A legacy of mercy.
Serving orphans, vulnerable children and families with compassion — whatever their faith, race, ethnicity or background.
Born from decades of one family's generosity.
Bibi Fatimah Foundation (BFF) was founded by Dr Nazmu Virani to support orphans, vulnerable children and families. It grew from decades of generosity by one family, and is now taking its next step as a charity.
For us, caring for a child in need is an act of faith, and one that knows no boundaries. We serve every child and family, whatever their faith, race, ethnicity or background, because every one of them deserves compassion, dignity and the chance to flourish.
Our vision is inspired by the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose message the Qur'an describes as a mercy to the worlds. Having lost his own parents in childhood, he placed the care of orphans and the vulnerable at the heart of faith.
Dr Nazmu Virani
Founder & Chairman
Whatever we have today, we have through the mercy and kindness of the Almighty. It has been entrusted to us by Allah, and one day we will leave it behind. So our responsibility is not simply to build for ourselves. It's to build something that continues to benefit those who are less fortunate, regardless of their faith, gender or background.Dr Nazmu Virani
For him, giving is not a sacrifice — it is a responsibility. He believes children who have lost parental shelter deserve not only food, but also dignity, education, affection and the opportunity to build a meaningful future. Every child, he believes, carries divine light. To care for them is to serve God.
Faith, struggle & service.
When Nazmu Virani reflects on the journey that brought him from East Africa to the United Kingdom, he does not begin with business success. He begins with something far deeper: faith in God and the prayers of his mother.
- Early roots
A legacy of courage and enterprise
His grandfather travelled from Porbandar in India to East Africa to work on the railway lines being built through harsh and dangerous terrain, and chose to stay and build a life in Africa. Over time the family established restaurants and property ventures in Uganda. As a teenager, Nazmu travelled overnight by bus from Kampala to Nairobi to buy goods and sell them at home. "Sometimes I would double my money."
- Home
A mother's prayers
His mother, Fatma — born in Dhari, Gujarat — taught her children that everything ultimately belongs to God. "She used to say that whatever we have is not ours. We are only caretakers." After his beloved wife Yasmin passed away, he brought his mother to live with him and cared for her personally, never leaving home without breakfast with her and returning each evening to spend it by her side.
- 1972
Exile from Uganda — losing everything, but not faith
When Asians were expelled from Uganda, Nazmu fled with his wife and young daughter, leaving everything behind. "We parked the Mercedes at the airport, left the keys in the car and walked away." Travelling through Europe, he lost his suitcase and was left without money even to buy milk for his one-year-old daughter — yet he still comforted a fellow passenger, who handed him a £20 traveller's cheque. "When you pray sincerely, God listens."
- 1973
Rebuilding life in Britain
The family arrived in London as refugees. Nazmu worked night shifts in a factory while searching for opportunities by day. "We did not want handouts. My father taught us that we must earn our living." After many rejections, a landlord of a different faith opened a door for them — his brother-in-law had once been a tenant of the Virani family in Uganda. Nazmu offered three years' rent in advance.
- Lordship Lane
From "Hardship Lane" to a lasting business
That small grocery shop in Dulwich became the foundation for everything that followed. From one shop the family grew to several, and eventually built a significant portfolio of hotel properties in London. "When God gives, nothing can stop it."
- Today
A life of giving
Through the charitable initiatives he supports, hundreds of people are fed regardless of religion, background or ethnicity — including more than 400 guests every Friday in central London. "Faith does not teach us to care only for our own. If someone next to you is hungry while you are eating, that is not human."
Whatever I have today is because of my mother's prayers and God's mercy.Dr Nazmu Virani
Why Bibi Fatimah?
Fatimah al-Zahra was the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and remains an enduring symbol of faith, compassion, strength, family and devotion.
The name also honours Dr Nazmu Virani's mother, Fatma — to all the family, she was Maaji. An exceptional, incredibly strong woman and the backbone of the family, she served as Chairperson of the Funeral Committee. She passed away in 2021, but her values continue to guide the family every day.
His father, GhulamHusein, was a devoted and supportive husband and father. The property business the family runs today is one he taught them.
In Maaji's name, and in the spirit of both my parents, I founded Bibi Fatimah Foundation (BFF).Dr Nazmu Virani · Founder & Chairman
The trustees who guide our work.
Today, Bibi Fatimah Foundation carries forward the family legacy with a commitment to orphans and the most vulnerable in society.
Dr Nazmu Virani
Founder & Chairman
Sheikh Faid M. Said
Trustee
Ayesha Imran
Trustee
Rahim Virani
Trustee
Dame Maureen Thomas DBE
TrusteeFounded on a long-term commitment.
Because the Foundation's core costs are underwritten by its founding supporters, the work can be planned with confidence and carried out for the long term.
Cygnet Property & Leisure PLC
A founding supporter, with a commitment to responsible growth, community benefit and long-term social contribution.
The Virani Family
Founding supporters whose commitment to family, education, community service and philanthropy shaped the Foundation's purpose from the beginning.