An estimation of the United Nations, in regards to the number of Orphans only in small Chechnya/Russian Federation, is 11,000. The orphans are those who lost their father, or in many cases, both parents, in wars or natural disasters. The trauma and hardships the orphans endure is unimaginable. Our goal at the Zakat Foundation is, to help ease the pain and suffering of orphans around the world. There are two simple ways to join our program. The first way is by donating to our general orphan program. The second option is by donating to a specific child in a certain country. After making a decision, simply fill out an orphan sponsorship application form. Although we will try our best, we cannot guarantee the orphan of your choice. We will offer what we have or put your application on our list until we find an orphan that you want to sponsor.
Orphans: Who are they? Story of Hamid and Faizullah brothers
Whenever we talk about orphans, we bear in our mind that the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was himself an orphan. Being an orphan, he knew what it was like to live without the comfort, guidance, and love of a mother and father. Therefore he said "Anyone who cares for orphans will be in paradise with me like that," putting his two fingers over each other.
We would like to share the story of two orphan brothers: 7 year old Hamid and 4 year old Faizullah. When their father died, their young mother fled to a refugee camp near the Pakistani border to protect her children from the violent war. As one can imagine, the pain of being restricted to a life in a refugee camp where she was unable to support her children, as well as trying to cope with the loss of her husband drove the young mother into a deep emotional depression. One day her two boys, Hamid and Faizullah, woke up only to discover that their mother had left. No one in the camp saw or heard from her again.
Life in a refugee camp is a life far away from our imagination. It is simply unbearable. It is a life of misery, sadness, tears and hopelessness. There is never enough water, food or work. To have electricity would be a dream. Education? A refugee would be lucky to attend a camp school. However, in a refugee camp, the term 'school' refers to something far different than what someone in the United States might imagine. A typical school in a refugee camp is a dilapidated hut that often lacks walls and sometimes even a roof. Without the protection of walls, children in the classrooms are susceptible to the harsh climates and weather conditions, such as the brutal summer heat, the freezing cold of the winter, and heavy rains. In these schools, there are no desks, no chalkboards, no books, and rarely are there even pencils or paper to write on. Needless to say, refugee camps are not your normal neighborhood.
While visiting such a camp we met Hamid and Faizullah, and their sisters Mumine, (8 years old) and Zainab (9 years old). At the time, they were attending a school much like the one mentioned above, despite the 50% grade heat of the summer. We saw the two young brothers trying to read the only book they had; their faces dry and pealing because of the arid climate and lack of water. In order to obtain permission to bring the children to the orphanage we talked to their uncle, who was also living in this camp not too far from them. When we approached the Uncle, he was having lunch with his family. The small meal consisted of dried bread mixed with water. We shared the good news; the Zakat Foundation would like to take care of the two little boys in their orphanage in Rawalpindi. When they heard this, the whole family started crying with joy. We promise we are coming back to pick up two little sisters too!
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First day in an Orphanage
When the two young boys entered the orphanage accompanied by their uncle, the familiar look on their faces revealed the same hopelessness and misery as in the camp. When we put food on the table Hamid was surprised. He opened his eyes widely and said, "Look, so much food!" And to our surprise, Faizullah ate as much as two adults could! Just when we thought he was finished eating, he started filling his pockets with bread. We asked, "Why are you putting bread in your pocket?" He told us: "Ah, this is just for tomorrow". We couldn't convince him to put bread down, for he was afraid he would not be able to get bread tomorrow and would be hungry again.
Once the children were fed, we offered them new clothes, but first - a shower! Without hesitation, little Faizullah started using cold water to wash himself. We told him that there was warm water to use, but Faizullah could not believe it!
In order to get rid of the dry spots on their face we offered them cream. Faizullah made us laugh when he started using the cream as a shampoo. When we told him what the cream was for he started laughing. "Oops!" He said.
Although orphans in many parts of the world have their own personal electronics to play with, the children that came to the orphanage saw TV for the first time. In their language the word 'computer' does not even exist. We were not even sure how to explain it to them!
