focused on preventative working on can provide antenatal use of apps and technology, it
healthcare, specifically educating care for pregnant refugee women. will become very valuable for
the community about self- These endeavours were even raising funds as the amount of
reporting and Hajj health as well as recognised by WIRED Health people who carry cash around is
contributing to humanitarian and in 2016 as one of the top-20 dropping and physical collection
health policy projects. Between
2015-2016, the MDA gave free
health checks to 500 individuals
and offered free healthcare advice
to over 1,000 people throughout
the UK. MDA operates on a small
budget of £5000 a year but they
count 100 volunteers active in
offering medical support and have
logged 15,000 volunteer hours in
medical treatment support. An
example of their recent voluntary
call for medical assistance came
in the hours following the Grenfell
Tower fire. “We just put out a call
to our 700 volunteers”, Dr Hina
Shahid told us.
Muslims contributing to ‘clean-up’ initiatives by run Ahmadiyya Young Muslims Association. Photo
credit: AMYA
42 Shaykh Talat, APPG hearing, 22 November, 2017.
43 Quote from testimony delivered by Dr Hina Shahid of the Muslim Doctors’ Association (MDA) to the APPG on British Muslims on 23 November 2017.
44 APPG on British Muslims Muslim Doctor’s Association (MDA) Oral Submission 23 November, 2017.
45 MDA APPG Submission.
46 Charitable Giving Report: How Non-profit Fundraising Performed in 2016. Blackbaud Institute. p.10
47 Evertt, Cath (2017). “How apps and tech are transforming the ways charities raise money,” The Guardian. 28 June.
Faith as the Fourth Emergency ServiceBritish Muslim charitable contributions to the UK
can only be carried out in so many demonstrate coheres with the ENGAGING THE NEXT
locations.48 MDA’s pregnancy app push for advancing charitable GENERATION
show a major innovative spirit work into the future proposed
In the engagement of all elements
within British Muslim charities. by the House of Lords in their
of a given society towards one
“The app is linked to a website that report Stronger Charities for
goal, a real challenge comes about
are both translated into multiple a Stronger Society. The report
in overcoming youth apathy
languages and take into account outlines the need to engage online
and widespread ignorance.
multiple cultural sensitivities. fundraising and the awareness a
Both of these challenges are
The idea is that if a mother if social media presence can bring.
transcended in the example set by
having an issue, she can tap on her Advancements of apps and proper
the Islamic Unity Society’s (IUS)
phone and get the information or usage of the internet will not only
Imam Hussein Blood Donation
help she needs.”49 make donating easier, but can also
Campaign (IHBDC). Since 1995, the
help attract a younger generation
The technological aptitude IUS has brought young Muslims
of charitably active citizens.50
that British Muslim charities of various backgrounds together
Innovation in the Charity Sector by British Muslim
Charities
T
he stereotypical image of the the organisation remains comprised entirely of
charitable sector consists of a soup volunteers. 95% of Intouch Foundation’s work is
kitchen or food bank which collections for local communities in the UK. One individual
are made at various public locations who has benefited from the service provided by
and distributed in the basement InTouch Foundation’s mobile catering said that
of a community centre or religious building. if it weren’t for the charity’s help, he would have
Technology is increasingly changing society been compelled to steal in order to feed his family.
as it is currently recognised. In 2018, apps and InTouch Foundation embodies Islamic teachings
convenience rule many day to day activities. This which encourage the faithful to feed the hungry
offers tremendous potential for growth in the and indigent.
charity sector.
Another example of the
As online ordering and food innovative spirit of British
delivery proliferates many of the Muslim charities comes from
large grocery chains throughout a unique service with a wide-
the UK and such delivery apps reaching impact. The Muslim
as Deliveroo and Uber Eats are Doctors Association (MDA)
becoming popular, InTouch is working on a smartphone
Foundation brings the concept app to decrease morbidity
of delivery to the charity sector. and mortality inequalities for
InTouch Foundation is the pregnant ethnic women in the
brainchild of Osman Gondal, Photo credit: Muslim Doctors' Association
who wanted to do his part for charity by cooking UK. Partnered with the Nuffield Department of
meals at his home and delivering them by car Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Oxford University,
to the homeless of his community in Bradford. the MDA is working to develop a website and app
Since 2012, this service has grown to include a that can work as an effective portal to provide, in
mobile delivery van and food truck that to date has multiple languages, necessary information and
provided over 200,000 meals and half a million assistance to pregnant refugee women. These
drinks for the homeless. The service has even types of initiatives not only take charity beyond
evolved into providing emergency care items such the stereotypical sense of giving, but also build
as toiletries and sleeping bags. Second and third important bridges while putting the talents of
locations were established in Keighley and Leeds. dedicated professionals to work for the greatest
Despite the growth and evolution of InTouch, good.
