Jamatkhana and Institutional Updates

“The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know.”

-- Mawlana Hazar Imam
Commencement ceremony at the Brown University

Support During this Crisis
If you are finding life during the COVID-19 pandemic difficult and would like support on matters such as economic, health, educational, or social welfare - contact the Coronavirus Support Helpline. The United Kingdom phone number is 02081910911 and the email address is coronasupport@iiuk.org. More information and European numbers can be found by clicking here.

Being Cautious with Personal Information
At this time of increased misinformation and vulnerability, there are a number of scams that have been circulating. For example, we have been informed some parents have received an email stating: ‘As schools will be closing, if you're entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we'll make sure you're supported’. This is a scam email - do not respond, and delete immediately. Another scam strategy is to capture your voice in order to unlock your telephone banking. If you do not recognise or cannot identify the person telephoning you, hang up immediately. Refer to the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board’s guidance on scams available here for more information on how to detect a scam, and remember never provide your personal or banking information online or to an unfamiliar party.

Savvy Saving
Use this time indoors to ensure that all your insurance policies are all paid and up to date. This includes your life insurance and critical health policies. If you have any upcoming trips or events understand what the cancellation terms are or what the insurance policy will cover. If you are unsure, reach out to your policy provider and get the full details. The Association of British Insurers has stated that COVID-19 should be covered by most providers, see details here.

Healthy Bytes Webinar
The latest edition of the healthy bytes podcast is out now! Dr Dilshad Valliani and Dr Iman Velji talk about coronavirus and what we should be doing to prevent and combat COVID-19. Watch the video here.

Vulnerability to COVID-19
Register here if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to Coronavirus. For example, you will be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. If you are not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway. You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else.

ITREB Thought of the Day
“Trust in God, but tie your camel.” This hadith, relayed by the scholar Al-Tirmidhi, became an Arab phrase attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), who one day saw a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I placed my trust in Allah.” At that moment, the Prophet replied, “Tie your camel and place your trust in Allah.” Muhammad encouraged believers to seek guidance from Allah, but also counselled them to use their rational mind for the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

Personal Finance Support

Do you need help better managing your personal finances? Are you looking for ways to save money and re-evaluate your spending habits? The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board offers a confidential one-to-one advisory service to help murids with personal finance support. This includes:

How to produce a budget
Understanding your needs versus wants
Managing your debt and repayments
Pensions and preparing for retirement
A framework on how to think about investments
A review of your personal policy documents including your wills

Please contact the personal finance casework team by emailing akepb@iiuk.org if you require assistance.

We are here to help.