The loss of a mother or father does not only leave an emotional impact on a child. In many families, the death of a main breadwinner can have far-reaching consequences on the daily lives of every family member.

Children may struggle to access sufficient food, continue their education, receive healthcare, or live in a safe and secure environment.

For families living in poverty, conflict, or prolonged crises, losing a caregiver can make existing challenges even more difficult to overcome.

This is where orphan sponsorship can play a vital role.

Through MyYateem Sponsorship, Islamic Relief Malaysia works to support orphaned children in countries where they are most in need. However, the impact of a sponsorship does not end with one child. When a child’s basic needs are supported, the burden carried by mothers, caregivers, and the entire family can also be eased.

What is MyYateem Sponsorship?

MyYateem Sponsorship is an orphan sponsorship programme that helps meet the needs and improve the well-being of children who have lost one or both parents.

This year, Islamic Relief Malaysia aims to ensure that 5,000 orphaned children across more than 10 countries receive sponsorship and ongoing support, including orphaned children in Palestine, Jordan (Palestinian refugees), Somalia, and Sudan.

Currently, 127 orphaned children are receiving sponsorship through the programme across 18 countries, including Palestine, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chechnya, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

The support provided covers several important aspects of children’s lives, including:

• Regular health check-ups
• Education and school-related needs
• Basic necessities
• Housing support
• Food and nutritional needs

Depending on local needs and circumstances, this assistance can also help improve access to healthcare and vaccinations, provide essential educational materials, and offer emotional support to children experiencing trauma.

For some children, the support also creates opportunities to gain practical skills through vocational training, including in information technology and language skills, helping them build better opportunities for the future.

Why is orphan sponsorship important?

A child needs more than immediate assistance to survive. They also need the opportunity to learn, receive medical treatment when they are unwell, and grow up in an environment where they feel safe and supported.

For a mother or caregiver who has lost a spouse or source of income, meeting all of these needs alone can be an incredibly difficult struggle.

That is why sponsoring an orphaned child can provide benefits that extend beyond the child themselves and help bring greater stability to the entire family.

When a child’s education costs are eased, families may be able to use their limited resources to purchase food. When a child receives support for healthcare or basic needs, the financial pressure on their caregiver can also be reduced. When children are able to continue their education, families can have greater hope for the future.

Osama’s story: An orphaned child in Yemen

The impact of sponsorship support can be seen through the story of Osama, an orphaned child living with his family in Hodeida, Yemen.

After the death of his father, life changed completely for Osama and his family. His mother, Elham, is now responsible for caring for her six children on her own, including Osama and two other children who have intellectual disabilities and require ongoing care and treatment.

Without a stable source of income, the family relies heavily on Ahmed, her fourth child, who works part-time at a fish market. However, his small income is not enough to cover the needs of the entire family.

Almost every day, the family could only eat bread and drink tea. Even then, there was not always enough for every family member.

In these extremely difficult circumstances, accessing sufficient water was also a daily challenge. Osama’s family lives in a very small rented house and has limited access to basic necessities such as electricity and water.

A health burden the family cannot carry alone

The challenges faced by Osama’s family are even greater because Osama, his brother, and his sister require regular medical treatment and medication.

For Elham, finding enough money to buy food is already a daily struggle. The additional cost of medicine, treatment, and other needs places an even heavier financial and emotional burden on her.

As a mother caring for her children without sufficient food and basic necessities, Elham faces challenges that are far from easy.

Before receiving support, the children’s education was also affected. Elham could not afford all their school supplies or cover education-related expenses.

In situations like this, poverty can affect almost every aspect of a child’s life.

A child who does not have enough food may struggle to concentrate at school. A child who requires medical treatment faces additional challenges in daily life. Children who grow up in conditions of deprivation may also lose their sense of security and hope for the future.

A sponsorship programme that brings change

Through MyYateem Sponsorship, Osama and his family began receiving support that helped them meet some of their basic needs.

The financial assistance provided through the sponsorship programme helps Osama’s family cover important expenses such as food, medicine, and education.

During Ramadan, the family also received food packs from Islamic Relief, while Qurbani meat during Eid al-Adha gave them the opportunity to enjoy more nutritious food.

For some families, this may seem like an ordinary part of life.

But for Osama’s family, who had lived with deprivation for a long time, having enough food or being able to eat meat again after many years carried enormous meaning.

More importantly, the sponsorship gave Osama and his family something they had struggled to find before: a greater sense of stability and security.

They now know that they do not have to face every challenge alone.

For Osama, the sponsorship helps him continue receiving the care and education he needs. For Elham, it provides strength and hope to keep going.

Creating opportunities for a better future

Immediate assistance is essential in helping families like Osama’s overcome the challenges they face today. However, consistent support can also help children build a better future.

Through education, healthcare, and skills development, children can gain opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to access.

For children living in areas affected by conflict, poverty, or humanitarian crises, the opportunity to continue learning can be an important step towards breaking the cycle of hardship.

Emotional support is equally important.

Many children who lose a parent also experience trauma, grief, and uncertainty. For this reason, a child’s well-being must be viewed holistically, not only by ensuring they have food, but also by supporting their health, education, safety, and emotional development.

One sponsorship, a mountain of hope

Osama’s story is just one of many stories of orphaned children facing immense challenges after losing a mother or father.

Some need support to continue their education. Some need access to health check-ups and medical treatment. Others live in families struggling to provide enough food.

Yet every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthier, safer, and with dignity.

Through MyYateem Sponsorship, the support provided helps meet the needs of orphaned children while creating a wider positive impact on their families.

If you would like to be part of a meaningful change in the lives of orphaned children and their families, join MyYateem Sponsorship with Islamic Relief Malaysia. Your sponsorship can help provide vital support in education, healthcare, basic needs, and overall well-being, while opening opportunities for children to build a more dignified and hopeful future.