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Bed Time
For a child, the first day in orphanage is extremely exciting and new; a new home, new people, a new life. By the evening, it was time for the kids to sleep. As the rest of the children climbed into their own beds, Hamid and Faizullah said "No! We want to sleep together. We always sleep together!" We agreed, and I hugged Faizullah before going to bed. Later he came to me and wanted more love. I touched his hair and face. He put his head on my shoulder and soon fell asleep; a peaceful sleep, one that he had not known before. However, such emotional embrace was not as easy for Hamid. Even after several days, Hamid was not ready to receive love from other people. He had a difficult time overcoming all of the emotional pain he constantly carried with him. He needed more time - time to heal from all of the trauma he had experienced in such a young life. Many weeks passed before Hamid was ready to come to my arms. He looked deep in my eyes, as if he was silently asking me if this new life was real. After so many painful years, all he needed was someone to love him, feed him, and someone to care.
As soon as we admit orphans we register them into schools. Once they are in school they are free to enjoy being a kid. The sight of a child finally able to enjoy life without fear and pain cannot be conveyed with words. Alhamdulillah, by Grace of God, we are able to take only a few of the orphans - what will the other kids do? It is almost too painful to think about. We pray to the lord of heavens to give us the strength to wipe the tears of more orphans. They deserve it.
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Our Orphanages: A closer look
After perusal of the situation, the Zakat Foundation ascertained that the number of neglected and abandoned orphans in Pakistan is astonishingly high. More exactly, it is felt that addressing this situation is a duty on all Muslims and the relief of this catastrophe is extremely urgent. It is now the mission of the Foundation to provide love, understanding, food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care and counseling, etc, to as many orphans as possible until their adulthood.
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) has said, If anyone strokes an orphans head, doing so only for the pleasure of Allah, he will have blessings for every hair over which his hand passes; and if anyone treats well an orphan girl or boy under his care, he and I shall be like these two in paradise, putting two of this fingers together.
Muhammadan School of Advanced Learning
MSAL opened its doors to orphans in September 2003. It has a 'Home' for boys in Rawalpindi and a 'Home' for girls in Islamabad, Pakistan. Respectively, each Orphan House has the capacity to house sixty to seventy children from the ages of five years, to fifteen years old. The number of children increased very rapidly from the onset, as its existence became known in remote areas of the country, where much of the need is concentrated.
Kids at dinner
Approach
Although by definition, an Orphanage inevitably becomes an Institution, it is of optimum importance to the members of The Zakat Foundation and the Administrative of MSAL that uncompromisingly, the orphan house retains all the features and genuine qualities of a 'real home' atmosphere. Children have physical, emotional, and psychological needs that are best met in a natural home environment; therefore every care is taken to provide a well rounded life while in the orphan house. It is for many of these children the only 'home life' they have known so far. In line with this important objective, a 'Family Outreach' plan is in effect by which each & every child is periodically assimilated in the family life of caring volunteers, outside of the orphanage. These occasions provide the orphans opportunities for social & personal experiences, relationships, as well as bonding and extra sense of love & security on the part of the children.
The Day
A day in the orphanage is very comprehensive and fulfilling. The day of these Muslim children begins with prayers & the recitation of Holy Quran. There's a wholesome breakfast, personal hygiene and of course going to school. There are meals, rest, study and recreation. There's an occasional film or some in-house arts & craft. Homework, outdoor play, and academic coaching are all the components of the daily life of the orphans. The children are looked after by dedicated and competent staff. The orphanage is fully staffed so that every aspect of the childrens needs is met individually & fully.
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| Orphans girls in our Pakistan Orphanage with J. Clarke of Chicago. |
Health Care
Each child is medically examined upon arrival at the orphanage, and his health condition is assessed. From this first stage the child's health record is initiated and is thereafter followed up and maintained. All the children are periodically examined by the orphanage attached doctor; the orphans are also taken to dental and eyes check up yearly, or as is advised. Vaccinations are given to the children as per recommendation, as well as supplements & vitamins are a part of the seasonal diet.
A Closer Look
The home (orphan house) is arranged in a comfortable and functional setting. The sleeping rooms are small 'dormitories' with bright & colorful 'bunk beds'. Each room accommodates no more than six to eight children. Each dormitory has its own washroom.
There are a few large 'common' rooms for *prayer, *meals and indoor *recreation. There is a 'Computer Facility' in the home for the children, who are instructed in Computer literacy several times a week. The common areas feature 'Bulletin Board's where the orphans' photographs, school activities & achievements as well as 'Art Works' are proudly displayed. There is a 'study room' for homework and tutorial coaching. Children's own storage areas are personalized and labelled with their name to enhance the sense of individuality among the orphans as well as building organizational skills.
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| Orphans in a Pakistani Orphanage receiving their backpacks sent by Kids from US. |
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