In Surah al-Baqarah, Allah (swt) says, “We will certainly try you with some: fear (and insecurity); hunger (and thirst); loss of wealth; (loss of) lives; and of children. So (O Muḥammad) give the good news (of success) to the patient ones (in hardship).” (The Holy Qur’an, 2:155)
In a world full of trials, there are moments when hope feels lost: when families are torn from their homes, children are orphaned, and basic needs like clean water or education feel out of reach. Yet, through your compassion and generosity, lives are being transformed.
At The Zahra Trust, we’ve witnessed the power of timely support. Here are five lives changed by acts of mercy.
Nasir’s village in Baltistan, with 60 households, depended on a single unreliable tap. Children missed school and families walked long distances just to fetch water. Hygiene and health were constant concerns.
In November 2024, our team in Pakistan built a new well with motors and piping. Now every household has clean water around the clock. Life has become healthier, easier, and full of new possibilities.
Read more about Nasir’s story here.
The Zahra Trust works with vulnerable communities to provide safe access to water. Every project is designed to create long-term, meaningful change.
Imam Al-Baqir (as) is reported to have said, “Verily the first thing to be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection will be the giving of water.” (Mizan al-Hikmah, n.3345)
After losing her husband, Um Fatima raised four daughters alone by selling snacks and tissues on the streets. Her income was unpredictable, leaving the family vulnerable to hardship. She worried constantly about their future and safety.
The Zahra Trust helped her build a permanent metal kiosk with shelves, shifting her business off the street and into a safe space. This provided steady income and security for her family. Today, Um Fatima is thriving and planning to expand.
Click here to read more about Um Fatima’s journey.
At The Zahra Trust, we uplift widows and vulnerable individuals with tools, training and safe workspaces to create lasting livelihoods. Our approach fosters independence and community renewal.
Imam Ali (as) is reported to have said, “Injustice to orphans and widows brings down divine wrath and takes away the blessings from those who possess them.” (Ghurar al-Hikam, h.5770)
Ali Juma, a father of ten including two disabled sons, lost his job after the Afghan government collapsed. He struggled to afford food and heating for his family, especially through harsh winters. His children faced hunger and poor health.
In winter 2024, our team delivered food packages – rice, oil, pasta and tea – to Ali Juma and 34 other families. This vital aid relieved their hunger and ensured basic nutrition during the cold season. His children regained strength and their smiles.
Read Ali Juma’s story in its entirety here.
When families face hunger, we respond quickly with food packs tailored to their needs. Each delivery brings relief, stability, and a reminder that they’re not alone.
A narration from Imam Ali (as) says, “The nourishment of the body is food, whilst the nourishment of the soul is feeding others.” (Mishkat al-Anwar, n.325)
The tragedy of Karbala shoulFleeing conflict in Southern Lebanon, Abdul Rahman and his family arrived at The Zahra Trust’s Khaldeh Relief Center with no food, shelter, or medical care. They were exhausted, displaced, and uncertain about their future.
The center provided them with secure housing, nutritious meals, hygiene items, and emotional support. In just 58 days, their lives were transformed, restoring safety, dignity, and hope. Today, Abdul Rahman volunteers in his city’s recovery efforts.
Click here to read Abdul Rahman’s full story.
We at The Zahra Trust respond to emergencies with swift, compassionate aid, offering shelter, food, and support that restores stability and uplifts vulnerable families during conflict and crisis.
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “A man who fulfils one need of his believing brothers Allah (swt) will fulfil one hundred thousand needs of his on the Day of Resurrection.” (Mizan al-Hikmah, n.489)
Four-year-old Areej became an orphan after losing her father to cancer; her mother’s unstable income couldn’t afford early education. Areej was shy, isolated, and emotionally fragile.
The Zahra Trust enrolled her in preschool, offered emotional support, and health check-ups through the Najaf branch. She began socializing, smiling, and discovering a love for art, and even dreams of becoming a doctor.
Areej’s full journey can be read here.
We support orphaned and vulnerable children with education, mentoring, and health services to help them heal and grow. Our programs lay the groundwork for brighter, more resilient futures.
Prophet Muhammad (saww) is reported to have said, “There is a house in Heaven called the House of Happiness, which none shall enter except those who have made the orphans of the believers happy.” (Kanz al-Ummal, n.6008)
We provide clean and sustainable water access by building wells, installing motorized pumping systems, and creating long-term solutions tailored to each community. Our water projects reduce the burden on women and children, improve health, and restore dignity.
We provide monthly food parcels, daily hot meals, and Qurbani meat to families in need. Our support reaches communities year-round and increases during times like Shahr Ramadan and Muharram, helping fight hunger with dignity.
We help widows move from survival to self-sufficiency through income-generating support, such as small business kiosks or vocational training. We also offer essential aid, emotional support, and community-building opportunities to restore their independence and confidence.
Our orphan care programs cover educational costs, access to emotional and spiritual support, healthcare, and even safe housing. We aim to create nurturing environments where children can heal, learn, and dream of a better future.
We respond to crises with life-saving support like food, water, shelter, hygiene kits, and medical aid. Our teams work quickly to reach vulnerable people affected by war, disaster, or displacement.
Behind every statistic is a story. Behind every donation is a life touched. The five stories you’ve read are just a glimpse of what your support makes possible. In a time when grief is remembered and sacrifice is honoured, your generosity can be the light that breaks through someone’s darkness.
This Muharram, give in honour of Imam Hussain (as) and help us change more lives.
