About the Foundation
An education-led foundation, built to last
The Abdul Majid Foundation is a family-led charitable foundation established in memory of Dr Hafiz Abdul Majid — inspired by Islamic values, open to all, and dedicated to empowering people through education, skills and opportunity.
In loving memory
Established in memory of Dr Hafiz Abdul Majid
The Abdul Majid Foundation is established in loving memory of Dr Hafiz Abdul Majid — a lifelong educator, scientist and Hafiz of the Qur'an — as a continuing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) on his behalf, given by his children for the benefit of all.
A lifelong educator, international lecturer in Chemistry and Hafiz of the Qur'an, he believed that education is one of the most powerful ways to transform lives. That belief is the foundation of this charity.
Prophetic inspiration
The Axe Principle
One of the principles that inspires The Abdul Majid Foundation comes from a well-known narration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A man came seeking assistance. The Prophet ﷺ helped him meet his immediate need, then helped him obtain an axe and encouraged him to gather and sell firewood rather than continue relying on charity alone.
The lesson was not simply about giving aid. It was about restoring dignity, creating opportunity and enabling long-term independence.
This principle shapes our work: compassion in the moment, empowerment for the future.
The narration
A man of the Ansar once came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and asked him for charity. The Prophet ﷺ asked whether he had anything in his home, and the man replied that he had only a piece of cloth — part of which they wore and part of which they spread upon the ground — and a wooden bowl from which they drank.
The Prophet ﷺ asked him to bring them, took them in his hand, and asked who would buy them. One companion offered a single dirham; another offered two, and the Prophet ﷺ sold them to him. He gave the two dirhams to the man and said: buy food with one and take it to your family, and buy an axe with the other and bring it to me.
When the man returned, the Prophet ﷺ fixed a handle to the axe with his own hand and said: go, gather firewood and sell it, and do not let me see you for a fortnight. The man did so, and returned having earned a good sum, with which he bought food and clothing. The Prophet ﷺ told him that this was far better for him than to come on the Day of Resurrection with begging as a mark upon his face.
Reference
Sunan Abi Dawud (Hadith 1641); Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 2198)
Narrated by Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه
Classification:Hasan
Why this narration matters
This narration encapsulates the philosophy of The Abdul Majid Foundation: providing immediate relief where it is needed, while creating pathways to long-term self-sufficiency, dignity and opportunity.
Compassion in the moment.
Empowerment for the future.
Our ethos
Empower, don't just give
We believe the most lasting charity is not a handout, but an opportunity. Rather than simply giving money away, the Foundation creates genuine, legitimate opportunities — educating children, and equipping people with the skills to support themselves and their families.
- We educate children in places where good schooling is scarce — and support learners here in the UK who lack the education or skills to get on in life.
- We invest in both conventional learning and practical, non-conventional skills that lead to real, lasting independence.
- We nurture Islamic education too — including Hifz of the Qur'an — honouring the faith and the man who inspired this work.
It reflects a timeless value at the heart of Islamic giving: the most dignified help is not a handout, but the means to earn — restoring a person's independence rather than deepening their dependence on others.
This education-first ethos guides everything we do. It sits alongside — not instead of — our wider humanitarian work: orphan care, refugees, food and shelter, clean water and emergency relief, wherever the need is greatest.
How we work
Two connected pillars
Pillar one
Compassion in the Moment
Responding to immediate hardship with dignity, speed and care.
- Emergency Relief
- War-Affected Families
- Refugee Support
- Food Banks
- Homelessness Support
- Orphan Support
- Water Projects
- Hardship Grants
Pillar two
Empowerment for the Future
Helping people build long-term independence, dignity and opportunity.
- Scholarships
- Qur'an & Hifz Education
- Academic Support
- AI & Digital Skills
- Coding & Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Vocational Training
- Employability & Career Skills
- Financial Literacy
- Mentoring
Our mission
To relieve hardship, advance knowledge, and create opportunities that empower individuals and communities to build sustainable futures.
Our vision
A world where compassion addresses immediate need and empowerment creates lasting change.
What we stand for
Our values
Compassion
Responding to hardship with care, dignity and urgency.
Knowledge
Believing that education and learning can transform lives.
Empowerment
Helping people develop the skills, confidence and tools to support themselves and their communities.
Trust
Managing donations responsibly, transparently and in line with charitable purposes.
Inclusion
Supporting people based on need, regardless of faith, ethnicity, nationality or background.
Sustainability
Prioritising projects that create long-term benefit wherever possible.
Governance
Our founding trustees
Sheryar Majid
Zahra Majid
Mehvish Majid
As the Foundation is formally established, our governance, policies and reporting will be developed in line with Charity Commission guidance for England and Wales.
With gratitude
Honorary Patron
Rahila Majid
Honorary Patron
Rahila Majid is the beloved wife of Dr Hafiz Abdul Majid, who stood beside him throughout his life of teaching, faith and service. A generous giver with a lifelong devotion to charity and to helping others, she is recognised as an Honorary Patron of the Foundation in gratitude for all she has given — and continues to give.
Registration status
Charity & CIO registration pending
The Abdul Majid Foundation is currently going through the UK charity registration process in England and Wales, including registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). We are not yet a registered charity, our CIO registration is pending, and no charity number has been issued yet. This website has been created as an early information page while the Foundation is being established.
A note on donations
Until registration is complete, donation facilities may be limited or handled in accordance with applicable rules. You are welcome to register your interest now — we will be in touch as soon as giving opens.