During Dhul Hijjah, we honour our mother Hajar- but what did she stand for and who are the Hajars living in our midst?

Feed Her (£250) – Ensure her family’s basic needs are met by providing monthly food vouchers.

Shelter Her(£500) - Cover the cost of damages caused by raids or the monthly burden of rent and bills so she feels safe once again.

Heal Her (£50) - Kick-start recovery through professional counselling to alleviatethe stresses and strains of single motherhood

Empower Her (£1000) - Allow her to gain independence and self-sufficiency through English lessons, driving lessons and other education and vocational courses.

A little goes along way - Don't have a lump sum to hand? Don't worry, you can start giving a small, regular donation of £10 a month. Regular donations are the lifeline of the charity. Start now, giving £10 a month, in best 10 days of the year.

Revive the joy of Eid for those who dread spending this day of celebration alone.

Ways to deliver the joy to every Muslim child

“The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy.” (at-Tabarani)

Eid gifts for a family (£50) - Just as we put together lists of presents for our friends and families, show that little bit of love for the HHUGs family children this Eid. We all love a thoughtful present and the joy it will bring for the children who get by on so little is a beautiful investment to make.

Family prison visit for Eid (£50) - We often take it for granted that we will see our relatives on Eid. When prisons are far away, visiting times limited and transport means hard to come by- visiting your loved one is prison can be a stressful affair. Often times, families have to cancel the few opportunities they are given to even see one another because of the high cost of arranging a vehicle and driver for multiple visitors (including children). Donating towards an Eid prison visit will enable a family to physically see one another and have the in-person interaction to mark this blessed occasion.

Celebrate Together (£350) - Our HHUGS Eid parties play a crucial part in uniting people who spend Eid alone and without anybody to celebrate with. Enabling us to host an Eid celebration brings together families who would otherwise have no plans for the day and brings special delight to children who now have something to look forward to. Your donation will cover the cost of venue hire, catering and activities for children ranging from face-painters, bouncy castles and entertainers for the day.

In times when such ‘luxuries’ such as parties are rare, we can show others that through Eid, Allah truly gives us cause for joy.

If you’re not in a position to give, why not sign up for our 10 day Race to Jannah challenge, using your energy to fundraise £10 or £100 per day?

Dhul Hijjah has arrived. It was during these blessed days, long long ago, that the frantic feet of Hajar pounded the burning desert sand- looking for sustenance, desperate for survival, depended on by her infant son.

Against all odds, the unwavering faith of Hajar was met with the miracle of zam zam. A life source for her and her son then- and a source of unending relief ever since.

The story of Hajar does not sit in books as an ancient lesson, however. In her footsteps, we have many women who walk today.

Just like Hajar, they have been left isolated and alone.

Just like Hajar, they look towards what seems barren hoping for relief.

Just like Hajar, they have vulnerable children, swinging between agony and uncertainty, crying out for help.

These women may not be running the distance between Safa and Marwah, however they too, face obstacles as unmoveable as mountains.

Shunned by a community who seek to avoid “guilt by association”, women whose husbands have been imprisoned face an uncertain and often terrifying future. Children are left traumatised as their family unit is torn apart, financial security has been snatched away and the pain of isolation creeps into their every hour.

Alone, scared and with little relief in sight, these single mothers are desperately searching for help. This Dhul Hijjah, let us honour our mother Hajar (ra) by standing side by side with the women who walk in her footsteps today.

This Dhul Hijjah, Give to the One Whose Door is Closest

The Prophet ﷺ said, “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days...” [al-Bukhari]

Make these ten days count by providing a way out for mothers desperately trying to protect their children. Honour Hajar (ra) by honouring those mothers sharing her struggles.