What does it mean to love the Prophet Muhammad SAW? Following his example of compassion towards orphans

Every year, as the month of Rabiulawal arrives, Muslims around the world once again remember the great person we love most – the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

There are many ways to reflect on his life and mission. We increase our salutations upon him, share and reflect on stories from his life, and gather to commemorate Maulidur Rasul as an expression of our love for him.

Yet, have we ever asked ourselves:

What does it truly mean to love the Prophet Muhammad SAW?

Is our love for him expressed only through sending salutations and commemorating Maulidur Rasul? Or should that love also to be reflected in our character, our actions and the way we treat others?

The Prophet Muhammad SAW did not only teach his followers through his words but also demonstrated through his actions how to be compassionate, caring and attentive towards those in need.

Among those who receive special attention in Islam are orphans.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW was an orphan

Before he was chosen as a prophet, Prophet Muhammad SAW himself experienced life as an orphan. His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, passed away before his birth, while his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, passed away when he was still a young child.

Allah SWT reminded him of this part of his life in the Quran:

“Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?” – Surah al-Duha, 93:6

Growing up as an orphan became an important part of the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW life journey. He understood the pain of loss and the need for a person to receive love, protection and support from those around them.

It is therefore no surprise that Islam places such great emphasis on the wellbeing and protection of orphans.

How did the Prophet Muhammad SAW show compassion towards orphans?

The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught Muslims to protect the rights of orphans, never to wrong them and to help fulfil their needs.

In fact, the status of those who care for orphans is so highly regarded that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be like this in Paradise.”

He then gestured with his index and middle fingers held close together. – Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari

This hadith highlights the immense reward for those who care for and support orphans. Caring for an orphan is not simply about providing material assistance, but also about showing compassion and fulfilling a social responsibility that is greatly honoured in Islam.

Love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW should be reflected in our character

Loving the Prophet Muhammad SAW means striving to follow his character and teachings in our daily lives.

He taught us to show compassion towards the vulnerable, help those in need and never leave someone to face hardship alone.

When it comes to orphans, there are many ways we can translate our love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW into action.

We can care about their needs. We can support their education. We can share our blessings to provide food and basic necessities. We can also support initiatives that help them build better lives.

For an orphan, the support we provide may seem small to us, but it can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Orphans need more than financial assistance

When we think about helping orphans, the first thing that may come to mind is financial assistance.

However, a child’s needs go far beyond that.

They need opportunities to receive an education. They need sufficient and nutritious food. They need access to healthcare. They need a safe place to live and protection from harm.

More importantly, they also need love, attention and emotional support.

That is why efforts to support orphans should be viewed from a long-term perspective. Assistance is not only about meeting their needs today, but also about helping them build a better future.

This is the approach taken by Islamic Relief Malaysia through the MyYateem #CareForOrphan campaign.

MyYateem: Turning compassion into action

Through MyYateem #CareForOrphan, Islamic Relief Malaysia seeks to support orphans and their families affected by conflict, natural disasters, poverty and chronic illness.

The support provided is not intended to be temporary. Islamic Relief Malaysia focuses on long-term support that addresses education, food, healthcare, protection, as well as support for their families and communities.

Through MyYateem Care, contributions help improve the quality of life of orphans and their families, including through education, healthcare, basic food needs and family livelihood assistance.

For those who wish to provide ongoing support, MyYateem Sponsorship offers the opportunity to sponsor an orphan with a contribution of RM350 per month for a minimum of two years. This helps support essential needs such as food, education, shelter and healthcare.

Every contribution is part of an effort to give these children the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.

Rabiulawal: A time to revive the compassion taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW

The month of Rabiulawal offers us an opportunity to reflect on the life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and renew our love for him.

But perhaps this year, we can look at Maulidur Rasul from a slightly different perspective.

Instead of simply asking:

“How many salawats have we sent upon the Prophet?”

We can also ask:

“Which of the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW qualities have we tried to embody?”

If he taught us to care for orphans, have we taken the opportunity to support them?

If he taught us to show compassion towards those in need, have we shared some of the blessings Allah SWT has given us?

And if we say that we love the Prophet Muhammad SAW, can that love be seen in the way we treat the people around us?

We may not be able to do something extraordinary.

But a single contribution, a helping hand or one small act of sincere kindness could be the reason a child’s life takes a better turn.

Let love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW become an act of kindness

Do not let our love remain only in words. Let it be reflected in our character and actions. This Rabiulawal, let us follow the compassion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW by caring for and supporting orphans.

We may never have met the Prophet Muhammad SAW, but we still have the opportunity to follow his character and compassion through every act of kindness we choose to do.

Let us express our love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW through an act of kindness today.

Support MyYateem #CareForOrphan and join us in building a brighter future for orphans.

Imagine a water well has just been completed. Water begins to flow, and the community starts using it for their daily needs.

But does the project end there?

Actually, it does not.

Providing a water source is only one step towards ensuring that communities have access to safe and sustainable water. Behind a seemingly simple well, there are many aspects that need to be considered to ensure its benefits continue long after construction is completed.

From ensuring water quality and maintaining the facility to providing communities with the knowledge and awareness they need and ensuring proper maintenance, all these elements play a role in making a clean water project truly impactful in the long term.

Clean water is about more than providing a water source

For communities facing water shortages, having a safe and accessible water source closer to home can transform their daily routines.

Water is needed not only for drinking, but also for cooking, washing clothes, maintaining personal hygiene and meeting household needs.

When water is difficult to access, family members may have to spend more time and energy collecting it. This can affect many aspects of their lives, including education, health and livelihoods.

For this reason, clean water projects should not be viewed simply as the construction of a physical structure. They are part of a broader effort to improve the well-being and resilience of communities.

