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5 Stories of Lives Changed by The Zahra Trust
“We will certainly try you with some: fear (and insecurity); hunger (and thirst); loss of wealth; (loss of) lives; and of children. So (O Muḥammad) give the good news (of success) to the patient ones (in hardship).” (The Holy Qur’an, 2:155)
Life can change in an instant. For many families, that change comes with hardship, loss, and uncertainty. But even in the most difficult moments, your compassion makes a real difference.
At The Zahra Trust, we’ve seen how timely support can change lives. Here are five stories of hope made possible through your giving.
1. A Well of Hope: How Clean Water Changed Nasir’s Village
In a village in Baltistan, 60 families had to rely on a single shared tap. Children skipped school to fetch water, and the community lived with constant concerns about hygiene and health.
In November 2024, we installed a motorized well system that now delivers clean water directly to each home. With safe water available at all times, the community has more time, better health, and a new outlook.
Read more about Nasir’s story here.
The Zahra Trust builds water solutions that are safe, sustainable, and life-changing for underserved communities.
A hadith from Imam Al-Baqir (as) says, “Verily the first thing to be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection will be the giving of water.” (Mizan al-Hikmah, n.3345)
2. From Street to Stability: Um Fatima’s Kiosk Breakthrough
After losing her husband, Um Fatima worked hard to raise her four daughters by selling items on the street. With no steady income or safe work environment, every day was a struggle.
We helped her open a permanent kiosk equipped with shelves and secure space. She now has a steady source of income and a safer, more reliable future for her family.
Click here to read more about Um Fatima’s journey.
The Zahra Trust supports widows through business tools, vocational opportunities, and mentorship that promotes long-term success.
Imam Ali (as) is reported to have said, “Injustice to orphans and widows brings down divine wrath and takes away the blessings from those who possess them.” (Ghurar al-Hikam, h.5770)
3. When Hunger Strikes, Compassion Responds: Ali Juma’s Story
Ali Juma is a father of ten, including two sons with disabilities. After the Afghan government fell, he lost his job and was unable to afford food or heating for his family during a brutal winter.
In early 2024, The Zahra Trust provided food packs with rice, oil, pasta, and tea to his family and dozens more. This critical support helped them survive the cold and brought strength back to his children.
Read Ali Juma’s story in full here.
When families face hunger, we respond quickly with food packs tailored to their needs. Each delivery brings relief, stability, and a reminder that they’re not alone.
Imam Ali (as) reportedly said, “The nourishment of the body is food, whilst the nourishment of the soul is feeding others.” (Mishkat al-Anwar, n.325)
Help us feed families this Muharram through our Ya Asghar (as) Food Aid appeal.
4. From Poverty to Dignity: A Grandmother’s Story of Strength
In a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Najaf, Iraq, seven young orphans and their elderly grandmother fought to survive after an unthinkable tragedy shattered their world, death of their mother and imprisonment of their father.
The Zahra Trust provided vital support to restore stability and safety in the lives of the vulnerable children, and offered much needed relief to the elderly grandmother
Click here to read their full story.
We respond to emergencies with immediate aid that brings comfort, care, and dignity to families in need.
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “A man who fulfils one need of his believing brothers Allah (swt) will fulfil one hundred thousand needs of his on the Day of Resurrection.” (Mizan al-Hikmah, n.489)
5. From Grief to Growth: Areej’s Blossom in Najaf
Areej was just four when her father died of cancer. Her mother couldn’t afford preschool, and Areej became quiet and withdrawn, struggling to find joy or connection.
We enrolled her in early education, provided medical support, and helped her build confidence through creative learning. Today, she smiles again and dreams of becoming a doctor.
Read about Areej’s full journey here.
The Zahra Trust supports orphaned and vulnerable children with education, wellness, and guidance for a brighter tomorrow.
Prophet Muhammad (saww) is reported to have said, “There is a house in Heaven called the House of Happiness, which none shall enter except those who have made the orphans of the believers happy.” (Kanz al-Ummal, n.6008)
This Muharram, donate to our Ya Sakina (sa) Orphan Aid appeal and give children the chance to thrive.
FAQs
We build wells and install motorized systems that bring clean water directly to communities. Every project is built to last and designed for impact.
We offer monthly food packs, hot meals, and Qurbani meat throughout the year, especially during key seasons like Shahr Ramadan and Muharram.
We help widows build sustainable income through small businesses, training, and ongoing support so they can regain confidence and stability.
We provide educational aid, health checkups, emotional care, and safe spaces so every child we reach can grow, learn, and feel secure.
We deliver immediate support such as food, shelter, hygiene kits, and medical care in response to wars, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
These five stories represent just a few of the lives your generosity has transformed. With every meal, every well, and every safe space, you’re helping families rise from hardship with strength and dignity.
Give this Muharram in honor of Hussain (as) and be the reason someone finds hope again.
Together, we can turn struggle into healing.
