“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.

Meaning of Sadaqah: Definition, Evidence and How It Creates Change

Sadaqah is one of the noble acts of worship highly encouraged in Islam. It is not merely a form of giving wealth, but also an expression of sincerity, compassion and an effort to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah SWT.

Through sadaqah, individuals have the opportunity to share their blessings, support those in need and contribute towards improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

Today, giving sadaqah has become more accessible through online platforms such as MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia, which provides an opportunity for people to contribute towards humanitarian efforts supporting vulnerable communities locally and globally.

What is the Meaning of Sadaqah?

The word sadaqah (صَدَقَةٌ) originates from the Arabic language. Linguistically, sadaqah means truthfulness or a sincere act of giving from a pure heart.

From an Islamic perspective, scholars define sadaqah as a form of giving that is performed solely to seek closeness to Allah SWT and His pleasure.

Sadaqah also refers to giving with the hope of receiving rewards from Allah SWT, without expecting anything in return from other people.

According to Ibn Manzur in Lisan al-‘Arab, sadaqah refers to a gift given for the sake of Allah SWT to the poor and those in need.

In summary, sadaqah is a sincere act of giving during one’s lifetime, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah SWT while helping those who require support.

Reference: Meaning of the Word Sadaqah, Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri

Evidence of Sadaqah in Islam

Allah SWT promises great rewards for those who give sadaqah with sincerity.

Allah SWT says:

إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ

Meaning:

“Indeed, the men and women who give charity and lend to Allah a goodly loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will receive a noble reward.”

(Surah Al-Hadid: 18)

This verse highlights that every act of giving performed with sincere intention for the sake of Allah SWT holds great value and reward in His sight.

Why is Giving Sadaqah Important?

Sadaqah does not only benefit the recipient, but also nurtures compassion, empathy and social responsibility within the giver.

Among the importance of giving sadaqah are:

1. Helping Those in Need

Sadaqah is one of the ways to support vulnerable families, disaster survivors, refugees and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through donations, essential needs such as food, shelter, education and healthcare can be provided to those who need them.

2. Strengthening Human Connections

The practice of giving sadaqah encourages compassion and responsibility towards society.

It reminds us that the blessings we have are not only for ourselves, but can also be shared with others who are less fortunate.

3. Creating Opportunities for Continuous Good Deeds

Today, people can perform sadaqah more easily through trusted digital platforms.

This allows more individuals to contribute according to their abilities at any time.

What is MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia?

MySedekah is one of the key fundraising initiatives by Islamic Relief Malaysia that aims to provide opportunities for communities to give sadaqah and support people in need.

Through MySedekah, funds collected are used to support various emergency response and development programmes in Malaysia and around the world.

This initiative enables people to make sadaqah a continuous practice that creates meaningful impact for vulnerable communities.

How are MySedekah Funds Distributed?

MySedekah provides flexibility for Islamic Relief Malaysia to allocate donations based on current needs and programme priorities.

This approach allows assistance to reach communities most in need, especially during humanitarian crises and disasters.

Support is provided through several key sectors, including:

• Emergency response
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Education
• Healthcare
• Food assistance and essential needs

Where Does MySedekah Provide Assistance?

Besides supporting communities in Malaysia, MySedekah funds also contribute towards Islamic Relief’s humanitarian operations in various countries, including:

• Syria
• Palestine
• Sudan
• Somalia
• Indonesia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• And other countries requiring humanitarian support

Through Islamic Relief’s global operational network, assistance can be delivered to communities affected by conflict, poverty, natural disasters and humanitarian crises in a faster, organised and effective manner.

How to Give Sadaqah Through MySedekah?

Giving sadaqah is now easier through MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia.

With a single contribution, you can support humanitarian efforts that assist vulnerable families, disaster survivors and communities in need around the world.

Regardless of the amount given, every contribution carries great meaning and can create a positive impact on the lives of others.