1. Ensuring the water is safe to use

One of the first priorities after establishing a water source is to ensure that the water is suitable and safe for the community to use.

Access to water alone is not enough if its quality cannot be guaranteed. Water sources need to be assessed and monitored to reduce the risk of contamination and give communities greater confidence in using them.

At the same time, the cleanliness of the surrounding area must also be maintained. Good hygiene practices help protect water sources from contamination and support better community health.

This is why efforts to improve access to clean water should go hand in hand with education on hygiene and safe water use.

2. Helping communities learn how to care for their water source

A well may be built for community use, but its long-term benefits depend on how the facility is used and maintained.

Communities need to understand practices such as keeping the area around the water source clean, using the facility properly and knowing what to do if damage or other problems occur.

As part of a sustainable development approach, communities are not simply recipients of aid. They also play an important role in caring for and managing the facilities provided.

They are given appropriate training to operate and maintain the well, helping to ensure that the facility remains useful and accessible to the community.

When people have the knowledge and sense of responsibility to care for their water source, the facility has a better chance of continuing to benefit the community in the long term.

3. Maintenance keeps the benefits flowing

What is the point of building a well if it can no longer be used when something goes wrong?

Like any other facility, water infrastructure requires care and maintenance. Even minor damage, if left unaddressed, can affect a community’s access to water.

Maintenance is therefore an important part of ensuring that a clean water project remains functional.

This may involve monitoring the condition of the facility, identifying problems early and ensuring that repairs can be carried out when necessary.

This is the difference between simply building a well and establishing a water source that can continue providing meaningful benefits over time.

4. Communities are part of the solution

Sustainable aid is not simply about giving something to a community. It is also about ensuring that communities have the knowledge, capacity and opportunity to play a role in managing the resources they depend on.

Community involvement is important because local people understand the needs and challenges of their own communities best.

When communities are involved in caring for their water sources, it creates a greater sense of ownership of the facilities. This helps ensure that the water source continues to be used appropriately and that its benefits can reach more people.

This approach also supports efforts to empower communities so that they are not solely dependent on external assistance, but have the capacity to manage their own needs.

5. The impact of a well goes beyond water

When we talk about water well projects, it is easy to think about their impact simply in terms of the amount of water they provide.

In reality, the impact can go much further.

When a water source is closer and easier to access, the time previously spent collecting or carrying water can be used for other activities.

For children, this time can be spent learning and attending school.

For women, the time saved can be spent with their families, working or engaging in income-generating activities.

For the wider community, better access to water can support improved hygiene, health and daily living conditions.

A well, therefore, does more than provide water.

It also provides time, opportunities and space for communities to build better lives.

6. Water, health and a better quality of life

Safe water is one of the foundations of a healthy life.

It is essential for drinking, cooking and maintaining personal hygiene. Without access to safe water sources, communities can face greater challenges in maintaining cleanliness and protecting their health.

That is why efforts to improve access to clean water often go hand in hand with hygiene and sanitation education.

A seemingly small change, such as having a more accessible water source, can make a significant difference to a family’s daily life.

From washing hands to preparing food, clean water plays a role in almost every aspect of everyday life.

7. From a single well to greater change

A well may seem like a simple facility.

But for communities that have long struggled to access water, it can become a starting point for greater change.

Access to water → time saved → improved hygiene → better health → greater opportunities to learn and work → more resilient communities.

This is why clean water projects need to be viewed in a broader context.

They are not simply about building wells or providing water facilities. They are about creating conditions that enable people to live safer, healthier and more dignified lives.

And the journey does not end when construction is completed.

It begins when the water starts flowing and continues as it benefits people’s lives, day after day.

What happens after a well is built?

So, what really happens after a well is built?

• The well is constructed.
• The water source is established and assessed.
• The community uses the facility and learns how to care for it.
• Maintenance is carried out to keep it functioning.
• The community benefits from improved access to water.

Most importantly, these benefits can hopefully continue to be felt, day after day.

Because the true purpose of a clean water project is not simply to build a well, but to ensure that water continues to benefit people.

Make your contribution part of the change

Every contribution to a water project carries a meaning far beyond the amount given.

It can be part of an effort to provide a water source for a family. It can help reduce the time needed to collect water. It can support better hygiene, health and daily life for an entire community.

Through the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS), Islamic Relief Malaysia provides an opportunity for Malaysians to support efforts to improve access to clean water for communities in need in Somalia and Bangladesh.

For many of us, water is just the turn of a tap away.

But for those who still struggle to access water, a reliable water source can bring meaningful change.

Make your contribution part of a source of life that keeps flowing. Support the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS) now.

In Edilpur village, Madhupur, Tangail district, 49-year-old Shaheb Ali has lived a life defined by hardship, chronic illness, and quiet resilience. As a daily wage labourer struggling with failing health, earning even a modest income is a daily battle, leaving his family trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Shaheb’s burdens run deep. Years ago, he lost his first wife to cancer because he couldn’t afford the medical treatment that might have saved her. Today, Shaheb lives in a small tin-roofed home with his second wife and their three young children. Despite his best efforts, his fragile income barely puts food on the table.

Yet, poverty was not their only trial, they had no access to safe drinking water.

The heavy burden of unsafe water

Without a clean water source nearby, Shaheb’s family faced an exhausting daily ordeal. Fetching water meant walking long, tiring distances, an unbearable strain on Shaheb’s weakened body, as well as on his wife and young children.

“The nearest tube well was too far… Walking long distances daily to fetch water was an unbearable burden for my family.”

Access to clean, safe drinking water isn’t just a convenience, it is a fundamental human right. Yet for Shaheb and thousands like him, it was a daily struggle for survival.

