NEWS STORY TITLE:
Pakistan & Afghanistan Emergency Appeal

DATE SHARED:
29 January 2023

CATEGORIES:
CHARITY NAME: The Zahra Trust
CAUSE Humanitarian Charity
COUNTRY UK

STORY:

The humanitarian situation has reached a critical point as the death toll has sadly risen to over 1,000 people, 33 million people have been displaced, and thousands more have lost their homes and livelihoods.

These floods come after earthquakes in Afghanistan and targeted attacks on worshipers in Pakistan.

The consequences of these catastrophic natural disasters will be felt for years to come as already impoverished communities struggle to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, further entrenching them in the cycle of poverty.

These recent natural calamities are a severe setback for Afghan and Pakistani families already enduring chronic poverty, misery, and suffering before the disaster. They will now leave them with lifelong injuries and no place to live. Worse yet, tens of thousands of homes that remain standing have sustained severe damage and are in danger of collapse.

Before this natural disaster, Afghanistan and Pakistan were both already in the grip of humanitarian crises. Now people will be suffering from much greater hardships. Earthquakes, floods, droughts, economic collapse, and soaring global food costs have brought millions of Afghans and Pakistanis to the verge of hunger.

Our employees at The Zahra Trust have been working around the clock in the aftermath of Afghanistan’s and Pakistan’s floods to offer critical first aid. Our team is on the ground performing a thorough needs assessment and collaborating with locals to deliver immediate help and assistance to affected families.

The Zahra Trust has provided millions of people across hundreds of communities throughout the world with relief and development aid since its establishment in 2008. Still, our charity does not have the funding to reach every vulnerable individual. It’s through your donations that we can continue our work.

We are currently trying to help hundreds of people who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Medical care and transportation for the injured, shelter and supplies for the displaced, food and water, and clothes are among the most imminent needs the country is facing.

We need your help to offer critical assistance to injured individuals who these tragic natural catastrophes have impacted.

Your donations to the Afghanistan and Pakistan appeals will support communities and people living in places with food shortages and a lack of healthcare. With your help, we will be able to provide life-saving resources to those who need them most and guarantee that there are resources in place ahead of future natural disasters.

Crisis of this magnitude do not resolve themselves without great action; they necessitate a collaborative effort.

The people of Afghanistan and Pakistan need our support now more than ever. We cannot abandon them right now. Help us reach vulnerable families suffering from this calamity. Every donation makes a difference.

Please support our important work – https://zahratrust.com/donate/

#humanitarianaid #gaza #thezahratrust #musliminspire #uk #charity #muslims #islam

NEWS STORY TITLE:
Gaza Winter Walk 2023

DATE SHARED:
29 January 2023

CATEGORIES:
CHARITY NAME: Muslim Hands UK
CAUSE Humanitarian Charity
COUNTRY UK

STORY:

Join our 15th annual Gaza Winter Walk in a city near you – and make a huge difference to the people of Gaza!

This year, we are fundraising to supports orphans in Gaza with their welfare and educational needs. Once more, we invite you to walk 5 miles to show your support for this incredibly important cause.

We will be heading to three cities across the UK in February 2023, bringing more families together to raise money for Gaza. So make sure you don’t miss out on this event!

Register today for FREE and let’s reach that finish line together.

Fundraising Target: £150

Register below, Locations London, Manchester & Birmingham

Walking Together

Over the past 14 years, more than 20,000 walkers across the UK have come together for the Gaza Winter Walks, braving the cold to raise over £1 million for various projects in Gaza.

Right now, children in Gaza face shortages in educational and healthcare facilities, clean water and food, as well as the mental impact of a sustained blockade and ongoing cycle of violence. Orphans are particularly vulnerable and continuing attacks on the strip are leaving more children without one or both parents .

By joining us for this year’s Gaza Winter Walk, you will be helping to provide much needed support for these vulnerable children.

Register Below:

https://muslimhands.org.uk/events/2023/gaza-winter-walk-2023

#humanitarianaid #gaza #muslimhandsuk #musliminspire #uk #charity #muslims #islam

Azra, Dental Medicine

LOCATION: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Great lover of medicine and science

CHOSEN HADITH / AYAH: “By the morning brightness. And the night when it covers with darkness. Your Lord has not taken leave of you, nor has He detested.”

It’s been always my word of console and strength to continue. We often fall into depressive situations, especially today, when we have everything, but in fact, we have nothing. The Qur’an is the cure, the Qur’an is the advice, the Qur’an is our best friend and speaker, simply said, the Qur’an has saved us and the Instructions for a Happy Life.