Give your sadaqah today through MySedekah and be part of creating meaningful change.

Sudan Emergency Relief Supports Thousands of Conflict-Affected People

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan continues to fuel one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Millions of people have been displaced, lost their livelihoods, and been left without access to basic necessities.

To support those most affected, Islamic Relief Malaysia, through the MySedekah fund and Sudan Emergency Relief, implemented the Lifesaving Interventions for IDP Families – Sudan Emergency (LIFE Project) in Gedaref and Red Sea states, Sudan, in 2024.

The project focused on supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Sudan

The continuing conflict has forced thousands of families to seek safety in areas such as Gedaref and Red Sea. However, life in displacement sites remains extremely challenging.

Among the major issues faced by displaced families are:

• Food shortages and limited access to daily necessities due to loss of income.
• Insufficient safe shelter, leaving families exposed to harsh weather conditions and security risks.
• Women, children, and adolescents experiencing trauma and psychological distress caused by the conflict.
• A severe cash shortage caused by the financial crisis, making daily transactions increasingly difficult.
• Drone attacks and escalating violence that continue to hinder humanitarian operations on the ground.

These conditions make emergency humanitarian assistance critical to helping affected families survive with safety and dignity.

Comprehensive Assistance for Internally Displaced Families

Through the LIFE Project, Islamic Relief Malaysia delivered a range of humanitarian interventions that addressed both immediate needs and emotional well-being.

1. Cash Assistance

A total of 280 families received SDG125,000 in cash assistance (approximately RM800 per family). The assistance enabled families to purchase food, medicine, and other essential items according to their most urgent needs.

2. Emergency Shelter

A total of 73 families received emergency shelter tents, providing safer living conditions, protection from extreme weather, and greater privacy.

3. Psychosocial Support

A total of 1,900 women, children, and adolescents participated in psychosocial support (PSS) sessions and recreational activities designed to reduce stress, trauma, and anxiety resulting from the conflict.

4. Community Activities and Safe Spaces

Ten community programmes were organised at IDP settlements, including activities such as puppet theatre performances and coffee corners, creating safe spaces for social interaction, emotional recovery, and community support.

5. Protection and Accountability

Islamic Relief also implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system alongside safeguarding awareness sessions to ensure beneficiaries understood their rights and had access to safe and confidential complaint mechanisms.

6. Strategic Partnerships

The project was implemented in collaboration with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Social Welfare, helping ensure aid reached vulnerable communities effectively and efficiently.

Impact of the Sudan Emergency Relief Project

Throughout the implementation period, the LIFE Project reached 4,030 conflict-affected people through a comprehensive package of humanitarian assistance.

Key achievements of the project include:

• Reducing hunger by enabling families to purchase food and other basic necessities through cash assistance.
• Providing safer temporary shelter for families displaced by conflict.
• Improving the mental well-being of women, children, and adolescents through psychosocial support programmes.
• Strengthening collaboration between Islamic Relief and local authorities, contributing to more efficient and transparent humanitarian operations.

Standing with the People of Sudan

Despite ongoing security challenges and Sudan’s financial crisis, Islamic Relief remains committed to delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Support from the public through MySedekah enables more conflict-affected families to receive emergency assistance that saves lives, restores dignity, and offers hope for rebuilding their future.

Every donation does more than meet today’s urgent needs, it provides hope for thousands of families facing one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises. Donate now: MySedekah

Philippines Flood Response Brings Relief to 770 Families in La Paz

Heavy rainfall caused by a shear line weather system struck La Paz, Agusan del Sur in the CARAGA Region of Mindanao, Philippines, in February 2026, triggering flash floods and landslides that devastated thousands of families.

The disaster not only damaged homes but also disrupted livelihoods, reduced access to food, and affected the daily lives of communities that rely heavily on agriculture. Through the Shearline Flood Response in La Paz, Agusan del Sur project, Islamic Relief Malaysia, in collaboration with Islamic Relief Philippines, provided emergency assistance to help affected families meet their immediate needs.

