Set up in January 2006, the Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign aims to encourage more Muslims to come forth and become donors. The event comes as part of the holy month of Muharram, when Muslims remember and take lessons from the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). As a method of giving for the sake of humanity, the organisers are hoping to inspire Muslims to give blood for the benefit of others and honour the memory of Imam Hussain (AS). Rachel Roberts, spokesperson for the National Blood Service, said; We are delighted with this initiative from the local Muslim community to promote blood donation and look forward to forging even stronger links. The need for blood is universal and this project will help save & improve patients lives.

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115! Campaign Video 2009 featuring Sayed Fadhil Milani and Sayed Mahdi Modarresi

Why donate blood?

Donating blood, daunting as it may seem, is a simple and highly commendable act. Despite its recommendation by Muslim scholars, there seems to be a lack of understanding of its Islamic approval. This campaign has set out to breakdown such misconceptions and in turn replace with increased knowledge, awareness, and enthusiasm towards this gracious and hospitable act.

The immense demand for donors of rarer blood groups from people of wider ethnic backgrounds is overwhelming. The campaign strives to bring people from various ethnic groups together to give their valuable blood. Another reason that relates this act to that of Imam Hussain is that the members of his group came from every walk of life and the cause he died for served the whole of mankind.

Where can I donate?

The IUS teams up with the National Blood Service on a national level to make sure Donation centres are ready all on the same day ready to recieve generous donors. This is a list of cities from last year and we hope to add more every year where there is demand:

• Glasgow
• Bradford
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• London - Edgware
• London - West End

Media Coverage

Year on year as the campaign grows and expands, it gains more coverage in the press. Below is a sample; a press release from a recent campaign, a news article by local press and an interview on local radio.

Local Press News Article 2007 (PDF)

IUS Press Release 2009 (PDF)

Download	Name	Play	Size	Length
	Blood Donation Campaign interview (BBC Radio Manchester)		3.2 MB	6:54 min