The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” (Tirmidhi)

Who deserves our mercy more than orphans?

They’re some of the most vulnerable people in the world. When they lose a parent, the trauma and sadness are only the beginning of their problems. Now they face huge challenges just to be on the same footing with any other child. It can be hard just to keep a roof over their heads and some food — any food — on the table. Going to the doctor can become a luxury. Too often, school is too.

So many times, a widow is left worrying: how can she leave her children and go earn for them? How can she keep them in school? What if she is gone, and they have to live in this dangerous world alone?

You are answering her call.

The Islamic Relief community has been caring for orphans since our earliest years, for almost 25 years. Right now, you’re caring for more than 20,000 of them. From Iraq to Pakistan to Ethiopia, you’re helping widows and guardians pay for orphans’ necessities like food, clothes and other types of basic care.

You’re also reaching entire communities of orphans and their guardians with exciting projects that aim to provide long-term solutions. The goal is insha’Allah — ultimately — a path toward self-reliance.

Education is central to breaking the cycle of poverty. In Afghanistan, for years you’ve been supporting a school that provides a quality education for hundreds of orphans. More than 600 students are attending now. With an education, insha’Allah, they can get a better job in the future.

As orphans become older, many are unsure how to build a life as adults. So in Ethiopia, you helped set up a youth training center where young people can do schoolwork in the library or on computers. As they get older, they can learn job skills that offer a path toward self-sufficiency.

These projects lift entire communities together. Now IRUSA has new pilot projects that build on this holistic approach.

In Palestine, after the 2014 violence, IRUSA donors provided comprehensive support for 1,000 new orphans. Now we’re expanding to encompass 800 more orphans plus 600 other vulnerable children.

Donors are supporting children’s education and offering vocational skills to older youth as well behavioral and psychosocial care.

You are also supporting orphans and their families in Bangladesh to rise out the poverty. Your monthly support helps with immediate needs for the family, while local staff focus heavily on education for the children and business support for the guardian, often a widowed mother. More than 900 children have been enrolled in school, and 650 of their guardians have received home-based business training.

Alhamdulillah, these innovative projects are improving the lives of orphans and their families across the world.

Please work with us to bring projects like these to more communities around the world. The difference you can make is amazing.

Islamic Relief USA, 25 years together.

Donate Today at irusa.org

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