National Zakat Foundation

Ahmed Case Study

Ahmed was originally a farmer from Kurdistan and he took great care of his animals as they were his livelihood. He was self sufficient and sold his own produce to make a living. Being a family business, every member of the family, including his mother and sisters partook in the daily tasks that ensured the smooth running of the farm.

Due to his hard work and dedication, Ahmed was his father’s favourite son. He was always the first to rise in the morning and last to retire in the evening.

Ahmed would spend hours selling the family’s produce in the local markets, and the quality of their products and his integrity as a businessman gave the family a good reputation among their community.

However, Ahmed’s life was turned upside down when the country underwent mass genocide and warfare took over the land. Most of Ahmed's family were killed in the bombings and, in desperation, Ahmed fled from his country to this country and attempted to claim asylum, but his claim was rejected. With no eligibility for benefits, and surrounded by strangers he felt totally alone, afraid and helpless.

During this turbulent time, Ahmed had not been able to grieve properly for his family members who had dies, and was concerned for the welfare of his only surviving brother who remained in his country. Ahmed’s mental health deteriorated and, with no money for food or a safe place to sleep, he would often be forced to sleep in bus shelters, which exposed him to violent attacks.

Can you help end Ahmed's nightmare? Can you give Ahmed the time to grieve his lost family?

Will YOU make that difference? Your Zakat contribution can help feed and shelter your brother in need.

What could happen?

What your Zakat will do? (Immediate benefits)

Provide Ahmed with food, thereby relieving him of the dishonour of begging on the streets.
Provide safe accommodation for Ahmed, which will protect him against further violent attacks.

Value added (Long term benefits)

What did your zakat do for Ahmed?

Your zakat gave Ahmed the lifeline he needed to escape the life of poverty he was engulfed in. Having sunk to such a terrible state of despair, Ahmed could not have anticipated such a miraculous turnaround in his life.

What happened next?

Ahmed was given shelter at a local hostel, and his basic needs of food and clothing were met. Having lived rough for the past few months, Ahmed’s health had deteriorated and he had several physical ailments which needed treatment.

However, it was not just Ahmed’s physical health that required treatment. Memories of the violent destruction of his homeland and the death of the majority of his family had traumatised him day and night. He was referred for counselling for his bereavement, which finally gave Ahmed the opportunity to grieve for his family and begin to rebuild his life.

Ahmed began attending the local mosque, where he met some of the local young men, with whom he was able to form friendships, which raised his spirits.

Ahmed was given the necessary support to help him trace his brother who remained in his homeland, and he hopes to make contact soon.

Your Zakat helped him appeal against his failed asylum claim, and he hopes for his appeal to be granted. Once Ahmed is given ‘leave to remain’ status, he will be able to access public funds for financial support, with a view to looking for paid work, by applying for a work permit.

It is only through your donations that we have been able to provide such a life changing service and hope to continue as long as the donations keep coming.