I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my friend and her family. They have been trapped in a six-year legal and financial hardship in Saudi Arabia. As GoFundMe is not available in that region, I am hosting this campaign on their behalf.

Please read their story below. If you’re unable to donate, even sharing or making a prayer can make a difference.

HELP FREE MY FAMILY FROM A BATTLE WE NEVER CHOSE

Assalamu ‘Alaykum,

I'm Umm Dawood. I’m writing this with a heart that has carried more than I ever imagined possible.

For the past six years, my husband, our four children (ages 11, 9, 5, and 3), and I have been trapped in a situation we never chose — and one we have absolutely no power to resolve on our own.

How Our Struggle Began:

In 2019, my husband was working for a small private company in Saudi Arabia. When the business suffered financial losses, his employer unjustly demanded that my husband personally cover those losses from his own pocket.

When he couldn’t, everything collapsed.

Since then, our lives have been tied up in:

an ongoing court case

a travel ban

a huroob (absconding charge)

expired iqamas

and blocked legal processes influenced by the employer

My husband has been unable to work since 2019. Every attempt to resolve the situation has been met with financial barriers, unpredictable obstacles, and closed doors at every level.

A Mother Carrying More Than Her Shoulders Can Hold

As a mother far from home, with no family or close friends nearby, I’ve had to shoulder the responsibility of providing for our entire household alone. I teach during the day and work as a graphic designer at night — grateful for every bit of income, yet constantly overwhelmed by the weight of survival.

The emotional toll is difficult to put into words.

The rumours.

The unsolicited opinions.

The advice that offered no real solutions.

Carrying this burden for so many years has been exhausting.

The hardest part has been saying “no” to my children again and again — to simple stationery they ask for, to sweets, to experiences, and even to sports they dream of. Being confined indoors for months at a time has been especially painful for them.

There were many days when we had nothing to eat.

There were times we had no electricity. Once, our power was cut for nearly a week during the peak of summer. I had to call friend after friend, humiliated and desperate, just so my children wouldn’t sleep in unbearable heat.

In a world filled with social media, my children see photos of relatives and friends enjoying life and ask me, “Why can’t we do this too?”

And I never have an answer that doesn’t break my heart.

What Keeps Us Going

Tawakkul in Allah - Dua - Hope

And the firm belief that Allah never abandons those who call upon Him.

We did not ask for this situation, and we cannot escape it through our own strength. Everything is tied to legal systems that move slowly — and only by Allah’s permission.

Why We Are Asking for Help Now

Alhamdulillah, through immense effort and the kindness of others, we have already raised approximately USD 40,000 to cover the court case itself. For that blessing, we are endlessly grateful.

Now, we urgently need support for the final steps, the remaining costs required to completely free our family and allow my husband to work legally again.

How the Funds Will Be Used (Estimated Upper-End: USD 30,000)

These figures reflect higher-end estimates to ensure we are not left stuck again if costs increase.

Iqama Overstay Fines (Estimated): USD 20,000

Clearing accumulated iqama fines for five family members over seven years, subject to official assessment.

Sponsorship (Kafala) Transfer: USD 2,000

Required to legally transfer my husband’s sponsorship so he can work and exit employer control.

Removal of Huroob (Absconding Case): USD 1,500

Government and administrative fees to remove the absconding charge blocking employment and travel.

Travel Ban Removal & Legal Clearances: USD 1,500

Final processing to lift the travel ban and complete remaining legal requirements.

Passport Renewal & Documentation: USD 1,000

Covers passport renewals and mandatory documentation for legal and employment processes.

Final Exit & Legal Administration Fees: USD 1,000

Government paperwork, processing, and clearance charges to fully close the case.

Emergency Family Living Support (Transition Period): USD 2,000+

Basic necessities during the transition period, including rent, food, utilities, school and medical needs.

Total Fundraising Goal: _USD 30,000_

Alhamdulillah, the court case costs have already been covered. This fundraiser is specifically for removing the remaining legal barriers and stabilizing our family so we can finally move forward, in sha Allah.

If we can cover these costs, the case can be closed fully, in sha Allah and our family can finally breathe after more than six years of suffocation.

What This Will Allow, In Sha Allah:

✔ My husband to legally work again

✔ Our family to move out of our damaged home

✔ Our children to experience a normal childhood

✔ An end to six years of living in legal uncertainty

✔ The ability to rebuild our lives with dignity, without dependency

❤️ A Message from My Heart

Before judging anyone, try stepping into their shoes — even for a moment — and seeing life from their perspective. It’s easy to form opinions from afar, but you never truly understand the weight of someone’s trials until you’ve walked their path. I wouldn’t wish this journey on anyone, not even my worst enemy — Wallah

Throughout all of this, we’ve endured rumours and hurtful comments — wounds that are hard to forget — yet we choose to forgive, for the sake of Allah.

If you cannot donate, please share.

If you cannot share, please make dua for us.

Every act counts.

There is so much happening behind the scenes — the daily struggles, frustrations and limitations — yet words can only explain so much. Ultimately, we rely solely on our Rabb. While He places people as sabab (means), and we are encouraged to make use of them.

From our family to yours — Jazakum Allahu Khayran wa Ahsanal Jaza for reading, caring and helping us find light again after many long years.

With a heavy heart full of hope and gratitude,

Umm Dawood & Family