Zakat Foundation: Providing Care for Muslim Old People and Widows
In the Islamic faith, taking care of the elderly and widows is considered a religious obligation. The Quran states, "And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful" (Quran 4:36).
In many Muslim societies, elderly individuals and widows may not receive the care they need due to poverty, social isolation, or neglect. This is where the Zakat Foundation comes in. Founded in 2001, the Zakat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid and support to marginalized communities around the world. One of their key initiatives is the Muslim Old People and Widows Care program, which seeks to provide food, shelter, medical care, and emotional support to elderly individuals and widows in need.
Through this program, the Zakat Foundation has helped countless individuals in countries such as Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. In Pakistan, for example, the foundation provides monthly stipends to widows and elderly individuals to help cover basic living expenses. The foundation also offers medical assistance, including free check-ups, medication, and surgeries. In addition, the foundation has built several care centers for the elderly in Pakistan, which provide housing, meals, and recreational activities.
In Somalia, the Zakat Foundation has implemented a similar program, providing monthly food rations and financial assistance to widows and elderly individuals. The foundation also provides medical care through its mobile medical clinics, which travel to remote areas to provide free check-ups, vaccinations, and medication. Additionally, the foundation has built water wells and provided education and vocational training to help widows and elderly individuals become self-sufficient.
In Sudan, the Zakat Foundation has focused on providing shelter and basic needs to widows and elderly individuals who have been displaced by conflict. The foundation has provided temporary housing, food, clothing, and medical care to these individuals. The foundation has also established a vocational training center to help widows and elderly individuals learn skills such as sewing, cooking, and handicrafts, which can help them generate income.
In Syria, the Zakat Foundation has been providing emergency relief to widows and elderly individuals who have been affected by the ongoing conflict. The foundation has distributed food baskets, provided medical care, and delivered winterization kits to help these individuals stay warm during the cold winter months. The foundation has also provided psychosocial support to help these individuals cope with the trauma of war.
Overall, the Zakat Foundation's Muslim Old People and Widows Care program is making a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals around the world. Through its various initiatives, the foundation is providing essential support and care to those who may not have any other options. By fulfilling its religious obligation to care for the elderly and widows, the Zakat Foundation is embodying the values of compassion and service that are at the core of the Islamic faith.
