OUR BRAND AMASSADOR
Rev. Mmasape Thathane-Tyolweni
(Superintendent Minister, Barking, Dagenham & Ilford Methodist Circuit)
Our partnership with UR-Rahman Food Bank is a beautiful expression of unity across faiths and cultures. Together we ensure that no family goes hungry, offering food, friendship, and dignity. What began as an act of charity has become a shared mission of hope, nourishing both body and soul.
Chairman Bonny Downs Community Association
We are delighted to partner with UR-Rahman Foodbank, working together to help everyone in our community be fed in body and soul. In an age of increasing division and tension, this work is a beautiful example of the joy and power of our multi-cultural nation.
David Mann,
Bonny Downs Community Association.
TO RAJA ABDUL SATTAR
FOUNDER-UR-RAHMAN FOOD BANK UK,
On behalf of the South Ilford Business Association and its members, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation and respect for the remarkable service you are providing through UR-RAHMAN Food Bank UK.
Your tireless efforts to help those most in need in our community have not gone unnoticed. Establishing and running a food bank is a demanding and selfless commitment, and to do so in honour of your late father is a deeply touching tribute. It is a reflection of your strong values, compassion, and the sense of responsibility you hold towards the welfare of others.
At a time when many families are facing hardship, the support your food bank provides has become a lifeline for so many. You are not only feeding people you are restoring hope, dignity, and unity within our neighbourhood. Your actions are a shining example of the kind of community spirit we strive to promote and uphold in South Ilford.
We pray that Allah Almighty (SWT) continues to bless you in this noble cause, increases your resources, and grants you strength and success in all your endeavours. May the legacy of your father live on through this meaningful and impactful work, and may you be rewarded both in this life and the hereafter.
As the South Ilford Business Association, we are proud to stand beside you and offer our full support. We welcome your initiative and would be honoured to collaborate or assist in any way that furthers the success of the UR-RAHMAN Food Bank UK. Our community is stronger because of people like you.
Please consider this letter as a small token of our gratitude and encouragement. We look forward to working together to uplift our community and support those who need it most.
With sincere respect and admiration,
Yours faithfully.
Ch Khalid Khan
Chairman
South Ilford Business Association
Ilford Islamic Centre Past Chairman
Statement from Ghazanfer Ali
Assalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Alhumdulillah, it has been a pleasure to participate in ithe food bank initiative you launched. You have bought smiles and relief to many in need and may Allah SWT reward you immensely for your efforts. Feeding the hungry is a noble act deeply rooted in our faith and our beloved Prophet S.A.W. placed great emphasis on easing the burdens of the poor and vulnerable.
I am delighted to support and be part of your new project, the Ur-Rehman Food Bank Charity and I have full confidence that, Insha’Allah, it will be a great success.
As a founding member of Ilford Islamic Centre-the first Muslim organisation in the borough of Redbridge, I have had the honour of serving our community for over 50 years. I know from experience such initiatives come with their challenges, but the blessings and reward that come with serving Allah SWT only strengthen our resolve to continue striving in His path.
May Allah SWT accept your efforts, place barakah in this new endeavour and grant success to all involved. Ameen.
Raja M.N.K. Kayani
Former Funeral Director and Trustee of Ilford Islamic Centre
Raja M.N.K. Kayani has long been a respected figure in the Ilford community, known for his unwavering dedication to charitable service and community welfare. As a former funeral director and trustee of the Ilford Islamic Centre, he played a crucial role in supporting families during their most difficult times with compassion, dignity, and professionalism.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Raja Kayani has been deeply involved in various charitable initiatives, both within the mosque and across the broader community. His work has focused on serving the vulnerable, supporting food distribution programmes, organising community welfare events, and ensuring the mosque remained a hub of support for people of all backgrounds.
He fully supports the UR-Rahman Foodbank, led by Abdul Sattar and his family, for their positive work and tireless efforts in uplifting the local community. Under his guidance, Ilford Islamic Centre has extended its reach through projects like foodbanks, hot meal distributions, and emergency relief efforts. His leadership helped shape the Centre’s vision of inclusivity, compassion, and active community engagement.
Even after stepping down from his official roles, Raja Kayani continues to inspire others through his ongoing commitment to service and his deep-rooted belief in helping those in need. His legacy is one of care, leadership, and tireless effort in building a stronger, more supportive community.
May Allah (SWT) accept your efforts, place barakah in this new endeavour, and grant success to all involved. Ameen.
Statement from Parveiz Aslam MBE
I am honoured to support the important work of the food bank in addressing food insecurity across the London Borough of Redbridge. In a time when many individuals and families are experiencing unprecedented hardship, the provision of good quality, nutritious food is not simply an act of charity, it is a fundamental necessity and a reflection of our collective values as a community.
The food bank’s model, which combines the redistribution of surplus food with a commitment to supporting vulnerable residents, exemplifies both compassion and efficiency. By reducing food waste and ensuring that vital resources reach those most in need, this initiative represents a practical and humane response to a pressing local issue.
I urge members of the public, local businesses and the Redbridge Council to continue supporting and collaborating with the food bank. Together, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to build a more inclusive, resilient and food-secure borough for all.
Regards
Mr Parveiz Aslam.MBE
Statement from Irfan Shah
It’s been a pleasure to help support the work that Ur Rahman Food Bank under the watchful eye of Abdul Sattar and his team of volunteers have been doing for families and individuals going through hardship. I have first hand witnessed the diligence and care that goes in dealing with the public. The fundraising and buying of affordable products that goes along way for those in need is spot on. Keep up the amazing work Abdul and team.
Irfan Shah BEM
Co Founder of
Frenford and Mutual Aid Foodbank
Statement from Sajjad Sharif
Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
In my opinion UR-RAHMAN FOOD BANK UK ; a local foodbank in the community is definitely a Nobel cause that serves the needs of our brother & sisters going through hardship, poverty & hunger. The initiative taken by brother Raja A sattar & family is a just cause long due . I humbly appreciate as a trustee of ILFORD ISLAMIC CENTRE which me and my trustees also help the local community projects and positive initiatives. I would request the local community to come together and support the UR-RAHMAN FOODBANK UK & pray for its successful future. May Allah s.w.t Accept Raja A Sattar’s work and give him & family Barakah in there project and Grant success to All involved present , past & future.
Sajjad Sharif
Trustee & director of the,
ILFORD ISLAMIC Centre
Albert road ilford
Statement from Ahmad Nawaz
I wholeheartedly support the excellent food bank established by Abdul Sattar to serve our local community in need. It’s truly inspiring to witness someone who has faced such personal tragedy channeling their energy into charitable work, especially during these challenging times of rising living costs. Abdul’s dedication to helping those who are struggling regardless of colour or creed reflects a remarkable sense of purpose and selflessness that is commendable. As the situation continues to worsen for many, food banks like this become increasingly vital. I encourage everyone to rally behind this initiative and contribute in any way possible to ensure that our neighbors have access to the support they desperately need.
Ahmad Nawaz
– Secretary, Ilford Islamic Centre 2010-2024
– Secretary, Redbridge Muslim Burials Service
– Trustee, Redbridge Faith Forum