Maroof Institute
Advocacy | Research | Community
About us
Maroof Institute at a glance
Salaam Alaykum and Marhaba. Maroof Institute is an Islamic faith and family advocacy, promoting the research, understanding and practice of ethical Muslim community living. It is a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to improving lives, promoting family values, and societal well-being in Africa and beyond.
Maroof Institute is currently an online Muslim Education Centre sharing learning and views on religion and society. In our current limited capacity we also seek to support families and individuals through our community outreach and welfare projects, until the establishment of a physical centre.
Inception
- Founded: Muharram 1448AH (July 2026), The Gambia.
- Founder: Ustadh Haroon Abu Ali.
- The founder sought to create a lasting institution that serves individuals, families, and communities through knowledge, and practical support, but this vision is bigger than one person. We invite you to join the Maroof conversation, work towards positive changes, and together inspire collective community action.
The logo and name
The logo is based on two letters: a stylised variation of the Arabic letter Meem (م) and the Latin letter I, combined to signify Maroof Institute.
The name of the organisation is taken from the word معروف, Maʿroof which is found in several languages such as Swahili, Farsi (Persian), Urdu, etc. It is derived from the Arabic for goodness, kindness, and that which is recognised as beneficial, and right. The word Maroof also appears more than twenty-five times in the Qur’an, such as in Surah Ale Imran 4:104:
وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining Maroof (that which is known in Islam to be good) and prohibiting Munkar (that which is rejected, disapproved or wrong). And it is they who are the successful.
Our work and appeals
Maroof Institute seeks to support women, families and vulnerable people through education, welfare, community activities, advocacy and ethical development.
We aim to raise funds through three key appeal areas: the Community Welfare Fund, Administration Fund and MOSC Fund, supporting charitable projects, essential organisational needs, and the development of the Maroof One Stop Centre for long-term community benefit. To read more about our appeals see the donation page.
Worship One Creator.
Aims and objectives
1. PURPOSE
To promote goodness through Tarbiyyah (nurturing and development) and Tabligh (sharing and delivering beneficial guidance and knowledge), based on the concept of Maroof, and to establish a trusted institution in Africa that supports women, families and vulnerable community members.
2. VISION
To become a leading centre of community support where women, families, and vulnerable people are empowered through knowledge, opportunity, and ethical living, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
3. MISSION
To advocate for ethical living, based on the concept of Maroof, and to provide access to educational programs, events, research, dialogue and community initiatives while developing a welcoming environment that offers welfare and well-being support, charitable assistance and partnerships that improve lives and strengthen communities.
4. OBJECTIVES