The Islamic Center at NYU is partnering with Islamic Relief USA this Ramadan to help support orphans around the world.  Join us in ensuring no child is left behind. All donations are tax-deductible and zakat-eligible.  

How to Help Children in Need

There are roughly 153 million orphans worldwide. And every day, nearly 6,000 more children become orphans. To add, one in five children lives in a conflict or war zone, and studies show that these children are at high risk of experiencing violence, psychological stress, hunger, loss of education, and/or lack of access to basic resources. Over 12 million refugee boys and girls have not only lost their homes, but are no longer able to make a future for themselves.  

“The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise,’ showing his middle and index fingers and separating them.” (Bukhari)

Soad's story

When Soad’s father passed away in 2011 she was only 13 years old. Losing her father meant losing her support system;  he was one of her biggest champions when it came to her disability.  To Soad, her father was her inspiration and  hero.

Soad now lives with her sick mother and two sisters and her family tries to make ends meet but they no longer have a breadwinner. 

Thankfully, the family’s immediate needs are met through the sponsorship Soad receives from Islamic Relief’s orphan sponsorship, or OrphanCare program, which has played a vital role in helping them face their financial difficulties.

When Soad was in the 12th grade she was one of the highest performing students in her class and scored well on her final exams. Soad hoped she could one day attend university so she could work and not have to rely on others. But she knew that without financial assistance, that dream was unlikely to happen.  

The higher education scholarship fund, now known as OrphanCare Higher Education Support, was established to assist orphans such as Soad; those that excel at school and want to enter higher education so that they can become the doctors, engineers, and teachers of tomorrow. Not only will they be able to support themselves, but they’ll also contribute positively to their communities.

Through donations to this fund, Soad is now studying business management at a university in Palestine  and knows she's about to make her dreams a reality.  

Medical Support

In many countries around the world, healthcare is not made accessible to everyone. For children living in poverty, this could mean the difference between life and death. For $50/month, you can help provide medical care for an orphan family, which includes their siblings or guardian. This monthly donation ensures that funds are always available when urgent and necessary medical care is required, including costs for prescriptions; travel to and from medical centers; and medical equipment such as eyewear, hearing aids, and wheelchairs. These funds also help orphans affected by chronic and long-term illnesses like asthma and diabetes. 

Last year, Islamic Relief was able to cover the costs of major surgical operations involving brain surgery, breast cancer, and spinal issues across 16 countries. Medical treatments were also provided for significant ailments like epilepsy, heart disease, kidney dialysis, and eyesight correction. With your help, we can do even more.

Reema's Story

Reema lives with her mother and four siblings. She suffers from cancer, and this affected her in many ways.

She was sleepy all day and lacked energy to move. Being unable to study or do anything productive made her depressed.

Islamic Relief was able to help her by paying for her surgeries and therapy via the Orphans Medical Support program.

Due to her illness Reema couldn't pass 12th grade at school last year. She will try again this year; she wants to continue her studies and is very grateful for the help she has received.