Islam group fundraise to buy essentials for asylum seekers in Sheffield

Members of An Nasiha, which aims to help people maintain, or reinstate, their connection with Islam, went on a fundraising drive within their community to pay for essential household items which were donated to Assist Sheffield on Monday, 13 July.

Assist Sheffield support some of the most vulnerable people in the city who have been unsuccessful in their applications for asylum and made destitute. Many of them come from war-torn countries and have fled some of the most horrific scenes in the world.

Zia Khan from An Nasiha, who organised the gesture, said: “It is important to remember the unfortunate, especially during the period of uncertainty we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Especially with Covid-19, we feel like no one should be in a position where they should be left without food and basic access. Wherever we could make a difference, we wanted to.”

The group used the money raised to purchase brand-new items such as duvets, cutlery and crockery as well as some cooking equipment. Nine families being rehoused throughout the city will benefit from the donation, Zia said.

“This is an act which is emphasised within our tradition of Islam – to help those in need,” said Zia.

"There were people that couldn’t get access to funding with the Sheffield area so we decided to support them.”

He added: “They were grateful and thankful at Assist.”

In May, An Nasiha donated gift bags to homeless charity Roundabout.