Zahra Case Study

Zahra entered this country 2 years ago, having been offered a place to study medicine at university. 

During her 1st year on her course, she met fellow Medicine student Imran, and very quickly they decided to marry. 

Soon after marriage, Zahra had to drop out of her course as she became pregnant. 

Following the birth of their daughter Maryam, Zahra found it difficult to relate to Imran, as he would often stay out late after classes, and was not the pro-active father Zahra had wished for him to be. The couple soon began arguing over the most trivial of matters, and the differences in their cultures soon became apparent, which had an adverse effect on their marriage. 

Imran wanted his single life back again, and blamed Zahra for holding him back. Zahra wanted Imran to acknowledge his responsibilities and spend more time with her and the baby. Relations deteriorated to such an extent that Imran gave Zahra the Islamic divorce (talaq), and he moved out of their council flat and returned to live with his family. Zahra was left on her own to look after the baby, with no friends or family to support her. Due to her immigration status, she was not entitled to claim any state benefits and she was unable to work, as Maryam was only 3 months old. 

Zahra was left with no option except to beg for handouts on the streets, which was a soul-destroying experience for her. 

If you have children, can you imagine not being able to provide for them? To try and stop them crying from hunger? 

YOU can alleviate Zahra’s daily frustrations. Will YOU give hope to the Zahra’s of this country? 

What could happen?

What will your Zakat do? (Immediate benefits)

  • Take Zahra away from the fitnah of begging
  • Provide essential support such as food for Zahra and nappies and milk for her child
  • Safeguard her from the dangers of being out alone and vulnerable on the streets

Value added (Long term benefits)

Your zakat will restore Zahra’s faith and give her the peace of mind that her Muslim community are willing to help those in need.

Your zakat will empower Zahra to liaise with the relevant government agencies to ensure she receives maintenance from Imran in order to look after Maryam.

Your zakat will empower Zahra to seek legal advice regarding her immigration status since she now has a child who is a legal citizen of this country.

Your contribution will facilitate Zahra seeking the assistance she requires to help her become independent and adopt the necessary tools to stand on her own two feet. As a result of this your contribution will help prevent Zahra from potentially falling into deeper social evils because of her destitute situation.

Your contribution will allow Zahra to focus on seeking religious advice from the Shari'ah council regarding the status of her divorce and her rights as she will not have to worry about nappies and milk for her Maryam.

In the longer term Zahra could begin to think about of the possibility of continuing her medical course as a means of earning income to support her child in the future.

Finally your contribution can protect her and her child from getting further in an already vulnerable situation.

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