Who We Are

Ummati Relief Foundation is a UK registered charity (Reg No: 1205891) dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable and empowering solutions. We deliver both emergency relief and long-term development programmes, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and integrity. Our operations are conducted by experienced UK-based staff and a diverse network of skilled volunteers, supported by trusted partners on the ground. All activities are administered and managed by the Foundation’s Management Team (Trustees). To ensure the highest standard of governance, we work with Islamic scholars and adhere to Charity Commission regulations, guaranteeing that all fund distribution complies with both Islamic principles and UK charity law. Every donation is fully accountable and creates a direct, measurable impact on the lives of those in need.

Who We Serve

Ummati Relief Foundation is a global humanitarian aid and development organisation, driven by the Islamic principles of compassion, justice, and service to all of humanity (Ummah). Founded on the belief that every life is precious, we work tirelessly to alleviate suffering, empower communities, and provide hope to those affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster :- regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

Where We Serve

Ummati Relief Foundation Operates in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, Türkiye and Sri Lanka. Our partners include small and large community support groups, national alliances, and international relief organisations.

What We Do

Our work is divided into two critical pillars:

1. Emergency Relief:

International: Providing food packs, clean water, and emergency shelter.

Cross-Border Aid: Offering critical medical aid, psychosocial support, and essential supplies like wheelchairs and winter kits.

2. Sustainable Development:

International Projects: Building water wells, hand pumps, Mosques. We deliver life-changing interventions such as cataract eye surgeries, livelihood programs like providing sewing machines to widows, and long-term orphan sponsorship.

UK Community Projects: We address local poverty, isolation, and vulnerability through dedicated, on-the-ground initiatives, including: Mental Health and Well-Being, Survivor Support Service, Homelessness Outreach Project, The Dignity Project and Building Lives.

Our Donors

Ummati Relief Foundation has most of their funding coming from Zakat, Fidya, Kaffarah, Dhul Hijjah, Qurbani, Lillah, Fitrana and Sadaqah.

Importance Of Your Donation

Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah (SWT) will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter. Whoever alleviates [the situation of] one in dire straits who cannot repay his debt, Allah (SWT) will alleviate his lot in both this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals [the faults of] a Muslim, Allah (SWT) will conceal [his faults] in this life and the Hereafter. (MUSLIM) Hadith 36.

Our Promise

Ummati Relief Foundation treats your donation as an Amanah (trust). For this reason, we must respect the trust of our supporters and donors in an honest and professional manner and be transparent and accountable in our operation. Ummati Relief Foundation monitors every donation to ensure that distinct Zakat, Sadaqah and Lillah funds are spent correctly. At Ummati Relief Foundation, we are committed to maintaining full transparency and endeavour to keep you informed from the moment you make a donation until the completion of the charitable project to which you have contributed.

What Is Our Donation Policy?

Our Donation Policy: Complete Transparency

At Ummati Relief Foundation, we believe you deserve to know exactly where your donation goes. Whether you give Zakat or Sadaqah, we are committed to handling every pound with the utmost responsibility and clarity.

Below is a full breakdown of how your donations are allocated.

Zakat Policy: 100% Reaches Beneficiaries

Your Zakat is an Amanah (trust). We treat it as such.

When you choose to pay your Zakat through Ummati Relief Foundation, 100% of your Zakat funds go directly to eligible beneficiaries.

We understand that Zakat is not just a religious obligation, it is a sacred trust. Our Zakat policy ensures that every penny is used to support those most in need: orphans, widows, struggling families, and Muslim communities in crisis.

What our 100% Zakat policy means:

• Zakat funds are strictly separated from administrative costs

• Operational expenses are covered by non-Zakat income (such as Sadaqah, Lillah, and dedicated project grants)

• Compliant with the core Islamic requirement for Zakat distribution

Zakat-eligible projects include:

• Cataract Eye Surgery 
• Food Parcels
• Orphan Sponsorship
• Widow Support Programmes
• Winter Emergency Aid 

Sadaqah & General Donation Policy: 90% goes directly to projects. 10% covers essential operating costs.

