Reeta Case Study

Reeta was born into a Hindu family and, as with most Asian families, her family was at the centre of her life. At the age of 18 years old, she was given the option to join the family business, a successful printing press company or continue her studies. She decided to enter the family business. 

After about 1 year of working in the family business, Reeta was given a leaflet about Islam by a student from the local college, due to it being ‘Islam Awareness Week’. Having grown up in a predominantly Indian area, she had never had any direct contact with Muslims, as the different communities tended to stick together.   

Reeta became drawn into the information on the leaflet, and was curious to find out more about Islam. She researched Islam on the internet and even bought an English translation of the Qu’ran. She started to relate to the faith, and found a lot of the discrepancies in her own faith were answered in Islam.

The following month was the beginning of Ramadan and Reeta decided to embrace Islam, but kept it secret from her family who she knew would not be supportive. She managed to keep her faith a secret for nearly one year until her brother caught her praying in her bedroom. 

Her family were devastated, and attempted to convince her to renounce her faith and return to her Hindu faith. They finally resorted to threatening to disown her if she continued to practice Islam. 

Reeta was determined not to leave her faith, which resulted in her being thrown out of the family home and without a job. The family and the wider community disowned her. 

Reeta used her savings to finance a bedsit, then turned to her few remaining friends for financial support. However, when she was unable to repay them, they also disowned her. Having reached the maximum limit on her credit cards and overdraft, the banks refused to offer her any more financial support. 

Reeta eventually had to declare herself bankrupt; unable to keep up with the rent, she found herself homeless, and had to rely on the mercy of passer-bys to give her some loose change.

Reeta is still homeless. She often goes for days without any food or shelter.

She is YOUR sister. Won’t YOU help her? 

What could happen?

What will your Zakat do? (Immediate benefits)

  • Pay for a bed sit so that she no longer has to sleep on the streets
  • Give her food and warmth

Value added (Long term benefits)

The Qu’ran often mentions that ‘with every hardship comes ease’. Your Zakat will show her just how this is possible, which will in turn strengthen her faith in Islam and Allah. Reeta will see just how Islam provides solutions to problems in humanity. 

This practical demonstration of the teachings of Islam will give her certainty that she has made the right decision, despite the incredible sacrifices she has had to make. 

Your Zakat will protect her from entering into riba-based transactions such as credit cards or loans. 

Your Zakat will protect her from entering into riba-based transactions such as credit cards or loans. 

Your Zakat will protect Reeta against the dishonour of having to beg. 

New Muslims often face increased hardships when they embrace Islam, due to breaking of family ties and the Muslim community not supporting them appropriately. These adversities can make a new Muslim leave the religion very soon after entering it. The financial support given to Reeta from your Zakat will encourage her to remain steadfast. 

Your zakat will empower Reeta to seek work in a field in which she is familiar, which will enable her to support herself financially and become self-sufficient.

Content

Sing up to NZF mailing list