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The concept of Mawakhat has existed since the beginning of time but came to the fore during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). It explains and encourages Muslims to express empathetic feelings towards each other – which is part of our human nature.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a blessing to all mankind. He re-established Islam – a universal religion embodying the unity of God and the brotherhood of man. Muhammad (PBUH) was the perfect example of these values – he lived a life of service and put others first.
“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he leave him at the mercy of others.” (Muslim)
Akhuwat was based on the founding principle of Mawakat, together with our guiding pillars: Iman, Ihsan, Ikhlas and Infaq. Mawakhat is the cornerstone of our philosophy of helping people to help themselves. It fulfils our vision and mission – to end the cycle of poverty.
The relationship between the immigrants of Mecca at the time of the Hijra and their hosts in Medina is the best illustration of Mawakhat in action. After the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instilled brotherhood between the Meccans and the people of Medina. The Medinites shared all they had with the Meccans who had fled from persecution, leaving everything behind. The Muhajirs came with nothing. The Medinites were warm, welcoming hosts, who opened their hearts and homes and shared whatever they had willingly. They came to be called the Ansar (literally “helpers”).
This shows that Islam encourages us to help each other because Muslims, according to the Holy Quran, are like one family.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Bukhari)
The “Verse of Brotherhood” is Al-Hujurat and refers to the brotherhood of believers.
It says: “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy. (Holy Quran 49:10)”
Al-Hujurat also refers to equality between individuals. And points to the lack of difference between ethnic groups, tribes and race groups.
Being kind towards everyone is the first and easiest way to make Mawakhat a practice in our daily lives. Spending time with one another, helping in times of crisis, and offering counsel and comfort are the first steps. Another efficient way to practise Mawakhat is by donating to charitable organisations, like Akhuwat.
Through our flagship programme, Qarz-e-Hasna, Akhuwat advances small amounts to needy people so they can empower themselves and improve their lives. Over short repayment terms, the capital amount is repaid through regular monthly deposits. These repayments are then advanced to new borrowers.
Since starting in 2001, Akhuwat has helped almost 5 million families by providing Qarz-e-Hasna without interest so they can invest in their businesses, farms, homes, healthcare, their children’s education, or to free themselves from owing unscrupulous moneylenders. In total, we have provided 140 billion PKR (Pakistani Rupees) in micro-loans. That’s almost £20 million!
Qarz-e-Hasna empower people who would not normally qualify for financial assistance from conventional banks. We provide a hand-up, so people can help themselves; not a handout, which can be quite limiting. In this way, our recipients are empowered and can strive towards self-realisation and independence.
At 99%, our repayment rate is the highest in the world. Paid-off Qarz-e-Hasna are re-invested and used again and again to assist new borrowers. Borrowers become lenders and donors! This means that your initial Sadaqah or Zakat donation becomes recyclable for perhaps, perpetuity, making this a truly sustainable aid model.
Will you join us by donating your Zakat, Sadaqah or Lillah to Akhuwat’s Qarz-e-Hasna Scheme? Together, we’ll make a positive impact on alleviating poverty, through compassion and our Islamic micro-lending – Qarz-e-Hasna.
Read more about our work and donate here.
Akhuwat provides collateral- and interest-free loans to underprivileged families so they can help themselves out of poverty. With one of the highest loan return rates in the world, Akhuwat continues to transform lives one loan at a time. Akhuwat is registered in the UK with the charities commission (registered charity number 1136317)