A lifeline of hope: Islamic Relief’s intervention

Recognizing the urgent need, Islamic Relief Bangladesh conducted a community consultation to identify households most in need. Supported by local elders and community members, Shaheb’s family was selected alongside nine others for a life-changing intervention.

Following a thorough needs assessment, Islamic Relief Bangladesh installed a deep-set pump tube well right near Shaheb’s doorstep. Today, 10 families enjoy immediate, daily access to clean, safe, and arsenic-free drinking water.

“The pain of walking far for water is gone,” says Shaheb, his voice filled with relief.

“My heart feels lighter now. It may seem like a small thing, but for us, this water has brought comfort and dignity into our lives. I am truly thankful to Islamic Relief. May Allah reward them for their kindness.”

Sustainable impact: The FWAB-V Project

Shaheb’s story is part of a larger mission. Through the “Facilitating Water Access in Northern Bangladesh (FWAB-V) Phase V” project funded by Islamic Relief Malaysia, vital water infrastructure was brought to two of the most water-stressed unions (Aushnara and Beribaid) in Madhupur Upazila.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project delivered:

• 20 Inclusive Deep-Set Pumps: Providing safe, arsenic-free drinking water to disaster-vulnerable communities.
• Caretaker Training: 40 local caretakers were trained and equipped with repair toolboxes to maintain the water points independently.
• Hygiene & Sanitation Awareness: 200 community members participated in hygiene promotion sessions, raising awareness on safe water storage and handwashing practices to protect long-term public health.

Bring a ray of hope with your sadaqah jariyah

Shaheb Ali’s story is just one of millions. Across the globe, countess vulnerable families, women, and children still walk miles every day just to fetch a bucket of water that is often unsafe and contaminated.

Donate to the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS)

Through the water system waqf fund, DWAS by Islamic Relief Malaysia, you can help build sustainable, long-lasting water solutions such as deep-set tube wells, solar-powered water systems, and filtration units for communities desperately in need.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked:

“Which charity is the best?” He replied: “PROVIDING WATER.”

(HR Abu Dawud)

Why Support the DWAS Waqf Fund?

• Continuous Sadaqah Jariyah: Earn ongoing rewards for every single drop of water used by families, children, and livestock.
• Restoring Health & Dignity: Protect poor families from waterborne diseases and relieve them of the exhausting daily burden of fetching water.
• Sustainable Community Impact: Allow children to attend school and parents to earn a living instead of spending hours searching for water.

Give you waqf and provide the gift of clean water and transform a life today.

“I still remember joining a humanitarian mission to Somalia in 2017. We travelled to a remote area in Balcad, Middle Shabelle, where we witnessed first-hand how a water complex had transformed the lives of the local community.

“The clean water provided was not only used by the villagers, but also served as a vital source for livestock and other animals, while helping to irrigate agricultural land.

“That was when I realised that every water project is not only for the benefit of people, but also for the other creations of Allah.”

– Zafirah, Islamic Relief Malaysia’s Staff

This experience reaffirmed that clean water is far more than a basic necessity. It is a catalyst for improving health, education, livelihoods and the overall well-being of an entire community.

Inspired by this commitment, Islamic Relief Malaysia is set to implement the Water Education and Living Standards for Communities in Warsheikh (WEL) Project in Somalia to help more people gain access to safe, reliable and sustainable clean water.

Why is Somalia still facing a water crisis?

For many of us, turning on a tap and accessing clean water is part of our daily routine. However, for many communities in Somalia, clean water remains a scarce and precious resource.

Many families continue to rely on limited water sources, while others have no choice but to use unsafe water for drinking and daily household needs. In some areas, people are forced to walk long distances every day just to collect enough water for their families.

This ongoing challenge affects far more than health. Children often miss school because they spend time collecting water, while women devote hours each day to this task, leaving them with fewer opportunities for education, income generation and family care. Without reliable access to clean water, it becomes increasingly difficult for communities to achieve sustainable development, as almost every aspect of daily life depends on this essential resource.

The WEL Project: A sustainable solution

To address these challenges, Islamic Relief Malaysia is introducing the Water Education and Living Standards for Communities in Warsheikh (WEL) Project as a long-term initiative to improve access to safe and sustainable water for local communities.

The project will develop a solar-powered water supply system, enabling residents to access clean water more efficiently and reliably.

Beyond constructing a borehole and installing pumps, pipelines and water storage tanks, the project also focuses on strengthening community capacity. A Water Management Committee will be established, while community members will receive training on operating and maintaining the water system, ensuring they are able to manage it independently once the project is completed.

This community-led approach is designed to maximise the long-term sustainability of the project while reducing reliance on external assistance.

Clean water changes lives in more ways than we imagine

Water projects are often seen simply as a way to provide drinking water.

In reality, their impact extends far beyond that.

Improved access to clean water helps reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, allowing families to live healthier lives. Children have more time to attend school instead of collecting water, while women are freed from spending hours each day searching for water.

Reliable water access also supports agriculture and livestock, which are among the primary sources of income for many rural communities. Over time, this contributes to stronger livelihoods, greater resilience and improved quality of life.

These are the very changes that Islamic Relief teams have witnessed in Somalia, and the same positive impact is expected to benefit the community of Warsheikh through the WEL Project.

Why a solar-powered water system?

One of the key features of the WEL Project is its use of a solar-powered water supply system.

Solar energy enables the system to operate efficiently without relying heavily on conventional electricity, helping to reduce operational costs while ensuring a more reliable supply of clean water.

Combined with community management and maintenance training, this approach offers a sustainable solution capable of serving the community for many years to come.

DWAS: Delivering hope through clean water

The WEL Project is one of the initiatives supported through Islamic Relief Malaysia’s Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS), or Water System Waqf Fund.

