Jameel Welfare Trust: What is it, its roots in Sheffield and how it plans to change the world for the better

Haji Jameel arrived in South Yorkshire from South Asia 66 years ago, and has not only built a family and business to be proud of, but also endeavoured to help charities along the way.

Now, a retired gentleman of 87 years, his daughter Angela, who lives in Sheffield, and brother Shahjahan in Pakistan, are co-founders of the Jameel Welfare Trust, set up in his honour.

Angela, who lives in Treeton, unveiled the plan this October in Sheffield in front of local people and dignitaries, and says her father’s goal to always do a simple act of kindness is at the heart.

“My father always says a simple act of kindness might not change the world, but it could change someone’s world for the better. That is what we want people in Sheffield, Rotherham and South Yorkshire to do – to join us, volunteer, donate their time or their money.”

The Jameel Welfare Trust will be taking part in a variety of initiatives all year round, from bake sales, activity events to clothes drives, and aims to help those in need at home and abroad.

In readiness for the family visit and to support his family back home, Haji Jameel purchased kothi Al Jameel which has seen many happy memories for the family. Haji Jameel remembers: “When I used to walk to my home in Hakeeman Street from my school (Islamia Khalkia) as a youngster I would stop at this beautiful mansion and pick flowers from the garden to take for my dear Mother. The owner would shout to me saying ‘hey don't do that’ and I'd run home quickly and with love, present the flowers to Mother. I never expected, at that time, that I would one day buy and own that very same beautiful kothi and Alhamdullilah I did just that in 1967.”

He later dedicated it as Iqbal Public School for 1000’s of children under the diligent governance of his brother Malik Mohammad Shahjahan (Managing Director) and Principle Naveed Begum, who both have dedicated their lives to help the children of Bhera. It is now in its 40th year. It’s such a beautiful example of the brotherly bond between Haji Jameel and Mohammad Shahjahan.

Mohammad Shahjahan, Haji Jameel’s brother Malik Muhammad Shahjahan said: “I was 9 years old when on 18 October, 1956, I along with all brothers went to Karachi to see you off to a new land. From that day onward, you never saw back and held our fingers so tightly that by the grace of God you helped us individually and collectively so that we all were properly settled in this world of tensions, issues and complications. Hats off to you on proving as the Best Brother on Earth. 18 Oct, 1956....today is 66th Anniversary since Bhai Jan left for England to change the fortunes of our entire family.”

Speaking at the launch event in Sheffield, Councillor Colin Ross, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sheffield, said: “I was honoured to be present at the launch of the Jameel Welfare Trust. Since arriving in this country in 1956 Haji Jameel has had a remarkable story from driving buses to establishing a wholesale business at the Parkway Market and in 1970 an overland trip to Pakistan in a VW caravanette with his wife and two young children. However, his charitable work in South Yorkshire and Pakistan is perhaps his most notable achievement. The launch of the Jameel Welfare Trust is the culmination of this work over many years and I wish Haji Jameel, Angela and all the family every success in the future.”

Those views were echoed by Councillor Tajamal Khan, The Lord Mayor of Rotherham, who added: “Haji Jameel is a very gracious gentleman and his achievements in his life are a reflection of his selfless and noble nature and love for his family, friends and fellow humanity.

He is an excellent role model and his ethos is clearly evident in his daughter Angela and grandchildren Mohammad, Ahmed and Sheeza, who are continuing his great work.

It gave me great pleasure to present a token of gratitude to Haji Jameel as a memento of his selfless dedication and kindness to everyone and to mark the Launch of Jameel Welfare Trust.”

The acts of kindness the charity will carry out will take place in South Yorkshire, Punjab and around the world. Already Haji Jameel– who worked in the Sheffield Steel industry, ran a business in the food markets and eventually set up his restaurant Passage to India and was known to the community as the Sultan of Spices, a true legend, has been delighted to be able to see some of the work being carried out in his name in Sudan.

Now the main charity drive has passed to the next generation, he can look back on some impressive successes, including Mosques, water pumps and wells in the poorest parts of Pakistan, regular food parcels for people during harsh, unforgiving winters, food and medicine for people affected by floods, helping orphans in Uganda, and closer to home, helping charity shops in Sheffield, Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

His work in and around Yorkshire has been carried out discreetly for many years, and now his blueprint and vision for the future are being taken forward by his daughter Angela and his grandsons Mohammad and Ahmed are following in his footsteps, to aim to make a positive difference in the world.

Angela added: “Throughout his life he’s helped people with this selfless dedication to duty even when he himself has been going through tough times, and he would never mention any of these things. Masha’Allah.

“But someone needs to recognise him for such noble acts of kindness spanning over 66 years.

“18th October 2022 marks the 66th anniversary of Haji Jameel’s migration to England and to celebrate the occasion, Jameel Welfare Trust (JWT) has been established in his honour.”

About the Trust

Jameel Welfare Trust is founded on the true Islamic principles and values embedded by Haji Jameel and aims to continue his great work in that ethos to help those who need help in diverse communities at opposite ends of the world - South Yorkshire and South Asia, both of which he calls home, and other parts of the globe too.

Praising her father, Angela added: “Thank you Haji Jameel for your lifetime of kindness to everyone whose life you embraced and whose life you still embrace.

“Your beautiful smile and selfless giving, has inspired a future worth living for so many people. Allah bless you to spread more kindness for many years to come my beautiful Abujee.”

She added: “We believe if we can do something kind for someone every time we count our blessings, we may not change the world but we will certainly change one person’s world for the better. That’s got to be worth doing.

“Join us, and together we can change the world for the better, one person at a time, with Jameel Welfare Trust, where every act of kindness is our charity.”

To find out more about the work of the charity, or to donate your time, visit www.jameelwelfaretrust.org, email [email protected] or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JameelWelfareTrust