Zakat – Safe water for Basem in Gaza

Basem lives with her parents and seven brothers and sisters in a small house Gaza. Her father is severely ill with hemiplaegia and cannot work – leaving the entire family in deep poverty.

Her youngest brother suffers with asthma, and they struggle to afford his medication. They rely on Basem’s eldest brother, who sells tea and coffee to earn a living – but he barely makes enough to provide for all ten family members.

To make matters worse, the water received through the house’s pipes is salty and undrinkable, so the already impoverished family is forced to buy clean water from suppliers. Sometimes they are late, and Basem goes for many days without water; even when it is available, carrying the heavy containers home is difficult and tiring.

Islamic Relief staff demonstrate how to use the filtration system

Today, Basem no longer needs to worry about fetching water.

Your zakat enabled Islamic Relief to provide her household – and more than 170 other families like hers – with a water filtration system called a reverse osmosis unit.

This is attached to the pipes in her house, and cleans the saline water as it runs through, providing fresh, drinkable water. If the filter ever breaks down or needs repairs, we are there to carry out maintenance.

“On behalf of my family members, I would like to thank Islamic Relief,” says Basem. “Their great effort has made our life easier; now we can use tap water without any fear!” 

Basem’s family outside their home

Islamic Relief in Gaza

Islamic Relief has worked in Palestine for almost 20 years, beginning to provide humanitarian relief in 1994, as well as food, water, livelihoods, medical and
orphan support. With your help, we are committed to supporting the people of Gaza for as long as they need us, and continue to pray for an end to their difficulties.

Zakat with Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief uses your zakat to help some of the poorest and most needy people on the planet. Your donations bring joy to them, letting them know that their brothers and sisters around the world haven’t forgotten them. Zakat gives people hope that one day, with the help of Allah, they will be zakat givers and not zakat receivers. Read our latest report to find out where your zakat donations went in 2012.