Through public contributions, more sustainable water projects can be implemented to support communities still struggling with water scarcity.

Every contribution goes beyond building a borehole or water supply system. It creates opportunities for children to return to school, enables families to enjoy healthier lives and empowers communities to build a brighter future. 

Be the reason water and hope continue to flow

For many of us, clean water is a blessing we often take for granted. For the people of Warsheikh, Somalia, however, it is the foundation of better health, improved education and the opportunity to build a better future.

Through the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS), you can become part of this meaningful journey. Every contribution helps make the construction of a water supply complex possible, bringing clean water closer to thousands of people.

A single water complex has the potential to benefit approximately 5,000 people, while also supporting agriculture and livestock that sustain local livelihoods.

Together, we can help provide not only clean water, but also hope, dignity and a brighter future for communities in need.

Access to clean water is essential for health, hygiene, and survival. Yet, for millions of people in Bangladesh, obtaining safe drinking water remains a daily challenge due to groundwater contamination, climate change, seasonal flooding, and inadequate water supply infrastructure.

Recognising the importance of clean water, Islamic Relief Malaysia launched the Facilitating Water Access in Northern Bangladesh (FWAB) project to improve access to safe and sustainable water sources for communities in Mymensingh and Modhupur Upazila, Tangail District.

Since its inception in 2020, the project has been implemented in phases, focusing not only on providing water facilities but also on empowering communities through maintenance training, hygiene education, and capacity-building programmes to ensure long-term sustainability.

Why is access to clean water still a challenge in Bangladesh?

Although Bangladesh is home to an extensive network of rivers, many rural communities continue to struggle with access to safe drinking water.

Some of the major challenges include arsenic contamination in groundwater, bacterial contamination caused by inadequate sanitation systems, seasonal flooding that pollutes water sources, and the effects of climate change, which have led to increased salinity in certain areas.

According to UNICEF, only around 39.3% of Bangladesh’s population has access to safely managed drinking water services. This situation increases the risk of waterborne diseases and negatively affects public health, education, and overall community well-being.

For this reason, improving access to clean water remains a critical step towards enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable communities.

Facilitating Water Access in Northern Bangladesh (FWAB)

Between 2020 and 2025, Islamic Relief Malaysia implemented five phases of the FWAB project across several locations in Kuragacha, Aushnara, and Veribait in Mymensingh and Modhupur Upazila, Tangail District.

Throughout the project, Islamic Relief Malaysia successfully:

• Constructed 98 tube wells or deep set pumps
• Trained 102 local caretakers in the maintenance and repair of water facilities
• Conducted hygiene promotion and awareness programmes on the importance of clean water; and
• Reached 4,366 right holders

Over the five-year implementation period, the project evolved in response to the changing needs of local communities. In 2020, FWAB focused on installing tube wells while providing caretaker training and hygiene awareness programmes. The project expanded in 2022 with the installation of additional water facilities and continued maintenance training for local communities. By 2025, the project introduced Deep Set Pumps (DSPs) to improve access to safer water sources in areas where deeper groundwater extraction was required.

Impact on communities

Access to clean water has significantly improved the lives of local communities. For many families, the facilities provided through FWAB have reduced their dependence on contaminated water sources while making it easier to obtain safe water for daily use.

At the same time, training local caretakers and strengthening community capacity have helped ensure that the water facilities are properly maintained, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the project.

Hygiene promotion activities have also increased community awareness of good hygiene practices, safe water use, and the prevention of waterborne diseases, ultimately contributing to healthier and more resilient communities.

Bringing hope through clean water

Access to clean water is about more than meeting basic drinking needs. It supports better health, improved hygiene, education, and overall well-being, enabling communities to build safer and more dignified lives.

Through the generous support of donors to the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS) campaign, Islamic Relief Malaysia remains committed to expanding access to clean water for vulnerable communities. Every contribution not only helps provide safe water facilities but also represents a long-term investment in building a brighter future for thousands of families across Bangladesh.

Siapa Je Nak Ke Bangladesh?

“Ini antara respon yang saya terima ketika kali pertama saya beritahu ahli keluarga yang saya akan mengikuti misi kemanusiaan ke Bangladesh. Ha! Bangladesh? Seriuslah? Ok ke? Ada apa nak ke sana?” cerita Imelda Harris, Ikon Kemanusiaan Islamic Relief Malaysia.

Menurutnya lagi, kalau bukan kerana misi kemanusiaan ke Bangladesh bersama Islamic Relief pada tahun 2023, dia juga pasti masih skeptikal dengan negara Tanah Bengal itu.

Bangladesh semestinya bukan pilihan utama masyarakat kita untuk bercuti. Jalan raya sesak dengan kenderaan dan haiwan ternakan yang berada di satu laluan yang sama menjadikan perjalanan ke satu-satu destinasi menjadi lama dan mencabar.

“Kami terpaksa menempuh perjalanan darat hampir 10 jam dari Dhaka ke Rangpur akibat hujan lebat dan kesesakan lalu lintas, sedangkan dalam keadaan biasa perjalanan hanya mengambil masa sekitar 5–6 jam sahaja. Bagaimanapun, perjalanan panjang itu sangat berbaloi bila kami tiba di lokasi projek yang telah mengubah nasib banyak keluarga,” luah Imelda.

Konsep Beri Kail, Bukan Ikan Semata-mata

Di Bangladesh, lebih 21 peratus penduduk hidup dengan pendapatan harian kurang daripada RM14 sehari. Keadaan ini semakin parah akibat tekanan inflasi dan kesan ekonomi global.

Islamic Relief mula menjalankan kerja-kerja kamanusiaan di Bangladesh pada tahun 1991, sejak negara itu dilanda bencana taufan yang dahsyat. Bermula dengan bantuan kecemasan, projek kebajikan yang dilaksanakan berkembang ke sektor pendidikan, kesihatan, air bersih dan penjanaan ekonomi serta memperkasa komuniti.

