As I prepare to celebrate the birthdays of my three beautiful gifts from Allah (SWT), our hearts are full of gratitude for the blessings Allah (SWT) has given us. This year, instead of gifts or presents we kindly ask our loved ones and guests to contribute any amount, even as little as £5 to a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts.

We are raising funds for MATW (Muslims Around The World) — a charity founded by the late Ali Banat — which is actively working on the ground in Gaza, supporting orphans and children who have lost their parents due to the ongoing crisis. Every penny raised will go directly towards those in urgent need — the most vulnerable and innocent.

As a mother, it’s heartbreaking to witness the suffering of children in Gaza, while we are blessed to celebrate another year with ours. Your small contribution will help the cause by providing food and shelter to orphans and looking after the health and well being of new babies.

Please donate whatever you are able to give, and we humbly ask that you also make sincere du‘a that Allah (SWT) accepts this sadaqah, purifies our intentions, protects you and your loved ones and showers your homes with His mercy, barakah and endless blessings.

From the depths of our hearts, Jazakum Allahu Khayran for your support. Your generosity will not only bring light to the lives of children in need, but we pray it also becomes a source of light for you on the Day of Judgment inshallah.

“The Prophet ﷺ said: The one who cares for an orphan will be with me in Paradise like this and he held his two fingers together.” (Bukhari)

May Allah accept from you, elevate you and grant your family Jannah without reckoning.

With love and duas,

Nadia & Arif