Assalaam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,

I pray you and your loved ones are in the best state of Imaan and health.

The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging times the world has faced in recent memory. The unprecedented events of 2020 have tested the resiliency of mankind in so many ways. Thousands lost their lives while millions lost their livelihoods and faced food insecurity. During this pandemic, we also witnessed the unwavering spirit of our donors who rushed to aid the helpless. This noble and selfless quality was praised by Allah (swt) in the Quran [59:9] as being the ones who prefer others above themselves. We saw the quality of helping others for the pleasure of God on display in these trying times. This gives us hope in the mercy of Allah (swt), as our beloved Prophet (pbuh) promised Allah’s help for all those who continue to serve their brothers.  Humanity is in dire need of Allah’s help in these extremely difficult times.

The year 2020 was a trial on so many fronts, yet it provided humanity with amazing opportunities. Ramadan 2020 proved to be the most challenging Ramadan for all Muslims who were forced to spend this spiritual month in isolation at home away from their masjid, family and community. This challenge provided Muslim charities and nonprofits with opportunities for establishing their online presence in new and innovative ways. We saw the creativity and explosion of online programming and virtual events. Social media, virtual fundraisers and online meetings on Zoom became the new norm. The challenge was how to effectively reach donors and the community in this new space. This allowed many charities to evaluate their operations (fundraising, marketing and programs). We found innovative ways to connect with one another, with our donors and beneficiaries. We saw the true manifestation of the words of Allah (swt) – “Indeed there is ease with hardship” [94:5]

At Helping Hand, we realized this is as an opportunity for us to focus on our internal professional development, deployment of new tools and technologies and building relationships with our donors and beneficiaries. We have expanded our programs and found new ways to serve our beneficiaries. This was an opportunity for “capacity building” and planning for the future. I strongly feel that once the pandemic is over, the Muslim charity sector will emerge stronger and capable to serve more effectively Insha’Allah.

I want to take this opportunity and thank you for being our partner on this journey to make the world a better place. I hope you will find the “2020 Impact Report” as a “score card” for what “we” have been able to accomplish “together”, Alhamdullilah.

Wassalam Walaykum,

Javaid Siddiqi

CEO, Helping Hand for Relief and Development