“Saya sangat terinspirasi dengan semangat dan kegigihan komuniti wanita di Rangpur. Dahulu, mereka hanya bergantung hidup dengan bantuan kemanusiaan ketika bencana melanda. Kini, mereka berjaya mewujudkan komuniti yang berdaya saing dengan penjanaan sumber ekonomi melalui hasil jualan kedai runcit dan ternakan,” kata Imelda.

Tambahnya lagi, projek Sustainable Economic Empowerment and Development (SEED), telah membawa perubahan besar kepada komuniti itu. Berbekalkan sokongan modal wang tunai RM6,500 untuk 30 peserta terlibat di peringkat awal projek, kini mereka mempunyai lebih daripada tiga sumber pendapatan.

Terbukti, usaha tidak pernah mengkhianati hasil. Sikap mereka yang tidak mensia-siakan peluang dan sentiasa bersedia untuk berubah menunjukkan ciri-ciri orang berjaya. Jadi, tidak hairanlah manfaat projek SEED telah berkembang luas ke kampung-kampung lain.

“Setiap minggu, kami akan berkumpul dan berkongsi perkembangan usaha ternakan dan jualan yang kami jalankan. Kami juga mewujudkan tabungan komuniti bernilai lebih RM5,000 untuk kami berikan pinjaman tanpa faedah kepada wanita lain dalam komuniti kami yang ingin memulakan usaha menjana ekonomi keluarga.

“Selain itu, kami juga mengumpul beras sekiranya ada yang terdesak memerlukannya. Dari secupak beras, kini sudah menjadi lebih 500 kilogram stok terkumpul,” terang Rupia Beghum, salah seorang penerima bantuan projek SEED.

Projek SEED anjuran Islamic Relief ini dilaksanakan hasil sumbangan rakyat Malaysia melalui tabung MySedekah. Dengan tagline “Kemanusiaan Tanpa Sempadan”, MySedekah menjadi platform yang menampung kos pelbagai projek bantuan merangkumi bekalan makanan, rawatan kesihatan, pembangunan ekonomi jangka panjang serta dana kesiapsiagaan krisis.

“Selain sokongan modal, kami turut diberi pendedahan tentang pengurusan kewangan termasuk inisiatif pinjaman tanpa faedah serta ilmu penternakan. Kesedaran mengenai pencegahan perkahwinan awal usia dalam kalangan wanita dan kepentingan pendidikan kanak‑kanak juga menjadi antara fokus utama yang dititikberatkan.

“Kami rasa sangat bersyukur kerana berjaya mencegah dua kes perkahwinan awal usia dan menyelamatkan wanita daripada menjadi mangsa keganasan rumah tangga. Projek ini bukan sahaja membantu kami menjana pendapatan, tetapi memberi sinar baharu kepada wanita yang hampir putus harapan,” jelas Rupia Beghum.

Tiada Alasan Untuk Bermalas-Malasan

“Saya selalu percaya, hanya dengan ilmu kita dapat membina masa depan lebih baik. Ketika saya terlibat dalam kemalangan sewaktu dalam perjalanan untuk menduduki peperiksaan, saya rasa dunia saya seolah terhenti,” luah Salina Akhter salah seorang peserta projek SEED yang menjana pendapatan dengan menternak itik, kambing dan lembu.

Salina kehilangan kedua belah tangan dalam insiden kemalangan itu. Dia hampir depresi akibat kejadian itu.

“Islamic Relief hadir membawa harapan baharu. Saya nekad menyertai projek SEED untuk membuktikan bahawa saya boleh berdikari, mempunyai pendapatan sendiri dan tidak mahu bergantung kepada ibu bapa saya sahaja kerana mereka sudah tua,” kata Salina.

Salina antara peserta yang berjaya dan menjadi contoh kepada komuniti setempat. Dia kini dapat menjana pendapatan lebih RM160 sebulan. Cukup untuk menampung keperluan diri dan ibu bapanya.

“Sehingga kini, kisah Salina menjadi antara pendorong untuk saya terus terlibat dalam kerja‑kerja kemanusiaan. Di luar sana, masih ramai yang memerlukan sokongan dan bantuan kita. Ramai juga yang telah berjaya mengubah nasib diri dan keluarga hasil sumbangan kecil yang kita kumpulkan bersama.

“Selain projek SEED di Bangladesh, ada banyak lagi projek kebajikan yang dijalankan Islamic Relief dan memberi impak besar kepada keluarga memerlukan antaranya projek ternakan ayam di Kosova, tanaman sayur-sayuran di Syria, projek rumah hijau di Albania dan Bosnia serta banyak lagi,” jelas Imelda.

Projek SEED di Bangladesh hanyalah salah satu daripada pelbagai inisiatif yang dilaksanakan hasil sumbangan orang ramai melalui MySedekah. Jadilah sebahagian daripada asbab kebaikan dengan menyokong usaha Islamic Relief Malaysia dalam membantu komuniti yang memerlukan di seluruh dunia. Ketahui lebih lanjut atau salurkan sumbangan anda melalui MySedekah. Semoga setiap rezeki yang dikongsi menjadi saham akhirat yang berpanjangan buat kita semua.

Imagine having to travel nearly 80 kilometres every time you need water, just to cook, prepare milk for your child, or take a bath.

For many Malaysians, such a reality may be difficult to imagine. But for Nadiya, a 39-year-old mother and homemaker in Somalia, this was the daily struggle she had endured for years.

Nadiya lives with her husband, children, mother, and nieces and nephews in a household of 11 people. Her husband, who works as a schoolteacher, is the family’s sole breadwinner. His income is only enough to cover basic necessities such as food, education and healthcare, but often falls short.

