Introduction

Akhuwat is the world’s largest Islamic micro-finance organization. Since 2001, Akhuwat has been working for poverty alleviation by empowering socially and economically marginalized segments of the society through its various poverty alleviation projects.

Akhuwat aims to alleviate poverty by creating a bond of solidarity between the affluent and the marginalized. Its goal is to develop and sustain a social system based on mutual support. Akhuwat not only helps and support the poor to become self-reliant but combined with their own hard work enable them to escape the clutches of poverty.

Akhuwat is running on the following principles:

- Interest-free Loans – The loans provided are interest free since providing loans with interest is business and poverty cannot be alleviated and eradicated by doing business with the deprived.

- Use of Religious Places – Akhuwat wants to climb up the ladder of social and economic development through making Mosques, churches and religious places, the foundation. This is because in Islamic history Mosques used to be the seat of governance. In the time of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, mosques were used for worship, training and providing services. With this, comes the Transparency, Good Governance, participation and accountability.

- Volunteerism – To think beyond the confines of oneself and to think about others. Akhuwat’s operations and activities rely upon the passion, energy, zeal and enthusiasm of its volunteers.

- Transforming Borrowers into Donors – Akhuwat strives to empower its borrowers, so they are in a position to be givers one day.

- Non-Discrimination on Caste, Color, Creed, Political Affiliation & Faith – Since Akhuwat strongly believes in solidarity and brotherhood. Therefore, it gives a message to cut down all the discriminatory and differential barriers in the society such as caste, color creed, political affiliation and religion.