Every year on World Humanitarian Day, we honour the unwavering dedication of those who risk their lives to help others. This year’s theme, #ActForHumanity, highlights the tireless efforts of humanitarian workers who venture into crisis zones to provide aid and hope.
Today, we share the compelling story of Islamic Relief’s Dahir Abdullahi, whose journey and dedication epitomise the essence of humanitarian work.
Igniting a passion for aid work
Dahir began his career with Humanitarian Inclusion in 2012 as a database officer in the Dadaab Refugee Camps.
“Seeing the conditions in the camp, I felt a deep responsibility towards those in need,” Dahir explains.
Dahir later joined Save the Children Kenya as a community outreach officer before moving to Somalia, where he spent 8 years working with organisations such as Mercy-USA, Acted, and Médecins Sans Frontières in communication and advocacy roles.
Fulfilling an obligation to humanity
In 2023, Dahir made a significant career move by joining Islamic Relief, driven by the opportunity to improve the lives of people in Afghanistan through his role as communications and external relations manager.
“Islamic Relief, being a faith-inspired organisation, is driven by sincerity to God and the need to fulfil our obligation to humanity. This spirit was missing in my previous roles,” he says.
“The chance to work in Afghanistan, a country emerging from over 4 decades of conflict, was the challenge I needed. It was unforgiving terrain, but I felt this was my path.”
Dahir visiting a health clinic in Herat set up to support earthquake-affected families.
Embracing a new environment
In his role, Dahir considers how best to tell the stories of the more than 40 projects Islamic Relief is delivering across Afghanistan. One notable initiative provides critical medical treatment for vulnerable mothers with complicated illnesses.
A poignant story that stands out for Dahir is that of Safi, a mother of 7 who had been suffering from a painful gallbladder condition for over a decade. Unable to afford the necessary surgery, Safi’s life was transformed when Islamic Relief funded her operation.
“Seeing the tangible impact of our work on the community makes me happy,” Dahir says.
Working in a complex country like Afghanistan comes with several challenges. A significant obstacle Dahir faces is documenting the stories of women, who can be difficult to reach due to social and cultural barriers. To help address this, Dahir restructured the communications department to dedicate more positions for women, who can more freely communicate with the women and girls Islamic Relief supports in Afghanistan.
Dahir holding fashionable Afghan clothing made by a female entrepreneur supported by Islamic Relief in Bamyan, Afghanistan.
Dahir reflects on a Swahili saying, “tenda wema nenda zako” loosely translated as “do good and go your way.” He recalls how small positive actions have returned to him in unexpected ways.
“Through our Qurbani project, I visited a couple with visual impairments at their home on the outskirts of Kabul City. They were living in a single-room mud-brick home. We covered their daily struggles and journey. Exactly a year later, the family invited me to join them at the Eid al-Adha feast. This is a moment that I will always treasure and carry with me for the rest of my life.”
As Dahir looks to the future, he aspires to make an even greater impact on the communities he serves.
“Beyond personal career goals, I am passionate about positively impacting communities through my work,” he states. “I aim to double my efforts with more energy and determination to help communities get back on their feet.”
As we mark World Humanitarian Day, Dahir’s journey reminds us of the heroes among us who tirelessly work to make the world a better place. His story underscores the critical importance of humanitarian workers who #ActForHumanity, bringing hope and relief to those in desperate need.
Please help humanitarians like Dahir continue to support vulnerable people in need around the world. Donate now to help Islamic Relief’s humanitarian efforts.
