Fatima's story is one of many heart breaking stories that I heard whilst visiting Pemba island in august. After handing over the key to a recently completed house project for another family a women who looked like she was in her late 30s approached me. Beside her were her 4 orphan children, she told me that she was currently homeless and living in a small hut, that cannot even be considered a decent place to live. amongst many other problems she faces daily, she told me that she was constantly being verbally abused by the owner of the hut to leave it with her kids as she cannot even afford the money to live there. she said "we are constantly being chased away like we are dogs". :(

she then took me to a her plot that she had already started building with her own hard work and dedication. However unfortunately due to lack of funds she was unable to continue with it.

After hearing her story and seeing the cute smiles on her children's faces despite their hardships, I knew I had to do something. she kept reminding me to share her story that maybe there will be a community where I am from that will donate and complete the project that she started for her kids. I gave her hope, and told her that Allah will never leave her stranded and that their are good people out there just waiting to grasp this opportunity . I told her that this time next year she will be in her home with her kids, and she held on to that hope.

so now I am appealing to you all, my community of good people. I know that we can and we will do this project together.

Remember the funds raised will go to helping an orphan family, remember the hadith of The Prophet (ﷺ) where he said, "I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this," putting his index and middle fingers together.

May Allah accept our efforts may he always use us on his path and not replace us. AMEEN