Well today was the Great Scottish Run 2010 (10K and half-marathon) in Glasgow. I made my way to George Square this morning to meet all our the runners participating under  Awaz FM / Islamic Relief banner, running to raise money for the Pakistan flood victims. It was really inspiring to see runners from different religious groups and ethnicity included those from the Scottish government, the local city council elected members, professionals and students running for t

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It gives me great pleasure to say that Islamic Relief has always had the support of Glasgow’s big-hearted community radio stations Radio Ramadan Glasgow (87.7fm) and Awaz FM (107.2 fm). Both stations have helped Islamic Relief broadcast its message to the community in and around Glasgow for the last 10 years.   Radio Ramadan Glasgow has chosen Islamic Relief as its one of the charity organisation during their month of Ramadan broadcast. They have been broadcasting Is

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Our Scottish Government has awarded £75,000 to Islamic Relief’s Pakistan floods response.  The grant was announced today by First Minister Rt Hon. Alex Salmond at the Edinburgh Blackhall Mosque in Edinburgh.   On behalf of Islamic Relief, I would like to thank the Scottish Government for this amazing gift to the flood-affected people of Pakistan.  Scotland has once again demonstrated its commitment t

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Over the past weekend I was back in England for a two day trip to attend the “Iftar for Pakistan” charity dinner events for the flood victims. My first stop was Luton on Saturday where I was joined by hard working Islamic Relief volunteers with our two guests of honour Pakistani cricket players Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.   The Luton dinner was organised and led by the owner of Nadeem Plaza, Mr Nadeem   I was pleased to see different organisation

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The past few days have been remarkable for me as I drove 1200 miles-  on Friday,20th August from Glasgow to North East England, Bradford and then to Wales on Saturday and Sunday in the cities of Newport and Cardiff in order to raise funds during Islamic Relief’s “Iftar for Pakistan” dinners held there. Monday back to Glasgow via Bristol.   All three of the above fundraising dinners were entirely organised by Islamic Relief local volunteers and what is even more

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On Friday (20th August), I had the pleasure of participating in an amazing Islamic Relief event in Bradford at the Hilton hotel. At very short notice and request by our Bradford volunteers, a 600-strong crowd turned out to support Islamic Relief’s aid efforts in Pakistan during their time of need in the aftermath of the worst disaster in recent history. With brief motivational and inspiring speeches from Hanif (a dedicated Islamic Relief volunteer for 14 years), Jehangir Malik (OBE)

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As my journey out of Nowshera began on saturday, i felt that my duty towards these people had just begun. I am now reminiscing of my time and asking myself if I have given anything to these unfortunate souls. Has my presence benefited them in anyway? But the more I think, the more I realize, that I'm the one who has benefited. I'm the one who is taking something away. They have taught my value. Value of the basic amenities we all take for granted. Value of shelter, water, clean clothes, and of f

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Now into my 5th day in Nowshera, am I getting the chance to put my mind onto paper, and share with you all my thoughts and feelings so far.   As I arrived into Islamabad airport, I was occupied by the thought of my ways to communicate and convey my message to the rest of the world. Without delay, I approached the security officer, and asked for internet access. Initially I was refused, but after explaining my role and purpose of visit, I was granted unlimited access along with a cup

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Since my arrival from UK on Sunday morning, I have been working on the grounds of Nowshera where tents are being arranged by Islamic Relief for the hundreds of families displaced from their homes due to torrential flood waters. Minutes after my arrival today at the camp site, I was faced with the first of many tragic stories. Twelve year old Kaiynaat who along with her two elder sisters, one year old brother, parents and grandmother have all been displaced from her family home. She recalls being

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I am here in Northwest of Pakistan with my Islamic Relief team. Here are my few video Blogs so far; Leaving Glasgow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvlJtIp8NVc&feature=related From Islamabad Airport http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXxPrPxvqCc&feature=related From Nowshera (Northwest of Pakistan) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huysl_cZohg more to follow; You may be interested to follow me on the twitter. Here is my address: www.twitter.com/habib_malik

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I am just back from Tehreek-e-Insaf-Scotland's community event held in Tramway, Glasgow where Imran Khan, the founder and the chairman of PTI Pakistan Political party was the chief guest.   Former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan has claimed during his speech, had he been Pakistan's Prime Minister, he would have eliminated terrorism off Pakistan's soil within 90 days. He has also vowed to flog big crooks himself if elected to power. Mr Khan also claimed that Pakistan is ready fo

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The world we live in; Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (567 million people) is less than the wealth of the world’s 7 richest people combined. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into s

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The eyes of the world are fixed on South Africa as teams from around the globe compete in the first-ever football World Cup on African soil. The only British team in the tournament is England. It is getting harder and harder for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to qualify for the World cup. I am confused and under 'pressure' in declaring my allegiance. Having lived in the east-end of Glasgow for over 30 years, yes I do love football but am I going to support England? Am I expected to sup

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Yesterday I was invited by Colours of Islam and Yorkhill Children’s Foundation to a unique and colorful ‘Children’s fashion show’ event here in Glasgow – where cultures and faiths were brought together in support of sick children at Yorkhill Hospital.  This was an excellent “good cause” extravaganza organised by the volunteers of Colours of Islam and the hospital foundation. There were activities for all the family- stalls, auction, prizes, and

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I regularly get requests from schools here in Scotland to come and deliver workshops on cultural diversity, equal opportunities, Islamophobia, multi-culturalism, charity in Islam etc.. During the month of June I am invited to Robert Gordon’s college in Aberdeen. My audience is normally 6th year students. Yesterday was my 4th visit to this college where I delivered a 90 minutes workshop on ‘Cultural diversity and Muslims’ to 6th years. I was very impressed with pupil’s

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