Giving is at the heart of Islam. Whether it’s zakat, sadaqah, or simply lending a hand, Muslims in the UK have built a strong tradition of helping others. But in 2025, with so many organisations calling for donations, the question is: Which Islamic charity should you actually trust?
The UK is home to some of the largest and most active Muslim charities in the world. From global giants like Islamic Relief UK to grassroots initiatives such as One Ummah, these charities serve both international and local communities.
And yet, the choice isn’t always straightforward. Do you pick the biggest name? The one with a “100% donation” policy? Or the one you feel personally connected to?
Let’s break this down together.
It’s easy to underestimate how much Muslims in Britain give. Reports show British Muslims donate hundreds of millions of pounds annually, especially during Ramadan (some estimates suggest over £100 million in Ramadan alone).
The money funds a wide range of causes: emergency aid in Gaza, orphan sponsorships in Pakistan, water wells in Africa, and local food banks right here in the UK.
Muslims are consistently reported among the most generous faith groups in the UK. This isn’t just a statistic; it reflects how faith, community, and compassion come together in a very practical way.
There isn’t a single “best” charity, but here are some of the most respected and trusted ones making an impact in 2025.
Human Concern UK (HC UK) has recently launched campaigns across the United Kingdom, building on the 40+ year legacy of Human Concern International (HCI), one of the oldest and globally recognized humanitarian organisations. While HCI has spent decades of experience serving vulnerable communities worldwide, HC UK now carries that same vision into a British context, connecting donors with urgent causes at home and abroad.
Their programmes include:
What sets HC UK apart is its approach. Guided by principles of inclusivity, accountability, justice, and dignity, they focus not only on emergency aid but also on long-term empowerment and sustainable development.
Recent Highlights:
In short, Human Concern UK combines experience and renewal: a fresh presence in the UK powered by decades of global expertise. Donors value that balance, knowing their contributions support both immediate relief and long-term resilience
You’ve probably heard their slogan: “Small change, big difference.” Penny Appeal has built a reputation for creative fundraising campaigns and youth-driven outreach. They support water wells, orphan sponsorship, women’s empowerment, and education projects.
They’re also very active in the UK, supporting homeless shelters, food banks, and domestic violence services.
Founded in 2014, One Ummah has quickly grown into a trusted name. They’re especially known for their 100% donation policy, ensuring every penny goes directly to projects, while admin costs are covered separately.
Focus areas include food packs, water projects, orphan care, and emergency relief in crisis zones like Yemen and Syria.
If you’d like your zakat to stay closer to home, NZF UK is a strong choice. They ensure donations support Muslims in the UK who are struggling with housing, poverty, and financial hardship.
They also lead efforts in zakat literacy, helping British Muslims understand how to calculate and distribute zakat properly.
It’s not just about picking the “biggest” or “oldest” charity. A few things to keep in mind:
And let’s be honest: sometimes it’s also about trust. If an organisation’s work resonates with you and feels authentic, that’s usually a good sign.
Choosing the right Islamic charity in the UK isn’t just about logos or slogans; it’s about trust, transparency, and values. Whether you donate to a global name like Islamic Relief, a grassroots effort like One Ummah, or a balanced organisation like HC UK, what matters most is the sincerity of your intention.
At the end of the day, charity in Islam is about sincerity. Even a small donation, given quietly, may weigh more in the sight of Allah than something much larger. So, give where your heart feels at peace, check credibility, and remember: every act of charity carries reward in this life and the hereafter.
One Ummah and Ummah Welfare Trust are well-known for running 100% donation policies. Admin costs are covered separately, so donations go directly to projects.
For international emergencies, Human Concern UK and Islamic Relief UK are highly effective. For local support, NZF UK is a strong choice.
Islam teaches that the best charity is sincere and meets urgent needs. Supporting orphans, water projects, and emergency relief are often considered most rewarding.
Trusted names in the UK include Human Concern UK, Islamic Relief, One Ummah, and NZF, due to their track record, transparency, and scale.
Yes, Human Concern is widely regarded as trustworthy, thanks to its 40+ year legacy, active campaigns, and growing reputation in the UK.
Studies suggest Muslims in the UK donate more per capita than other groups, especially during Ramadan. Christians also contribute heavily through church charities.
Most scholars agree that you can donate riba (interest money), but not as sadaqah. Instead, it’s given away without seeking reward, often to the poor or for public benefit projects.
Estimates vary, but Muslims in the UK give hundreds of millions annually. During Ramadan alone, donations exceed £100 million.
