Zakat Foundation of America gave us Qurbani meat. I feel very fortunate and make dua for them."
Around the world, those who have been fed and comforted by Zakat Foundation of America programs echoed the thanks and prayers of this Rohingya Muslim widow in Bangladesh.
By the grace of Allah (swt) and the generosity of donors, Zakat Foundation of America programs comforted, warmed and educated refugees, widows, orphans, the hungry and downtrodden around the world in 2013.
In addition to Udhiya/Qurbani meat distribution, which served more than 100,000 people in 30 countries worldwide, Zakat Foundation of America programs in Bangladesh cared for orphans, provided free medical care to slum residents, and gifted 100 rickshaws and 50 sewing machines to families in need of a path to self-sufficiency.
Hasina Akter, who received a sewing machine upon graduation from a Zakat Foundation of America sewing course, offered the spiritual gifts in her possession to the donors who made these programs possible. "We pray and make dua for Zakat Foundation of America and those who donated in our cause."
In Syria, Zakat Foundation of America introduced several new initiatives intent on rebuilding the lives of refugees. In Gazi Antep, Turkey, Zakat Foundation of America sponsored a school for Syrian children. In Irbid, Jordan, job opportunities for refugees are scare, so Zakat Foundation of America launched a sewing program for women so that they could provide a stable income for their household.
But short-term needs must be met as well, and Zakat Foundation of America programs reached deep into Syria’s war-torn interior to supply the daily needs of the internally displaced through distribution of bread and winter clothes.
We had no food and the electricity was out, but thankfully the charity bakery came and gave us bread,"
one internally displaced Syrian child told Zakat Foundation of America workers.
During Ramadan, Zakat Foundation of America served 1.7 million meals in 36 countries. Around the world those who go hungry all year thanked Zakat Foundation of America staff for the warm Iftars they enjoyed.
I can’t work anymore due to my poor health so I have to rely on begging to get my daily meals," Rahima, an elderly recipient, told staff members from Zakat Foundation of America Bangladesh. "Thanks to Zakat Foundation of America for giving me food. Thank you very much!"
Although much good has been done, the needs for warmth, food and hope continue in 2014. The bitter winter cold continues to grip Syria and neighboring countries where refugee and internally displaced families are barely surviving in camps. The Philippines continues the long process of rebuilding after Typhoon Haiyan. Malians whose lives have been turned upside down by disasters both man-made and natural, still need our help.
Your generous donations to Zakat Foundation of America programs provide much-needed help to the poor and victims of disasters, and in return the prayers of those your charity has blessed come back to you.
