The Zahra Trust
Relief and development, rooted in faith
Since 2008, The Zahra Trust has delivered relief and development aid to millions across hundreds of communities worldwide. Inspired by Islamic values and the Holy Household (a.s), we work to ease suffering caused by conflict, disaster, and inequality — providing impactful support that helps people become self-sufficient, with expert teams ready to respond wherever need is greatest.
Delivering impactful aid that helps individuals and communities become self-sufficient.
— The Zahra Trust
Our mission
The Zahra Trust is dedicated to alleviating hardships endured by those suffering from humanitarian crises, poverty and famine. Our mission is to provide essential help, empowering individuals to not just survive, but thrive on their own, reducing their reliance on aid.
Our values
Guided by the teachings of the Holy Household (as), The Zahra Trust aims to support people through our religious principles.
Our vision
A global community where every individual enjoys unrestricted access to life's basic necessities, living self-sufficiently and growing spiritually.
Where we work
Trusted partners, lasting impact
Across countries including Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and parts of Africa, The Zahra Trust works with trusted local partners to deliver life-saving aid and long-term development programmes. From emergency relief in times of crisis to sustainable projects that strengthen livelihoods, we support communities where the need is greatest.
In the UK and globally, we also raise awareness of the injustices caused by conflict, poverty, and displacement — amplifying the voices of those we serve and advocating for lasting change.
Global reach
Active across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
Advocacy
Amplifying voices and advocating for lasting change.
Our Religious Guidance
Faith-led, accountable, and rooted in service
The Zahra Trust is guided by Islamic principles and the teachings of the Holy Household (a.s). Throughout our journey, we have been endorsed and supported by respected religious scholars and clerics who recognise the importance of our humanitarian mission and the communities we serve.
Our work is carried out with care, accountability, and a strong sense of religious responsibility, ensuring that support reaches those who are most in need in a way that aligns with our values.
We work closely with respected scholars and religious representatives who provide guidance on key areas of our charitable work, including the distribution of religious dues such as khums, sadaqah, zakat, and other forms of giving. This helps ensure that donations are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the intended religious obligations of our donors.
Through this guidance, The Zahra Trust continues to deliver humanitarian and development programmes that are rooted in faith, compassion, and service to communities in need.
Scholarly endorsement
Supported by respected scholars and religious representatives.
Religious dues
Khums, sadaqah, zakat and more, distributed in line with obligation.
Accountable giving
Donations managed responsibly and transparently.
Our teams
One mission, four regions
We are supported by our dedicated teams across the UK, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Each team plays an important role in raising awareness, supporting donors, coordinating campaigns, and helping strengthen the reach of our global work.
Although our teams operate across different regions, they are united by one shared mission: to alleviate hardship, support vulnerable communities, and help individuals and families move towards greater stability and self-sufficiency.
Our regional teams work closely with trusted partners and field teams to ensure that donor support is connected to meaningful, accountable, and impactful programmes around the world.
United Kingdom
Canada
United States
Australia
About The Zahra Trust
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Zahra Trust founded?
The Zahra Trust was founded in 2008. We are a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1129501) and are fully regulated by the Charity Commission.
What does The Zahra Trust do?
We are a faith-based humanitarian organisation delivering emergency relief, food aid, medical care, education, water and sanitation, and support to orphans, widows and vulnerable people across 13 countries.
Where do you work?
Our partner offices are in London, Karbala, Najaf, Toronto and New York. Our programmes reach Yemen, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iraq.
How are donations used responsibly?
Administrative costs are covered through Gift Aid so 100% of your donation reaches the cause. Every project is monitored on the ground by our partner offices and reported back to donors.
Stand with communities in need
Your donation helps us deliver life-saving relief and long-term programmes that restore dignity and self-sufficiency.