Asalamualaikum,

Talha ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Certainly, I had witnessed a pact of justice in the house of Abdullah ibn Jud’an that was more beloved to me than a herd of red camels. If I were called to it now in the time of Islam, I would respond.”

An Alliance in an Unprecedented Time

Our Deen calls for us to cooperate with one another in good deeds, justice, and mutual benefit for humanity.  It is in this spirit that National Zakat Foundation, along with AusRelief, Islamic Relief Australia, Muslims Around the World and Penny Appeal Australia have formed an alliance in the form of the Muslim Response Group (MRG).

This is a ground breaking alliance of Australian Islamic social welfare organisations, coming together, in a time and circumstance not seen in the last 100 years, to meet the challenges posed by an unprecedented emergency that has brought the world to a standstill.

The MRG, will not deliver anything new, than what the member organisations and many other Islamic organisations have already been delivering since late February 2020.  Namely financial assistance to those in need, delivery of food packs to the most vulnerable in our community, advocacy for the voiceless and compassion and empthay for those struggling to cope in these times.

What will be different is that MRG Members are committed to coordinating their services and activities to ensure our resources (funds, knowledge, human resources) are being used in the best way possible and that duplication and wastage is minimised if not eliminated.

What Services will the MRG be offering

The MRG will be coordinating access to 7 services:

• Essentials – delivery of essential food packs and daily living items to vulnerable community members

• Hardship Fund – financial assistance for individuals and families

• Funerals – Information on funeral procedures and links to funeral director services

• Islamic Organisations – financial assistance for small community organisations to meeting bills etc.

• Well-being – mental health, drug and alcohol and counselling services

• Government Assistance – Links to various Government support packages available for individuals, families and business’

• Islamic Help – Pastoral care services

How can I access these services?

These services can be accessed via the dedicated portal established by the Group, mrg.org.au.  You can also access these services directly from the member organisation or partner organisations websites.

How can I help?

You can assist financially by donating to National Zakat Foundation.  If you are a service provider, delivering services in the one of the seven service areas listed above, you can contact the Group to come on board as a partner organisation. Use the Feedback option on the MRG website. 

Together we are stronger

Now more than ever, the need to join hands is clear. We’re humbled by the chance to work together with our brothers and sisters from these participating organisations. We will work together to co-ordinate responses to such crises and be able to mobilise quickly and while playing to each other’s strengths. 

We ask you to keep us all in your du’a, and for Allah to place barakah in these efforts.

Wassalam,

The NZF Team