For non-Zakat donations (including Sadaqah, Lillah, and general giving), URF UK operates a transparent 90/10 allocation model:

• 90% goes directly to project delivery — food parcels, cataract surgery, school bags, UK community programmes, and more

• 10% covers essential operating costs — warehousing, logistics, transport, administrative staff, and necessary project management

We believe that being upfront about how funds are allocated is the foundation of long-term trust. Every Sadaqah donation is used efficiently and with your informed consent.

Why Are the Two Policies Different?

Zakat and Sadaqah have different rules in Islamic law.

Zakat has strict beneficiary eligibility requirements and, in most schools of jurisprudence, Zakat funds cannot be used for administrative expenses. That is why Ummati Relief Foundation covers Zakat-related operational costs through non-Zakat income — ensuring your Zakat reaches beneficiaries in full.

Sadaqah is more flexible and allows a reasonable proportion to be used for running the charity. The 90/10 ratio is the minimum necessary operating cost we have determined after careful calculation.

Quick Comparison:

Zakat

Sadaqah / General

To beneficiaries

100%

90%

To operations

0%

10%

Zakat eligible?

Yes

No (unless specified)

Covers admin costs?

No

Yes

Our Transparency Commitment

URF UK is committed to the highest standards of financial transparency.

We know the question every donor asks is: “Where does my money actually go?” Here is what we promise:

• Clear fund allocation — every donation type is explained openly on this page

• Regular impact reports — we publish project updates and beneficiary stories so you can see real change

• Verified credentials — URF UK is a registered UK charity, regulated by the Charity Commission

• Accessible contact — if you have any questions, reach us at info@urfuk.org or call +44 (0)121 725 4759

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does 100% of my Zakat really reach beneficiaries?

A: Yes. When you select Zakat as your donation type, the full amount goes to beneficiary aid. URF UK’s operating costs are covered by other funding sources, and Zakat is kept completely separate from administrative expenses.

Q: What if I want to support URF UK’s operational work?

A: You can donate Sadaqah or Lillah. 90% of these funds go directly to projects, and 10% supports essential operations. If you wish to specifically support operations, please contact us to discuss restricted giving options.

Q: Which projects are Zakat eligible?

A: Zakat funds are primarily used to support beneficiaries who meet Islamic eligibility criteria, including orphans, widows, and impoverished families. Zakat-eligible projects include Cataract Eye Surgery, Emergency Food Parcels, Orphan Sponsorship, and Winter Emergency Aid. Look for the “Zakat Eligible” label on each project page.

Q: Is the 90/10 split reasonable?

A: The 10% operating cost covers warehousing, logistics, transport, and administrative staff. This is below the UK charity sector average. The ratio is carefully calculated to keep the organisation sustainable while maximising the proportion that goes directly to projects.

Q: Can I choose which project my donation goes to?

A: Yes. When donating, you can select a specific project or appeal. If you select Zakat, your donation will be directed to a Zakat-eligible project. If you have a preference, please specify it in the donation form or contact us directly.

Transparency

We hold the trust of our donors in the highest esteem, ensuring complete transparency through the regular sharing of verified reports, financial statements, and impact stories. We assure donors that every contribution is exclusively directed toward the specific cause or project they have chosen to support.

This distinctive approach, which differentiates us from many international NGOs, serves as the foundational principle of our organisation. Our initiatives are executed by dedicated and skilled volunteers, with professional oversight provided by our trustees, who possess expertise in management and the charitable sector. Furthermore, all our activities and fund distribution operate under the guidance of qualified Islamic scholars, ensuring alignment with ethical religious principles while upholding the highest standards of charitable governance.

Thank You For Continued Support

Thank you to everyone who has supported and trusted us. We know that our work does not stop here and with the ever-increasing demands for what Ummati Relief Foundation does, our work is not getting any less urgent. We extend our gratitude to the generous fundraisers and volunteers who have collaborated with us throughout the years to secure funding for projects and advocate for our initiatives.