Leading the Way—One Positive Outcome At a Time
Served Over
70,000
Families
The Umar Foundation Story
We are a multi-generational charitable organization providing education, resources, and health treatments for vulnerable children, orphans, and women across the globe.
Our story first began with the charitable works of our ancestors working to improve their local communities and continues today through the essential services we provide to vulnerable populations.
At the Umar Foundation, it is our vision to transform the lives of those who have lost hope throughout their life journeys by inspiring them to live again.
Our Defining Values
All of our charitable work is driven by the values we learned from our founding fathers.
Trust
Work to build trust with the local communities we serve throughout the world.
People
Take a people-first approach as we work to improve the lives of those we serve.
Connection
Form meaningful connections to ensure the most vulnerable are heard.
Commitment
Doing whatever it takes to provide essential services to those who need them most.
Loyalty
Stay committed to our volunteers and the service providers who make it possible.
Optimism
Inspire positive change by lifting the most vulnerable in their time of need.
Innovation
Achieve positive outcomes through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Equality
Ensure that everyone has equal access to the basic necessities of life.
Current Leadership
Meet the team behind the Umar Foundation and the charitable services we provide.
Haji Zeeshan Umar
President
Haji Zeeshan Umar carried on the legacy of his father Aftab Umar, a prominent philanthropist, by opening his own brick kiln factory. He has been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including Hazrat Ameer Khusro Cultural Society (HAKCS), Hazrat Shah Haroon Chishti Cultural Society (HSHCCS), Anjuman Tehqeeqe Adab, Saharanpur Social Welfare and Cultural Society and several more. He has helped several orphans, and widows by providing financial assistance to those dealing with major health problems.
Darab Ali
Founder
Rao Mehboob
General Secretary
Gayyur Ahmad
Treasurer
Founding Fathers
Haji Mohammad Umar
Haji Mohammad Umar’s Islamic intellectual roots run deep, dating back to Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan’s founding of Aligarh Muslim University. He has a strong command of the Urdu and Persian languages, and decided to return to school after realizing the importance of modern education.
This appreciation for education moved him to want premium education for his children. He sent his youngest son to Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, India, to receive a western education.
Despite being a committed Muslim, Haji Mohammad Umar respected other religions and developed positive relationships with the other cultures. Through his hard work, he built a strong bond rooted in peace, harmony, and the unification of all local religions in his city.
Haji Mohammad Umar was a well-known businessman who built a mosque for his community in Punjabi Market, Saharanpur, and Uttar Pradesh, India. After starting a cotton yarn business, he quickly became recognized for his business prowess. He set up his sons, Haji Aftab Umar and Haji Iqbal Umar, to work alongside him in the business sector.
Haji Aftab Umar
Haji Aftab Umar was a well-known social activist and businessman. He constantly emphasized the necessity of women’s education and worked to strike a fine balance between traditional and modern moral principles. His humanitarian efforts have benefited several orphanages, nursing homes, charitable hospitals, and Islamic schools. He founded Islamia Shifakhana (a charitable hospital) in Saharanpur, which was named after him.
In an effort to carry on his family’s passion for success, Haji Aftab Umar has always encouraged his children to follow their dreams passionately to make a difference in the world. He was a role model, not only for his own children, but for the children of the community he lived in as well. Many orphans sought safety in Haji Aftab Umar’s residence, where they were cherished and cared for. He educated them, married them, and provided their later growing families with resources.
With his humble and non-violence mentality, Haji Aftab Umar assisted and saved many people during community disturbances in his hometown and made it his duty to preach peace.
Haji Iqbal Umar
Haji Iqbal Umar was a committed social activist. He matriculated from Islamia Inter College in 1947, when India was partitioned and Pakistan emerged. He enjoyed photography and its nuances. He soon left this field of work and returned to his family’s textile and yarn company.
He was devoted to his religion and education. Since he had a big heart, he requested no compensation for his work, instead deciding to put all of his faith for provision in the hands of his God.
Throughout his life, he delved into learning homoeopathy, reading numerous books, and performing it. He was also skilled in allopathic treatment.
Haji Iqbal Umar took much pride in aiding the people who struggled and suffered in his community and tried to soften the financial burdens for many.
Haji Zeeshan Umar
Most recently during the pandemic in 2020, Haji Zeeshan Umar defended his community in India. He donated food parcels and money to help hundreds of victims.
Haji Zeeshan Umar successfully completed his college studies at Maharaj Singh Degree College in the year 1978. He began helping his father in their cloth business in Saharanpur, India. He started a coal distribution business the following year. In addition to these accomplishments, Haji Zeeshan Umar has been heavily involved in various other business ventures including import-export, and manufacturing. He is also an active volunteer for Islamia Shifa Khaana (a longtime charity hospital) which was founded by his ancestors.
Life has taken Haji Zeeshan Umar to the deepest depths, but this did not discourage him from fighting. He built his life in Canada from the ground up, and learned the importance of hard work and its legacy impact. In 2009, Haji Zeeshan Umar was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Thankfully, he was cured and after this experience decided to embark on philanthropic endeavors.
Haji Zeeshan Umar is also associated with the Urdu Poetry Association in Toronto, Canada, and with some of the most famous Urdu poets in the world. He frequently takes part in Mushaira (poetry concerts and has written two Urdu poetry books.
Haji Zeeshan Umar currently lives in Toronto, Canada with his family. He has been instrumental in helping his children, as well as his grandchildren, to be civilized and useful members of society. Through his charitable foundation, he also hopes to construct a hospital and school for those who cannot afford to provide for themselves.
Be Part of Our Vision
We envision a society in which we are all committed to giving and participating in the charitable sector—one where all charities, regardless of size, can make an impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Be the Change
Are you interested in making a difference? The Umar Foundation is always looking for volunteers and donations to support our mission. Get in touch with us today to see how you can help.
