At a time of unprecedented displacement records, when nearly 117.8 million people around the world remain forcibly displaced, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih visited H.E Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, reaffirming the importance of partnerships between humanitarian and faith institutions in protecting refugees and displaced people. 

During the meeting, High Commissioner Barham Salih emphasized the importance of strengthening the existing partnership with Al Azhar in light of the growing challenges facing refugees and displaced communities worldwide. He highlighted the vital role that faith based and humanitarian institutions play in fostering solidarity and raising awareness of refugees’ rights. 

H.E the Grand Imam reaffirmed Al Azhar’s longstanding commitment to advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced people, and reaffirming the institution’s continued dedication to supporting the forcibly displaced.   

The visit reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between UNHCR and Al Azhar, which has, over the years, contributed to strengthening refugee protection, promoting the values of compassion and solidarity, and mobilizing support for the world’s most vulnerable families. 

As part of this partnership, the Al Azhar Islamic Research Academy issued two landmark fatwas in 2020 and 2021, affirming the permissibility of allocating Zakat to eligible refugees through UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund. These fatwas strengthened donors’ confidence in the Fund and reinforced its position as a trusted and Sharia-compliant channel for delivering Zakat to refugees in need. 

Supported by these fatwas and the trust of generous donors, the Refugee Zakat Fund has reached more than 10 million refugees and internally displaced people across more than 30 countries, providing life-saving assistance to the families most in need. This impact demonstrates how partnerships rooted in shared values can transform the principles of compassion and solidarity into tangible support, bringing hope and dignity to people forced to flee their homes.