In a move to strengthen international cooperation in the humanitarian field, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the sidelines of the Riyadh Humanitarian Forum on the Launch of the Islamic Charitable Fund, on Tuesday, 26 Sha’aban 1446, corresponding to 25 February 2025.

The MoU aims to strengthen partnership in the fields of Zakat and Islamic financing to support displaced persons and migrants around the world in accordance with the principles of Sharia. It also aims to develop legitimate mechanisms for financing humanitarian projects by using Islamic financing tools such as Zakat, Charity and Awqaf (Endowments) to ensure sustainable assistance to crisis-affected communities. The agreement also includes offering Sharia advice to ensure the compatibility of the organization’s programs with the provisions of Islamic Sharia, thereby enhancing the reliability and transparency of the aid distribution mechanisms. Mr. Mohammed Monder Chouk, who represented the Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, reiterated that this partnership came to promote human solidarity and effectively investing Islamic financial resources to support the neediest groups, noting the importance of joint work with international organizations to ensure that aid reaches the beneficiaries in the best way. He further declared,

“Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to address you on this important occasion, the launch of the Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF). I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for this outstanding initiative, which reflects the deep humanitarian values embodied in Islamic philanthropy. Our world today faces unprecedented challenges, from conflicts and humanitarian crises to growing waves of displacement, which require us all to seek innovative solutions that promote hope and uphold human dignity. The launch of the IPF reflects the spirit of solidarity and giving, and we are proud to partner with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support this noble initiative. Our partnership is based on shared values and a common vision to promote humanitarian action, support migrants and displaced communities, and seek sustainable solutions. Through this collaboration, we seek to channel resources effectively, develop programs with tangible impact, and ensure that the principles of compassion and justice underpin our collective efforts. In this context, we emphasize that the signing of the MoU is not just a formal agreement, but a real commitment to strengthen cooperation between our institutions to make the most of Islamic philanthropy in the service of humanity. We are confident that this partnership will open new horizons of cooperation, sharing of experiences and development initiatives that will contribute to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. By working together, we can make philanthropy a real tool for positive change and sustainable development. Through this Memorandum, we look forward to a fruitful dialogue and cooperation that will enhance the impact of this initiative”.

For its part, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed its joy at this initiative, considering that cooperation with Islamic jurisprudential institutions represents a qualitative leap to its efforts to improve the lives of migrants and displaced persons through funding mechanisms that are in line with Islamic values, opening new horizons for partnerships in the humanitarian field. The agreement comes as IOM seeks to increase its humanitarian funding through Islamic channels, especially after the launch of the Islamic Philanthropy Fund, which seeks to attract donations from individuals and Islamic institutions to support relief and development efforts around the world.