48 Everett, Apps and Charities, The Guardian.
49 Dr. Shahid, APPG hearing, 23 November, 2017.
50 House of Lords (2017) “Stronger charities for a stronger society” Select Committee on Charities. 26 March.
19to achieve common goals for their community. These blood than an hour of your life you save
their communities. Comprised of donations had a higher likelihood three adult lives.”52 In their first
students and young professionals of being potential matches for decade, IHBDC has collected over
the organisation drives Muslim minority communities that would 3,500 blood donations which is
youth to give back in London, not have a large donation pool in equivalent to saving the lives of
Leeds, and Manchester. Since the past. “We encourage people to 10,000 adults or 25,000 children.
2006, one of their main works has donate using the quote “Whoever In 2016 alone, IHBDC collected
been the IHBDC.51 The initiative saves one life, saves the whole 720 donations, potentially saving
aimed at getting Muslims to of mankind.” We partner for the the lives of 2,160 adults or 5,040
donate blood so that these benefit of the NHS to get more children.53
donations would be available to people to give blood. For no more
Muslim prisoner rehabilitation projects
J
ust as the government grapples with the the point of referral, VP was serving a two year
urgent need to reform and improve the sentence at HMP Highpoint for possession with
prison system in the UK, British Muslim intent to supply Class A drugs.
charities have already made great strides
Prior to his moving into accommodation provided
to improve the rehabilitative abilities of
by the Date Palm Project, the project staff worked
the UK’s prisons. The 234% increase of the Muslim
with him in the probation hostel where he had
prison population between 1997 and 2015 has
been placed. During that time he engaged with
demanded action. British Muslims constitute
the team through key working sessions and by
less than five per cent of the UK population
attending in-house activities. He demonstrated
but account for almost three times that in the
his motivation and willingness to change. He got
prison population with the percentage of Muslim
involved in doing work experience and during this
prisoners rising steadily from eight per cent in
time gained his Construction Skills Certification
2002 to 15.2% in 2016.
Scheme (CSCS) card. Upon moving into the Date
Muslim Aid has answered that call by recruiting Palm Project, he was supported by staff to look for
and referring 170 mentors to prison chaplains for work in the construction industry. He was offered
training and pairing. These mentors work closely temporary work with an agency, which he began
with inmates to reduce the re-offending rate and the next day. After three weeks, he was offered full
to give them a support system as they undergo time work with a well known and well established
family reunification and reintegrate into society construction business.
after release. This can be a very difficult time
He is now independent and pays his rent every
filled with backlash from family and community.
month. After he had established his working
The mentors work to smooth this transition and
patterns and learnt how to prepare and attend
maintain the confidence and resilience of former
work, he began to socialize more with other
inmates. This act speaks to a larger appeal to
residents and attend in house activities whenever
compassion within a community and an inclusion
he was not at work.
in spite of past wrong doings. The cycle of prisons
can be as entrapping and detrimental to society VP has been attending his probation meetings
as the cycles of poverty or homelessness. British in the evenings after work and he makes time to
Muslim charities’ are attempting to break these see his case worker once a week when he finishes
cycles so that individuals can be supported in their work.
efforts to overcome their past and further their
VP has managed the transition into work very
future.
well and he is a role model to other clients, who
recognize his financial independence and all the
DATE PALM PROJECT
opportunities which are now open to him. VP will
VP left his family at a young age and became be moving into his own accommodation in the
involved in gang activity. He was involved in using coming weeks.
and selling Class A and Class B substances. At
51 Written Submission to the APPG on British Muslims by the Islamic Unity Society on the Imam Hussein Blood Donation Campaign (IHBDC) 22 November,
2017.
52 Quote from testimony delivered by Mustafa Khan as evidence to the APPG on British Muslims on 22 November, 2017.
53 IUS Written Submission, APPG, 22 November, 2017.
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