Faith, Leadership and Action: Reflections from MCF’s 2025 Partners Annual Exchange

The Muslim Charities Forum recently held its inaugural Partners Annual Exchange, bringing together leaders from across the charity sector to share insights, celebrate impact, and explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Muslim-led organisations.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the sector’s resilience, the importance of moral clarity, and the potential of innovative approaches to create meaningful change.

CEO’s Opening Remarks

Our CEO Fadi Itani began by highlighting the importance of gathering for the betterment of many in our sector, especially in such difficult times. The inexcusable Islamophobic riots of 2024 were dangerously catalytic; resulting in a landscape that has become increasingly difficult for charities and community groups to navigate. Coupled with a period of global political instability and a funding space that is shrinking by the day, the work of Muslim charities is more important than ever.

Structures which were hard-fought to keep us protected are being dismantled, we must ensure we continue to protect those who will inevitably suffer—the vulnerable communities we serve. Fadi continued: “We have a responsibility to work collaboratively and strategically to send a clear message: we are all united in tackling injustices and improving our world.”

With dedicated efforts toward establishing a Women’s Network—designed to support women through training, mentoring and career development initiatives—and the upcoming Muslim Charities Convention on the 3^rd of July, our CEO reaffirmed MCF’s mission to support, represent and connect stakeholders across the sector.

Balancing Clarity and Compassion in Communications

Our first guest speaker, Augustus Della-Porta of Bates Wells, opened discussions with a much needed legal and strategic perspective on advocacy in volatile times. With the potential passing of a U.S. executive order threatening severe cuts to the civil sector, he spoke of major governance and funding implications for organisations with operational branches in the States.

Della-Porta also urged caution and purpose in charities’ implementation of Artificial Intelligence into their systems; noting its benefits and inherent risks. He emphasised the importance of smaller charities maintaining strong relationships with the Charity Commission, while acknowledging the heightened scrutiny faced by Muslim charities and outlining key areas of focus for these organisations.

His advice centred on balancing continuity of vital work with careful, evidenced and values-driven communication–a challenge many organisations navigate daily.

Dr Halima Begum: Faith and Advocacy in Action

One of the day’s inspiring voices was Dr Halima Begum, CEO of Oxfam GB. Drawing from her experience in both secular and faith-rooted institutions, she highlighted the unique legitimacy and trust that faith-based organisations bring to humanitarian work. “We are always rooted in our communities,” she emphasised, urging attendees to take pride in Muslim-led charitable contributions which are disproportionately high compared to the UK’s Muslim population (a fact that we explore further in a recent MCF article titled: ‘As Ramadan Ends, British Muslims Continue to be a Leading Force in UK Charitable Giving’).

Quoting J.B. Priestley, “We are members of one body”, Dr Begum underscored the humanitarian imperative behind Muslim giving and the strength of collective civil society action. She also encouraged deeper partnerships between INGOs and grassroots organisations, highlighting a growing need for knowledge-sharing, advocacy and domestic collaboration.

The Strengths of Muslim Charities

Paul Streets CBE, a “serial CEO” and champion of grassroots organisations, delivered a powerful message of respect and motivation. He lauded the unique strengths of small charities: their activist roots, determination, innovation, collaborative spirit and capacity for advocacy. An advocacy that will continue to widen its impact if charities maintain their participation in, as Paul posed, “Politics with a Capital P”.

He urged organisations to be strategic, choosing where to have the most impact rather than attempting to stretch resources and efforts beyond their reach. Asking the thought-provoking question: “Will impact be doubled if budget is?” Importantly, he reminded the audience that charity leaders are not saints and that peer support and self-reflection are vital to long-term sustainability.

His key message? Muslim charities are geographically and politically well-placed to shape national debates. The sector’s voice is more influential than it realises, and charities must utilise their powers to ensure the third sector’s survival. With potential precedents being set worldwide, carving out necessary space for charitable causes is more important than ever. Ultimately, we need to be the ones to spearhead change and advocate for those who rely on us; to forego leadership is to accept being left behind.

Moving Forward Together

Throughout the event, a spirit of collective responsibility emerged. Speakers called for more flexible and long-term funding models, cross-sector partnerships and space for humane imperfection. As civil society spaces shrink globally, the work of charities—especially those led by communities of faith—has never been more crucial.

The Partners Annual Exchange wasn’t just a space for conversation. It was a call to action, grounded in a shared sense of purpose and resilience. From advocacy and accountability to collaboration and compassion, the event highlighted the tremendous potential within the Muslim charity sector and reminded us all of the power we have to influence change together.