A former professional boxer will be travelling to Iraq on a humanitarian mission during the last ten days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Aqeel Asad, 52, from Manchester is a community development specialist, radio presenter and a boxing coach who grew up in a Jamaican-Christian family.

Aqeel said: “I went through a journey in seeking out the truth, at this time I was influenced by the emerging hip-hop movement as they would talk about Islam in their lyrics.

“I met reverts to Islam from many different nationalities who had a profound effect on me and I sought to gain the peace they showed in their dealings and interactions.

“After 9/11 I began to question why Islam would allow terrorism and continued looking for answers and eventually embraced Islam.”

The father of five is hoping to raise £10,000 to purchase food parcels that will feed a family of five for a whole month.

He said: “We will be handing out cash payments of Zakat to eligible families and will also provide hot nutritious Iftar meals for fasting families."

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For Muslims, Zakat is to donate 2.5 percent of one’s wealth on an annual basis. It is one of the major pillars of Islam.

Aqeel added: “I first got involved five years ago with campaigning when I took part in a charity weight lifting event with HRF (Human Relief Foundation) and from then I took part in their sports-related fundraisers. I was given the opportunity to travel to Lebanon and Jordon. I raised £13,000 for Lebanon.  

“Unfortunately, after raising money we were hit by the first lockdown and were not able to travel there. The money and aid still reached the recipients but I was disappointed that we weren’t able to get out there to hand deliver aid as promised.

“I am motivated by Islam to campaign for charity whether it is for Muslims or non-Muslims. Charity is at the core of Islam. I aim to serve humanity and motivate others to do the same. Last Ramadan I ran a marathon to raise funds.

“So now I am set to travel to Mosul, Iraq in my latest challenge. The first thing my kids asked when I decided to make the journey was "is it safe?" I actually had to Google it to be sure. It was one of the last places to be liberated from ISIS. But from what I can see and the information I have received from the International Medical Relief Agency who I will be travelling with, it is pretty safe to travel there although there is still a risk factor.”

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Mosul is a major city in Northern Iraq which was conquered by ISIS in 2014 but was retaken by Iraqi forces in 2017. Although the conflict with ISIS is over, the impact of the conflict has added to the troubles of the Iraqi people. Leaving cities like Mosul largely destroyed, a population living in the ruins, and significant numbers of people displaced.

Charities are on the ground attempting to help rebuild the city. Unidentified bodies are still stuck under the rubble which dominates the landscape. Although the war is over, the situation is dire for the residents of the city.

Should anyone want to receive updates while Aqeel is in Iraq then please send a WhatsApp message to 07769255786. 

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