What made life even more challenging was the struggle to access clean water.

The water well in their village had collapsed. As a result, Nadiya’s family had to travel 80 kilometres to a nearby village to collect water or purchase water from tankers at an extremely high cost — reaching more than USD100 (approximately RM420) per water tank.

Water, which should be a basic necessity, had become a luxury.

“Life in our village was extremely difficult before. Getting water took a long time, cost a lot of money and was physically exhausting. It affected our daily lives, and even our children’s health and education were often neglected,” shared Nadiya.

Clean Water Is More Than Just a Drink

For many of us, turning on a tap and getting clean water is simply part of our daily routine. But in Somalia, access to clean water determines whether a family can cook, maintain personal hygiene, send children to school, or earn a living.

Prolonged droughts, climate change and limited infrastructure have left millions of people in Somalia dependent on unsafe water sources or forced to travel long distances every day to obtain water.

That is why Islamic Relief Malaysia, through the Water System Waqf Fund, continues to implement clean water supply projects in communities most in need. The focus is not merely on constructing wells, but on providing sustainable water systems that can operate long-term and be managed by the communities themselves.

Nadiya’s Life Transformed Through the Water Waqf Project

Through the Reliable Water for Somalia (RWAS III) project, the water well in Nadiya’s village was successfully rehabilitated.

Today, her family no longer spends hours searching for water.

Clean water is now available for drinking, cooking and daily needs. The money that was previously spent on purchasing water can now be used for other family necessities, while her children can focus on their education without the burden of having to search for water.

More importantly, the impact extends beyond her family – the entire community has benefited from this transformation.

“Today, we have access to clean water every day. Life has become easier, the pressure has reduced, and our family’s health has improved. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible,” said Nadiya with gratitude.

Nadiya’s story is just one of thousands that demonstrate how waqf can transform lives.

Clean Water Waqf Projects Bring Hope to Thousands in Somalia

 

Since 2018, Islamic Relief Malaysia has implemented various water supply projects across several regions in Somalia, ensuring more families have access to clean water:

2018 | Water Wells in Balcad, Somalia (WEBS)

• Construction of 2 Water Supply Complexes
• Benefited 60,000 people

2020 | Water Wells in Nugaal, Puntland (WIN)

• Construction of 2 Water Supply Complexes
• Provided training for 20 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 10,000 people

2022 | Water Intervention & Recovery for Somalia (WARES)

• Construction of a solar-powered mini water supply system in Boidoa District, Bay Region
• Construction of 2 water kiosks equipped with 6 water taps
• Benefited 3,000 people

2024 | Improved Safe Water Access for Affected People in Somalia (SWAAP)

• Clean water project in Garowe and Beledweyne Districts
• Rehabilitation of 1 Water Supply Complex and 1 Water Well
• Installation of solar systems, water tanks and 4 water kiosks
• Installation of 2 pipelines to community settlements
• Provided training for 14 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 6,250 people

2025 | Reliable Water for Somalia (RWAS III)

• Construction of 1 water well and 2 water storage tanks in Badhan District
• Provided training for 14 Water Management Committee members
• Benefited 6,800 people

More Than Just a Water Well

Many people think that a water waqf project only involves building a well. In reality, every project requires a complete system to ensure communities can enjoy a reliable water supply for years to come.

The Water System Waqf Fund supports the development of essential components including solar-powered pumping systems, water storage tanks, pipeline networks, water distribution kiosks, as well as training for communities to manage and maintain these facilities.

This approach ensures that every project does not only serve communities on the day it is completed, but continues creating lasting impact for years afterwards.

86,050 People Have Benefited

Through these projects, more than 86,000 people in Somalia now have access to clean water.

The impact goes far beyond providing drinking water. These initiatives help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, save the time of women and children who previously had to travel long distances to collect water, improve household hygiene, and enable communities to live safer and more dignified lives.

Continue the Legacy of Clean Water Waqf

Every ringgit donated is not merely used to build a well or install water pipes.

It reduces the burden carried by mothers like Nadiya.

It gives children the opportunity to attend school without spending their mornings searching for water.

It allows families to live healthier and more dignified lives.

There are still many families in Somalia waiting for the moment when they can turn on a tap and access clean water for the very first time.

Support the Islamic Relief Malaysia Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS) today. Together, we are not only delivering water, we are bringing hope and building a better future for generations to come.

Aceh Flood Relief Restores Lives of 900 Families

Severe floods and landslides that struck Aceh, Indonesia from late 2025 to early 2026 caused widespread destruction and affected thousands of people. Continuous heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise more than five metres in some areas, sweeping away homes, schools and community facilities.

Thousands of families were left homeless, while damaged roads and collapsed bridges disrupted rescue operations and humanitarian aid deliveries. In these difficult circumstances, many affected communities relied heavily on support from humanitarian organisations to survive and recover.

Aceh Flood Crisis Affects Thousands of People

The disaster across several areas in Aceh had a devastating impact on local communities.

The main challenges faced by affected communities included:

• Homes, schools and community buildings destroyed by floods and landslides.
• Roads and bridges damaged, leaving many areas isolated.
• Limited access to food supplies and clean water.
• Sharp increases in food and essential item prices, with costs rising nearly three times higher in some areas.
• Increased waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea and skin infections, due to poor sanitation conditions.
• Vulnerable groups, including babies, children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, older people and persons with disabilities, being among the most affected.

In agricultural areas, more than 107,000 hectares of rice fields were reportedly damaged, affecting livelihoods and food security for many families.

Islamic Relief’s Support for Aceh Flood Victims

To help reduce the suffering of affected communities, Islamic Relief Malaysia, in collaboration with Islamic Relief Indonesia, implemented the Aceh Flood Emergency Response (AFER) across three phases.

