About Us
About us
Our Identity
Mehwar Foundation embodies Mawakhat (solidarity) as a vision towards a poverty-free society based on the values of solidarity, equity, and compassion. Mehwar Foundation values financial inclusion, education, and healthcare as fundamental human rights.
Our Story
Before 2001, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib was affiliated with the Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP) where he worked with marginalized families and witnessed their struggles firsthand. Learning from his experiences, he founded Mehwar and decided to dedicate his life to providing support to those in need.
Our Work
Mehwar offers interest-free loans such as Qarz-e-Hassan to financially disadvantaged families and individuals. Mehwar provides three types of loans; enterprise, agriculture, and housing. Beyond the realm of microfinance, Mehwar also works in the areas of education, vocational trainings, transgender support, and disaster relief.
Our Philosophy
مواخات
Mehwar derives its philosophy from Mawakhat-e-Medina, a story of compassion and brotherhood. In 622 CE, the Muhajireen (Immigrants) escaped their hometown Mecca due to religious persecution and fled to Medina leaving behind all their belongings. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him) called on the Ansars (helpers) of Medina to share their wealth with the Muhajirs (immigrants) and treat them like brothers, offering them support in their time of difficulty. The event was a historic moment in history and laid the foundation of the enduring tradition of Mawakhat: solidarity and social responsibility towards one’s fellow citizens.
Although Mehwar derives its inspiration from the Islamic tradition of Mawakhat, it does not discriminate based on religion, sect, caste, color, creed, or gender. Through all its programs, Mehwar propagates inclusion, social entrepreneurship, compassion, and growth.
Our Principles
Mehwar evolved as an organic entity through a process of action research. The following major principles were adopted with time.
Interest-free microfinance
Mehwar provides loans with zero interest based on the belief that poverty cannot be eradicated by charging interest and doing business with the poor.
Places of Worship
Mehwar operates in places of worship including mosques, churches, and temples to organize loan disbursement ceremonies. The use of religious places ensures transparency, participation, and accountability while also minimizing operational costs and generating goodwill.
Volunteerism
Mehwar relies upon the passion, dedication, and zeal of its volunteer team who dedicate their time, talent, and resources towards the vision of Mehwar.
Policy of Non-Discrimination
Mehwar believes in an inclusive society without any discrimination based on caste, color, creed, gender, politics, or faith. Mehwar is a nonpolitical organization working toward the ultimate objective of a poverty-free Pakistan.
Cycle of Reciprocity
Mehwar strives to empower its borrowers with the hope of inspiring a cycle of generosity for the goodwill of all those in need.
Our Values
Akhuwat recognizes four core values that support the spirit of Mawakhat: Iman, Ihsan, Ikhlas, and Infaq—faith, excellence, sincerity, and giving. Together, these values merge into the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity.
Iman
Iman, or faith, is the human trust or belief in a transcendent reality that inspires a sense of responsibility and duty. The rewards of fulfilling such a duty may not be material and/or rewarded in this world. Belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment is central to Iman as it inspires one to be cognizant that they will be accountable for their worldly deeds.
Ihsan
The literal meaning of Ihsan is “to do beautiful things” such that in every act undertaken, one is cognizant of Allah’s presence. Under the Mawakhat paradigm, Ihsan entails that every individual strives for excellence in character, work, service, and knowledge.
Ikhlas
Ikhlas, or purity, refers to the sincerity of intention and action. To purge one’s intentions of all impurities requires self-discipline, submission of the ego, and a persistent struggle. Under Mawakhat, Ikhlas requires one to pursue goodness for the sake of goodness alone, and thus to be free from pretence, deceit, or hypocrisy.
Infaq
Infaq refers to giving in the way of Allah and can be loosely translated into spending or giving, without reward from anyone but Allah. As a means of equitable distribution of income and other resources, Infaq means the same for the poor and rich; one must give according to his or her ability to those who have comparatively fewer resources.
Our Founder
Allama Muhammad Asif Hussaini is the Founder and Chairman of Mehwar Foundation, driven by the belief that no one should be denied the dignity of a helping hand. Under his leadership, Mehwar works across Islamic microfinance, education, and welfare to serve communities across Pakistan.
View ProfileOur Leadership
Mehwar Foundation has a dedicated board of directors and heads of international chapters, who lay the foundation that helps Mehwar Foundation work towards achieving its vision of poverty alleviation.
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