Every Qur’ans surah, each ayah, has HIS message and instruction. The problem is in us. We do not read the Qur’an enough, or we may read it, but we do not understand it, nor do we try to understand it.
The Qur’an ayah that I stated should be taught by every man, it has an extremely strong message, an extremely calming call, acts relaxing on a man, and gives him new hope, the hope of not being complete. In particular, psychiatrists would recommend studying these ayahs, I think this would ease their work with patients.

During my studies, I have acknowledged how perfect God is, and His creation – the human body. Every single cell has its own purpose, and only if all of them work together, and help each other the whole body will work properly. That is how Muslims all around the world should be, and Islam taught us how good we must be in our lives. Everybody has its own purpose but only if we work together, and help each other, we can become like we were in the golden age of Islam when we were at the peak when scientific, social and cultural works flourished.

No one has been created in vain; every man has his purpose, and each individual has his share in the community. In this way, Islam helps us to get out of depression, and look at life from another angle. From the corner where we all are important in some way.

Bekir – Theology student

Location: Tuzla, Bosnia, and Herzegovina

Hobbies & Interests: Football, video games, crime books, and movies.

Chosen Ayah / Hadith: Prophet Muhammed pbuh. said: ”If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.’’ He repeated this sentence three times.

To explain why I choose this hadith, I’ll write a short story, and my story explains everything. It is known who is the king of the forest. The lion is significant in appearance and is strong, and therefore he is the king of the jungle. The lion as a lion, king as king, strong and powerful ordered all animals in the forest to bring him food every day. That’s the way it was. every day they brought him food, he would have eaten and left the rest to other animals. One day foxes were supposed to bring food. The lady waited, waited, fairly hungry, and therefore he was angry and just when he went to ask her, the fox came, but her empty hands. “Where is lunch?” The lion asked. “Forest Excellency, I had no other way out, but what I brought to you gave you another lion that is stronger and bigger. That’s not all, he’s still saying he’s from now on the king, not you. That’s why I gave it to your lunch. “The lion, as hungry, was even angrier and asked the fox where the lion was. “Come quickly, show me!” The fox led him to the edge of a breakthrough, on whose floor was the water. When he looked, his figure appeared in the water. He crazed with anger and jumped without hesitation … At that moment he realized that he was caught in the trap of a deep breakthrough, and the fox began to laugh.

We can see what rage and angry behavior brung to the lion, nothing good that’s sure. So this is the reason why I always have this hadith on my mind. And this is part of life where Islam and Muhammed pbuh. helped me. Because of this story and this hadith I learned how to be patient, and how to ”hold” my anger in every situation I came to.

This may be a little strange comparison, or it is presented in the simplest way, but it is also relevant. How many times have we been in the position of a lion? I am sure, many times, in different situations with different people profiles. Every time I did something and I did not think before, or allowed hatred and anger to take hold of me, it had negative consequences for my relationship with other people. On many occasions, I have shown my anger towards my best friend, not taking into account that this is just the current state in which I am, and not what I really am and how I feel. For this reason, this hadith, or message of Prophet Muhammad pbuh. it helps me in my everyday life and maintain relationships with other people, and avoiding the troubles in which we can find ourselves if we allow anger and hatred to overcome and overwhelm our reason.

Why did the lion allow it to be deceived? The answer is simple, because at that moment, while he was angry, he did not take into account the fact that the job of a liar was to deceive, to squabble. The other thing, he took the wrong weapon for the fight, namely, that which is called anger. It was enough just one second to stay and see the situation, he would realize that it was a reflection of a lion, not a lion.

Ademdin – programmer, virtual assistant

Location:Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hobbies& Interests: Everything about technology. I like computers, cell phones and any other form of technology. I’m currently working on programming, and I’m going to try programming in the future. Also successful on the Internet as a virtual assistant.

Chosen Ayah / Hadith: “Allah does not burden anyone with any of his possibilities.” (El-Bekara, 286)
“I can not do it, it’s impossible (something to change, to do, to achieve)!”, The words we often hear and which are one of the great reasons for the devastating state of the Islamic ummah. The root of these words is the state of mental disability, although the limitations that people impose on themselves are not real, but only umancy. Indeed, incapacitated minds only produce defeat.

There is no doubt that in life there are things that are impossible to execute. A lot of situations tell us that in life there are things that are beyond our means. However, this is not the subject of this speech, because otherwise we would be drawn into a long discussion and in the end justify the words: “I can not, it is impossible”, trying to give this illusion a justification and justification from the aspect of Islam!
Many generations of people use these phrases as guides that lead them through life, as a way of thinking that makes them accept the state they are in, while at the same time they feel satisfied because they can not do anything.

I’m amazed by the incredible backlog of people, regardless of his great potential for success and progress. I have thought a lot about this and I realized that the most common reason for this backwardness, though there are many, is the illusion that we can not do something, that it is impossible. This illusion has turned into a principle. We live in it and function in it.

