About HD

HUMANITARIAN DAY

The ILM Foundation founded Humanitarian Day in 2000, but credit goes to our Creator who instructs us to have the following attitude “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. Saying, We feed you only for sake of Allah. We wish not from you reward or thanks”. Masjid Ibaadillah, Project Islamic Hope, and Dawah 2000 all preceded the ILM with organized homeless feeding programs on skid row. ILM Foundation, however, was the first to coordinate a united coalition during the month of Ramadan in an effort to serve the homeless and circulate resources between diverse Muslim communities with those less fortunate.

ILM’s founder Imam Saadiq Saafir, resident Imam of Masjid Ibaadillah, life work is devoted to uniting the local Muslim community. He is a co-founders of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California www.shuracouncil.org and is the main reason why HD in Los Angeles is so successful.

In 2000, the Muslim community heavily focused on international issues an appeared inimical to domestic projects. September 11, 2001 or (9/11), caused the Muslim community’s outlook to shift from international and focus on domestic needs. ILM Foundation’s Humanitarian Day concept, as a result, it became a great outlet to re-fortify the Muslim identity after 9/11. Then the Muslim community questioned if ILM should coordinated HD during Ramadan. The ILM members felt Ramadan was the best month to highlight Muslims working together toward the welfare of those in need and did not change its time or date.

Imam Saadiq would constantly say, “Faith must be put into action, Islam is a Social Religion. After 9/11, the community does not need to say anything we need to do something.” This is where the chant, “Now its time to Put your Faith into Action.”

In 2002, the ILM founded the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity (CPHD), to solidify this united effort of organizations. CPHD included; Friend in Deed, Islamic Relief, ILM Foundation, UMMA Community Clinic, SAC International, Islamic Society of Orange County, SABA Trust, Islamic Center Irvine, Orange County Islamic Foundation, Dawah 2000, MPAC, Islamic Center of Corona-Norco, HADI, Masjid Ibaadillah and many other organizations.

HD first expanded to San Jose with the support of the ILM Foundation and coordinator Ahmed El Dardiry who collaborated with the Rahima Foundation. They hosted their first Humanitarian Day in 2004. There theme was “The Muslim Unity for Human Dignity.” Br. Ahmed only tool to inspire the community was the 2003 video of Humanitarian Day in Los Angeles.

In preparing for 2005, Islam Relief and ILM Foundation’s executives met to coordinate a united effort to spread the Humanitarian Day concept nation wide. The national effort for 2005 took place in 5 cities nation wide. In 2006, thirteen more cities joined the effort and by the grace of Allah in 2007 twenty-two cities were scheduled. Now, ILM Foundation’s goal is to preserve the intent behind the original model of HD, through a Humanitarian Day identity and continue spreading this nationally campaign of Humanity.

In the Holy Quran a question is posed by our Creator in regards to growth it reads, “Is it ye that caused it to grow, or are We the Cause?” the ILM Foundation is extremely grateful to be a part this effort and pray each participating city become a great source of hope and blessings for those served.