On a daily basis, we are bombarded with news, stories and gossip. We read, and hear it through conversations we have, on our social media feeds and through newspapers. We have become accustomed to filtering out unnecessary information, letting it slip in and out of our mind within a few seconds.
However, there are a few people whom we listen to, whose words we cherish and welcome in to settle in our hearts and minds. Often these spring from the experienced tongues of our elders, our parents and grandparents who have lived life and impart wisdom which we welcome wholeheartedly.
There is a common perception that the older you get, the wiser you are. Sometimes, however, someone will say something which stops you in your tracks. Something profound you read, or heard that resonates with you.
This time, it came from the pen of a 14-year-old beneficiary. Her words written after watching our live appeal, spoke about her own journey with HHUGS, but also the strength we attain when we are connected as an Ummah. She uplifts us by reminding that “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Qur’an, 2:286)
“I read somewhere that everyone is playing the same game, just at different levels, and that means something to people like us. We are all going through our own hardships, but Allah says in the Quran, “Allah doesn’t burden a soul more than it can bear”. Knowing this should push us to power on, because Allah knows we can bear it. We should bear it with the thought of the Ummah in our hearts even if you don’t feel their help.”
Her words ring true in the ear of believers. That even in the darkest of times, when you have no hope to cling onto, we should be reminded that we are being tested.
Her wise, resilient words are a product of her own grueling test. She is separated from her father who has been relocated to another city, living under restrictive T-Pim measures, far away from her and her family, not being questioned or charged. HHUGS enables her and her siblings to visit their father monthly, and provides her family a safe space to connect and socialise with families who have gone through similar trials.
“I wanted to thank HHUGS because of how much they’ve helped us through the years with Eid presents and parties, competitions and events. HHUGS pay for trips to see my dad and it helps a lot. HHUGS doesn’t just help our families as individuals; it helps connect families so we can talk about our experiences, because sometimes talking can help someone so much more than people think.”
You inspire change
Your support enables these families to receive the practical and emotional support they require. Being able to connect with others, to talk and reach out when you are lonely and isolated, is what helps them when they reach their lowest.
Children are growing up within HHUGS households, knowing that they are not alone; that there are people out there who are the means for them seeing their beloved father once again.
You inspire them to continue, to strive and to achieve – even to have the ambition to give back and help others – despite the fact that for them, so much has gone wrong.
“When I’m older in sha’ Allah and COVID-19 is over, I want to help HHUGS as a volunteer because I know what it feels like to be in that situation.”
In a time, where many of us are solely preoccupied by our own problems, she reminds of us how connected we are as an Ummah.
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “The believers, in their love, mutual kindness, and close ties, are like one body; when any part complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Muslim)
There are so many who are suffering, struggling, silently. As believers, let us strive to ensure we are doing our utmost to guarantee those who are closest to us are not isolated and alone.
Be the lifeline, for the countless others who are waiting for that phone call, giving them good news that they will eat tonight, that they won’t lose their home, that they will be able to see their husband or father.