The Akhuwat Foundation provides interest-free loans to needy
The Akhuwat Foundation is a beacon of hope for those in need
The Akhuwat Foundation can be considered as a large building contributing to the fight against poverty and the support of social justice through the concept of interest-free financing method and various charitable actions. It was started in 2001 by Dr. Amjad Saqib empowering million of souls the foundation has implemented humanism in its truest sense of the word – compassion and solidarity. Based on the detailed analysis of the Brotherhood Foundation, this article reveals the processes of the foundation’s formation and its activities concerning the problem of poverty and social exclusion.
Historical and Philosophical Foundation
The concept of the Akhuwat Foundation, which means Akhuwat in Arabic, is inspired by a historical event in 622 AD. Meanwhile, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) instructed the Ansar, the inhabitants of Medina, to share half of their wealth with the migrants from Mecca who had fled persecution. This act of selfless generosity was the cornerstone in establishing a supportive community, promoting social equality and mutual support. Dr Amjad Saqib, deeply influenced by this historical precedent, sought to revive and institutionalize this spirit of charity and communal support through the Akhuwat Foundation.
Although the origins of the Akhuwat Foundationd lie deep in Islamic teachings, the foundation works on the principles of inclusion and respect for all religions. The organization is committed to providing assistance regardless of religious affiliation, thus upholding the values of religious freedom and human dignity. By extending its services to individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Akhuwat Foundation aims to create a more equal society. Where all people are treated with respect and compassion.
Akhuwat Foundation Islamic Microfinance
Central to the Akhuwat Foundation mission is its Islamic microfinance program, which provides interest-free loans to poor families. The Akhuwat Foundation approach to microfinance is based on Islamic principles, particularly the concept of Quraysh (useful lending). This model eliminates the burden of interest, which often exacerbates poverty, and instead fosters an environment that is conducive to economic growth. Where financial assistance is provided with the intention of helping individuals achieve economic independence.
Since its inception, the Akhuwat Foundation has established more than 800 branches in nearly 400 cities in Pakistan, making it the world’s largest non-profit microfinance program. With the disbursement of loans worth about Rs 180 billion, the programme has benefitted more than 3 million families. By minimizing the bureaucratic process, the Brotherhood ensures that the application and disbursement of loans is fast and accessible, thus maximizing its impact.
Akhuwat Foundation Gives Loan
Akhuwat Foundation Education Services
Brotherhood acknowledges the role of education in the process of social development and social mobility out of poverty. To sum up, the educational services of the Foundation are focused on the elimination of illiteracy, especially among the poor and the deprived sections of the population through the provision of the necessary education at different stages. It offers educational support to children, Youth, and other persons of interest from primary school, secondary school, to tertiary institutions.
Thus, with investment in education the Brotherhood is not only helping individuals to become strong in a group sense. It also has an added on advantage in the general advancement of society. This is especially the case in relation to education given the Foundation’s vision of constructing a caring and liberal society.
Akhuwat Clothes Bank
Another key venture as part of the program for improving the lot of the disadvantaged families is the Brotherhood Clothes Bank. Launched in 2013, the program helps to collect, sort and distribute the clothes and the necessities among the homeless people. These are used during the winter season when the weather is cold and in other disasters that make people need clothes for instance disaster stricken areas.
This also ensures recycling and ‘green’ lifestyle in as much as encourages donation rather than disposal of used clothes. Through developing the generosity and networking, Brotherhood Clothes Bank becomes a community that improves the lives of many and encourages people to give and take in equal measure.
Transgender Support Program
Most of the transgender people in Pakistan have been economic marginalization and hence have to fend for themselves through begging making them easy prey of social exploitation. Being aware of this vital challenge, the Brotherhood introduced the Transgender Support Program in 2011. This launched offers education as well as vocational training and direct financial support to the transgender people.
The primary goal of the programme is to provide the necessary skills for the employment of the transgender people and make them independent. Hence the Brotherhood helps them overcome their needs and challenges and allows them to become integrated in society and feel dignity, giving them a chance to fulfill their lives.
Akhuwat Health Services
Health is an essential aspect that must not be deprived from and as we see most of the poor families cannot afford basic health services. Thus, to fill this gap, the Brotherhood Health Services was launched in Lahore in 2019. Health services include discounted medications, free consultations, and services provided through diabetic clinics, psychiatric or general health clinics.
Apart from the medical assistance, the Brotherhood has also introduced playrooms mainly in the public hospitals as a fallback to children and families requiring long time treatment. These playrooms are important in that they reduce stress and discomfort of patients especially those who have to spend many days in the hospital.
Impact and Future Aspirations
The efforts of the Akhuwat Foundation as an organization involved in poverty alleviation and general support of the society has been observed to have grown in its effectiveness in supporting Pakistan as a country. Hence, through providing financial, educational, and health assistance the foundation managed to develop the multi-faceted model of help that targets poverty as a problem in a wide sense, reaching the human capacities to work and to become integral members of the society.
As such, the Brotherhood looks forward to the future where it will be able to widen its coverage and implement its programs to as many people as possible. Compassion, respect and inclusion will remain as the guiding principles in the Foundation’s mission to promote equality in the society.
Last but not least, the Foundation demonstrates the communities’ strength and the role of care to fight poverty. Not only does it offer initial aid in responding It also helps people to begin to shape a better future for themselves through the many programmes that are offered through the Foundation. Despite its growth and development the Brotherhood remain the hope and symbol of generosity and solidarity.