The response focused on emergency assistance, essential needs and the provision of temporary shelter for families affected by the disaster.

Throughout the project implementation, 900 families received various forms of assistance, including:

1. Temporary Shelter

A total of 497 families received high-quality tarpaulins as temporary shelter solutions, while six temporary shelters were constructed for the most vulnerable families, including older people, families with young children and persons with disabilities.

As part of a more sustainable recovery approach, some shelters were built using wood materials recovered from flood debris, reflecting an innovative circular recovery approach.

2. Food Assistance

Islamic Relief distributed food assistance to affected families through several phases of emergency response.

 

The support provided included:

• Emergency food supplies
• 50 food packs
• 64 iftar packs
• Three cattle provided for community kitchens

These interventions helped families access nutritious meals while communities continued recovering from the impact of the floods.

3. Clean Water and Hygiene Kits

To reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, Islamic Relief distributed hygiene kits and installed three clean water tanks at strategic locations that were accessible to the community.

This initiative helped families maintain better health and safety while providing access to safe water for drinking and daily needs.

Due to severe damage to roads and transportation routes, Islamic Relief also received support from the Indonesian Navy and Indonesian Red Cross to deliver humanitarian supplies by sea.

This collaboration enabled essential assistance to reach isolated communities more quickly.

Impact of Assistance on Flood-Affected Communities

The implementation of the AFER project brought significant improvements to affected communities.

Key impacts included:

• Families gained access to safer temporary shelter.
• The risk of waterborne diseases was reduced through improved access to clean water.
• Communities received better food support through community kitchen initiatives.
• Local communities worked together to build temporary shelters for families in need.
• Emergency operations were delivered efficiently through pre-positioned relief supplies.
• No serious disease cases were recorded throughout the intervention period.

Beyond meeting immediate needs, this assistance helped restore dignity, safety and hope among affected families as they began rebuilding their lives after the disaster.

Extend Your Support Through MySedekah

Natural disasters can strike without warning and leave lasting impacts on vulnerable communities. Public support plays an important role in ensuring families receive life-saving assistance when they need it most.

Through the MySedekah campaign, you can help provide food, clean water, temporary shelter and essential supplies to communities affected by disasters around the world.

Every contribution can bring renewed hope to families facing the most challenging moments of their lives.

Editor’s note: This article contains details of the Bosnian War that some may find disturbing.

Between 1992 and 1995, the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina was devastated by a brutal war that killed 100,000 people and displaced more than 2 million.

It was a conflict defined by ethnic cleansing. Armed forces deliberately targeted Bosniak Muslims – killing, raping, torturing, looting and pillaging, and violently forcing Bosniak populations from their homes.

More than 30 years later, Bosnia is still scarred by the conflict.

The list of atrocities committed during the Bosnian conflict is long, but the events of Srebrenica stand out as a moment that finally captured the attention of the world.

On 11 July 1995, Bosnian Serb soldiers captured Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia and over the next few days, systematically murdered more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys.

It was the largest massacre carried out on European soil since World War II and was recognised as a genocide by the United Nations.

 

 

 

Today, Srebrenica is a quiet town that feels frozen in time.

From a pre-war population of 10,000 people, now only 2,000 remain. There are very few jobs available and those who still live there are surrounded by reminders of the violence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scattered throughout Srebrenica are abandoned homes, walls studded with bullet holes. No one knows who owns them, so they have remained derelict and empty for more than 30 years.

 

 

 

 

 

The town is surrounded by forests which acted as cover for a huge group of 10,000 Bosniak men and boys who fled the events of the genocide, trying to reach the free city of Tuzla more than 60 miles away. Just 3,000 people survived the perilous journey that has since become known as the ‘death march’.

 

Located outside of Srebrenica is the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial which stands as a monument to the 8,732 victims of the genocide. The figure of those murdered is not final. There are spaces left in the centre as every year, new graves are unearthed and new victims found.

 

Many of the victims of the genocide came from towns like Bratunac. Before the war, Bosniak Muslims made up some 64% of the population. Now, in 2026, they make up just 34%.

 

 

While it is known as the Srebrenica Genocide, the killings took place across eastern Bosnia. Republika Srpska forces transported Bosniak men and boys (aged from 12 to 77) out of Srebrenica by bus and took them for so-called ‘interrogations’.

Pictured is the Kravice warehouse, one of dozens of sites across eastern Bosnia where victims were murdered in the thousands. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 1,500 men were killed at Kravice.

 

 

 

There are so many locations like Kravice across Bosnia and Herzegovina, they blend into the countryside. Locals pass by them every day, sometimes they even live next door to them.

Mass graves are dotted across eastern Bosnia, often in the most unassuming locations. The Srebrenica Memorial Centre reports that remains of those murdered at Srebrenica have so far been found in 94 mass graves.

Pictured is the grave located at Cerska, 17 miles from Srebrenica. The grave was exhumed in 1995 and contained 150 remains of victims estimated to range from age 14 to 50 years at the time of their deaths.

On the outskirts of the town of Vlasenica, another mass grave is hidden by forest.

Over a period of 8 years, 54 victims were found buried here. Among that number were 11 children aged from 4 to 12 years old.

Decades later, memories of the war remain unavoidable in Bosnia. There are reminders everywhere, the very land itself is scarred.

An entire generation of Bosnians only know their parents from photographs and home videos. Whether they lost fathers to the Srebrenica Genocide, or mothers, brothers and sisters in the conflict, many people live every day feeling the losses of war.

 

To learn more about the Srebrenica Genocide, the events of the Bosnian War and how Islamic Relief have stood with the Bosnian community for more than 30 years, you can read the full collection of stories here.