This ayah helps me to realize that every goal is worth the effort and that we should strive to achieve what we are striving for in our lives, that is, in fact, Islam. We often look at Islam as a lifestyle, not just as a religion. However, Islam can also be viewed from another perspective, as the art of life. I say this, convinced that Islam allows us to live a life full of lungs, at the same time remaining within the limits of Islam.

Ayman, Pharmacist

Location: Gaza City

Interests and Hobbies: I’m mainly interested in reading books on philosophy and the fundamentals of Islam. As a pharmacist, I find myself reading medical articles, latest new scientific discoveries and modern types of medicine.

My chosen Ayah or Hadith: The Hadith that always comes to my mind is when the Prophet (PBUH) said: “All creatures are sons of Allah, and the dearest to you to Allah are the ones who are the most beneficial to their sons”. This Hadith is an invitation for all human beings to work for humanity without any discrimination, or restrictions regardless of the sector the ideology and overlooking the minor differences that some extremists use to divide our Ummah.

I am a pharmacist and I have previously worked as a pharmaceutical salesperson. Due to my long experience, I could easily notice the degradation of the general economic situation and how it directly affected every aspect of life here in Gaza, particularly the medical sector. The siege negatively impacted our jobs, sales, etc.

However, when I recall the story of the prophet during the siege of Taif, and how he and his people were living in very bad conditions, yet with their faithful and patient; “So, verily, with every difficulty, there is a relief” (94:5). Since the prophet is my role model, I believe eventually, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

The siege did not only affect our jobs but also affected our daily life directly to the point that the grief of losing souls became a daily basic affair. Shortage of necessary medical supplies, medical equipment, food supplies, and electrical power are some of the factors that contributed to our grief.

What motivates me to keep going on is my belief that everything happens for a reason, and if Allah put you through a difficulty, then it’s only because he knows you’re able to get through it inshAllah.

Awatef, Artist.

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies and interests: I’m mainly interested in drawing, painting, and arts and crafts. I love reading literature in all its forms. I’m interested in sports as well, swimming in particular.

My chosen Ayah: I live by the Ayah that says: “And mankind has not been given of knowledge except a little.” (17:85). This Ayah is a great reminder for me that whatever level of knowledge I reach can never be the end. I should never stop chasing any learning opportunities for you can learn from anyone and from anything. You can learn something from a story, from a little kid, form your peers, and even from just meditating on your own. Only Allah has the full knowledge of everything.

I have been gifted with the talent of drawing. I have always been into creative art, especially visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily for their imaginative, aesthetic content. I now work as an art teacher but I always seek developing myself and talent. Thus, I participated in a great number of art exhibitions both locally and internationally.

My latest local exhibit was hosted in the French Consulate in Gaza, it was my very first sole exhibition and it was a great challenge yet I was welcomed by the great numbers of people who visited and supported me. It was an exceptional experience. As for my international exhibitions, my works were presented in Jordan, Canada, Britain, and others. My work traveled to these places without me, I dream of standing next to my work, explaining it and seeing the appreciation in the eyes of the visitors. However, I’m deprived of this right as traveling out is extremely complicated and restricted.

In my work, I mostly focus on changing the theme and not sticking to one idea as to have an international view and appeal. Generally, in my work, I focus on the Palestinian woman, on how strong yet fragile she can be how much she suffered, and how much she endured. The Palestinian woman is one with great patience and mercy, with immense power; and I try my best to illustrate that in my work, to show her journey, and to demonstrate the hardships she goes through.

What motivates me is my faith in Allah. He gives me hope; the hope to travel accompanying my work whether internationally or in my own country.

Amira: Writer

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies and interests: I’m interested in reading, coloring, and writing. I’m keen on the idea of changing the whole educational system design in the Middle East. At the same time, I’m an advocate for Cancer, health and educational rights. I believe in being the voice for the voiceless.

My chosen Ayah: I really love Al-Kursi verse which says: “Allah. There is no god but He – the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Highest, the Supreme (in glory).

This Ayah makes me feel safe, especially when I first got diagnosed with an immune system dysfunction. It made feel fearless and I felt like it was my shield from everything. I really love it; it makes me feel at ease.

One of my passions is helping people; anywhere and anyone. I started as a story-teller for cancer patient kids, and now I plan cancer awareness campaigns. I used to be super active during university. I mostly helped freshmen. I used to participate in many events, I believe in “Do the best of this life to be of use”. Every few months, I travel for my medical check-up, and when people know I’m from Gaza they would be surprised since the media portrays a certain image of us but I portray the opposite of that image. I gave them a very positive image of us; that we hold on life no matter what we go through.

