The “Islamic Relief" charity, which has branches in Europe, UK and USA, has launched an ad campaign on the London double decker buses to solicit donations for their Ramadan aid to Syria. The charity has previously been in the news as HSBC cut ties with them citing fear that funds would support terrorism.
The ad is a simple abstract starry blue background with a brush script that declares “Subhan Allah" which means “Glory to Allah". The subline asks readers to 'gather the rewards of Ramadan' to donate to the charity.
The media buy is concentrated to areas where there's a growing muslim population that may donate, and the government-backed organisation hopes the posters will “break down barriers” and portray Islam in a positive light. Islamic Relief has paid for hundreds of buses in London, Manchester, Leicester, Birmingham, and Bradford, the campaign will run during Ramadan next month. Unless it's refused, like the Lord's prayer cinema ad was, due to potentially offending people. The Times in the UK report that this campaign may “raise eyebrows” among uk Christians.