In short: The Prophet ﷺ compared caring for widows to fighting in the path of Allah. Your support helps single mothers in Pakistan earn a living and raise their children with dignity.
Helping widows in Islam is not a small act of kindness. It is one of the deeds the Prophet ﷺ praised most highly, and one that he practised himself throughout his life.
A reward beyond imagination
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like the one who strives in the path of Allah, or like the one who prays all night and fasts all day,” as reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Many of us would struggle to fast every day for a month, let alone for a lifetime. Yet Allah, in His generosity, gives that same reward to the one who supports a widow.
Why single mothers in Pakistan struggle
In Pakistan, women who lose their husbands, or who are left alone after a divorce, face huge challenges. Jobs for women can be hard to find, especially in rural areas, and there is little support from the state. Many have no choice but to take their children out of school so they can help bring in money.
Take sister Sana. She was 28 when her husband was killed in a road accident on his way to buy dinner for the family. In one evening she lost her husband, her income and her security. With your support, our team helped her with her daily needs and enrolled her at a local centre to learn IT and sewing. Today her son goes to school and she is building skills to support her family herself.
Help that lasts
For over 30 years, Zia Ul Ummah Foundation has supported hundreds of widowed and divorced mothers. We give financial help in emergencies, but our aim is independence. That is why we fund small businesses and skills training:
- £650 sets up a small tuck shop.
- £1,500 sets up a fuller shop business.
- Any amount helps with food, rent and school costs.
A mother who can earn her own living keeps her children in school, keeps her dignity and often goes on to help other women in her community.
Helping widows in Islam is a living Sunnah
Most of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ were widows when he married them. He provided for them, honoured them and made sure they were cared for. Supporting widows today is a living Sunnah.
Help a Mother Stand on Her Own Feet
Fund a small business and help a widow provide for her children with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give Zakat to help widows?
Yes, if the widow is poor and eligible to receive Zakat. Please let us know if your donation is Zakat.
What does a tuck shop involve?
A small shop selling snacks and everyday items, often near a school, giving the mother a steady daily income.
Do you also help divorced mothers?
Yes. Our programme supports both widowed and divorced mothers who are raising children alone.