More Than One Million People Affected by the Floods

The extreme weather conditions caused widespread destruction across several parts of the Philippines. Overall:

• 260,339 families (more than 1.08 million people) were affected.
• 7,757 families were displaced and forced to seek temporary shelter.
• 115 homes were damaged.
• Eight people lost their lives.

Beyond the loss of homes, many families also lost their livelihoods as farmlands and agricultural areas were submerged. Food supplies became increasingly limited, raising the risk of food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities.

In La Paz, 10,304 families (approximately 42,016 people) across 15 barangays (villages) were among the communities most severely affected by the disaster.

Cash Assistance Helps Families Meet Urgent Needs

To support affected communities, Islamic Relief Malaysia, through Islamic Relief Philippines, implemented a cash-based emergency assistance programme, enabling families to purchase the items they needed most.

Under this project:

• 770 families received emergency cash assistance.
• Each family received PHP 3,000 (approximately RM198).

The programme prioritised:

• Farmers and agricultural workers.
• Flood-affected families.
• Families whose homes were damaged.
• Families living in high-risk areas.
• Families who had not yet received assistance from other organisations.

Cash assistance gives families the flexibility to purchase food, medicine, household essentials, and other urgent necessities according to their individual circumstances.

Helping Families Rebuild Their Lives After the Disaster

The emergency assistance not only addressed immediate needs but also supported families as they began rebuilding their lives.

The project has helped to:

• Reduce the risk of food insecurity.
• Enable families to meet their essential daily needs.
• Support the recovery of household livelihoods after income losses.
• Ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.

Every contribution provides hope and helps affected families recover with dignity after experiencing the devastating impact of the floods.

“The assistance we receive helps us cover our immediate needs, including food and other essential daily expenses. Before receiving this support, we depended solely on our irregular income from farming, making it difficult to provide for our family’s daily needs and support our daughter’s education.

“To the donors and supporters of Islamic Relief, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity. Your support brings hope to families like ours and gives us the strength to move forward despite the challenges we continue to face.” – Angelie Padrones, right holder

Be a Lifeline for Families Affected by Disaster

When disasters strike, vulnerable families need immediate support to access food, shelter, and other essential necessities.

Through Islamic Relief Malaysia’s MySedekah campaign, you can help ensure that more families affected by disasters receive timely humanitarian assistance.

Donate today through the MySedekah campaign and help bring hope, relief, and a brighter future to families in need.

Many families who survived the earthquake are still homeless, searching for news of loved ones, and struggling to get food, shelter and medicine, Islamic Relief’s response team on the ground reports.

Omar Khalifa is part of Islamic Relief’s emergency response team in Venezuela, working with local partners to deliver food, shelter and medical supplies to survivors of the earthquakes. He says: 

“Tens of thousands of families are still homeless and still urgently need aid like food, shelter and medicine.

“The situation at some of the evacuation sites is complete chaos, with people in distress and searching for loved ones who are still missing and they don’t know if they’re dead or alive. They don’t know whether to grieve or keep hoping. Families are sheltering in basic tents and trying to work out what to do next and how to get help. Children are sick and don’t know where to go to get treatment. 

“But local volunteer groups like the ones we’re partnering with are working miracles to get aid to people. They just need more support as the scale of need is so huge. 

“Now people are afraid the world’s attention will start to shift away while they still need urgent help. 

“The scale of the destruction is unimaginable. We just got back from one building that had completely collapsed and the ceiling had become the floor. We’re still getting tremors and aftershocks – yesterday some of the volunteers we’re working with had to evacuate their building because one of the aftershocks was so strong. Every aftershock causes people even more distress and trauma.”

Islamic Relief is working with local partner networks to deliver aid including food packs, hygiene kits, clothes, mattresses, drinking water and medical supplies.