I’m a proud fibro-warrior and a mental-illness advocate. When I was first diagnosed, my faith was shaken. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I’ve always been good with helping people, yet I didn’t know how to help myself. I felt like I was alone. Until I heard the Kursi- verse in my dream. When I woke up, I didn’t feel alone anymore, I could feel that Allah granted me this Ayah as a reminder that He’s always protecting me.

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. “Malcolm X. Believe in yourself, fight for what you love and always help others.

Zayoon, a lawyer to be.

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies & interests: I’m a human rights activist, and I’m extremely passionate when it comes to seeking justice for those who need it, that’s why I majored in and graduated from the College of Law. Plus, I like watching different videos, listening to music, watching series, and writing. I’m really into participating in voluntary work events and helping to positively affect people’s lives and truly change them for the better.

My chosen Ayah: “Allah does not change what is in a nation unless they change what is in themselves.” (Al-Raad:11).I always put this Ayah in front of me as it’s a perfect reminder for the person that he is the only one who has enough power whether to improve himself or to destroy himself and that he should not be sitting waiting for change to happen and not taking the initiative to change from within. And our condition in the world as Muslims is never going to change unless we change the way we treat our brothers, sisters, families, and communities.

What my motivation and enthusiasm lately led me to participate in was a camp for the young freshmen; I was a leader in this project and I gave these freshmen everything I believe I needed to have when I was a freshman myself. The youth here in Gaza are living in the worst conditions a person can ever imagine, they are full of negative, depressing and bleak emotions; as they believe they’re being trapped in this big prison that kills their hopes and dreams without any warnings. Therefore, the aim of this camp was to give these young people a ray of hope, and a place to let off steam, a new community in which they can make new friends and connections, and just a new way to have fun!

As a fresh graduate from Gaza, like many others, I dream of studying for a master degree outside of Gaza. Unfortunately, we are living in a state of despair where there is no hope, no stable political situation, nor a good general situation of the country; needless to mention the economic situation; and all these circumstances combined to kill the aspirations and the dreams of the young people and force them to look for opportunities outside of their hometowns. Keeping in mind that traveling out of here is almost impossible for the majority of people due to the suffocating siege. Moreover, what adds salt to the injury is being looked at by the Western societies as the bad guys and the terrorists. Of course, it’s all because of the media which leaves aside the good work that Muslims do and only focus on the bad things. I feel like there is this big international conspiracy to make Islam look bad. However, personally, I believe that the image of Islam has a little bit improved that it used to be, and I hope it only gets better, and I hope that people stop ruining the images of any religion with their actions.

Safaa, a Psychology student.

Location: Gaza City.

Hobbies and interests: I like reading stories on mental illnesses and psychopathy, I usually tend to follow the development of some patients and their treatment sessions. I’m also interested in watching psychology related T.V. shows and series. I like reading and writing motivational stories. I’m interested in photography as well.

My chosen Ayah: The closest Ayah to my heart is: “When My worshipers ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the supplications of the suppliant when he calls to Me; therefore, let them respond to Me and let them believe in Me, in order that they will be righteous” ( Al –Baqarah- 1:186). This Ayah is my favorite for it always reminds me of how much significant my Duaa and prayers are, and how much prayers can change one’s life. It reminds me how good Allah has been with us and how much he blesses us every day and that we have to thank Him by making Duaa.

“Unlike the secular approach, the Islamic viewpoint does not differentiate between scientific knowledge and religion, but rather believes they work hand in hand”. Since I majored in Psychology, I had realized how important emotions and feelings are, and the enormous effect they have on people’s success in life. One of the main reasons that urged me to choose this field was to help the traumatized people of Gaza, especially the children, who have been through three devastating wars, different strikes, unstable political situations, and the suffocating siege. Being a survivor in these kinds of situations was a blessing and a curse, but Allah asked us to be patient and so we tried. The last war was right after I finished high school, so when it was the time to choose my major, it wasn’t hard to decide what I wanted to do. I wanted to be the person that people go to in order to feel lighter after letting it all out, I wanted to be the well of secrets where they feel no shame, no embarrassment, no judgmental looks. So alhamdulillah I fulfilled my ambitions and became the person I wanted to be, I helped so many people who now meet me with a smile on their faces and a Duaa from their hearts.

Regrettably, the relationship between the Western countries and Israel is quite strong and that added some points to the advantage of Israel and gave it a great help in ruining the image of Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslims of Palestine. Israel is now promoting the image of Palestinian as terrorists using their propaganda and media to convey false and one-sided stories to the naïve people who believe everything they see on T.V. Therefore, one of my wishes is for the world to see the real Muslim Palestinians with their true colors.