Our Focus Areas
WHAF works across three interconnected pillars: advocacy, coordination, and training & knowledge sharing. Each area reflects our commitment to justice, equity, and local leadership.
Advocacy
We challenge dominant narratives and elevate lived experiences to influence policy and shift mindsets across the humanitarian sector.
- Creaturitarianism (خلائقية): A bold reimagining of humanitarian ethics rooted in Islamic and universal values, emphasising care for all living beings.
- Zakat & Islamic Social Finance: Advancing zakat as a vehicle for social justice and collective responsibility, while improving cooperation among Islamic humanitarian actors.
- De-risking & Financial Access: Conducting research and advocacy on banking restrictions that hinder humanitarian access, particularly for Muslim-led and local NGOs.
- Justice in Crisis Response: Supporting local, national and international responses in areas such as Gaza, Sudan, and Syria, ensuring their needs are recognised and resourced.
Coordination
WHAF builds trust-based partnerships and creates space for collective action, especially where systemic barriers limit collaboration.
- Local–Global Partnerships: Facilitating equitable relationships between grassroots organisations and international institutions.
- Diaspora Solidarity: Supporting diaspora actors in mobilising resources and shaping humanitarian responses.
- Joint Campaigns: Partnering on year-round advocacy and policy initiatives driven by shared goals.
Training & Knowledge Sharing
We empower current and future humanitarian actors through education, mentoring, and cross-sector learning.
- Youth Mentoring: Equipping emerging leaders with mentorship, leadership exposure, and a space to reflect and grow.
- Workshops & Toolkits: Offering training and resources on humanitarian values, localisation, and financial access.
- Whole-System Learning: Breaking silos through knowledge exchange between practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
Visual Suggestion: Photo of a youth-led workshop or a learning circle; notebook + lightbulb icon; animated line drawing of knowledge being passed forward.
Our Guiding Question
How can aid organisations proactively reshape the aid sector so that it better protects and serves the most vulnerable communities?