Surviving
Winter
‘Keep us warm, keep us alive’
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Warm Hearts This Winter
As winter approaches, tens of thousands of families worldwide struggle without sufficient food, heating, or warm clothing. The challenges of rising living costs, ongoing conflicts, and an increase in natural disasters—exacerbated by global warming—further intensify the hardships faced by those trapped in poverty and displacement.
When temperatures drop, the most vulnerable are at an increased risk of severe illness and even death. This includes refugees living in tents, exposed to the bitter cold with little more than a thin layer for protection. These are families with young children and the elderly who have fled conflict zones, been displaced multiple times and are struggling to find shelter. Many are homeless, forced to sleep on the streets, facing the harsh realities of winter. They rely on the kindness and generosity of people like you to help them endure the cold.
In response to this situation, Muslim Hands teams will be distributing winter kits to Syrian refugees in Turkey, families in Swat, Pakistan, and the internally displaced in Ma’rib, Yemen.
Our winter relief kits are designed to protect families from bitter winds, snowfall, and relentless rain. Providing warm blankets and clothing can make all the difference during frigid nights, while nutritious food helps malnourished children build the strength to ward off infections.
As we reflect on our responsibilities this winter, we are reminded of the words of our Prophet (peace be upon him): “Winter is the spring of the believer” (Ahmad). This emphasizes the unique opportunities this season presents for prayer and charitable giving (Sadaqah and Zakat) to those in need.
Moreover, our Prophet (peace be upon him) highlighted the importance of assisting those in distress: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress, Allah will relieve his distress on the Day of Resurrection” (Sahih Muslim). This powerful promise serves as a reminder that our efforts to help others resonate far beyond this world.
Without your compassion, many may not survive this winter. Let's unite to bring hope and warmth this winter.
Taiba’s daily fight for survival
Taiba is a widow with five children. She used to run a business with her husband in the Golan Heights, Syria. When the war first began, they would hear news of the conflict in other parts of Syria. They could sometimes hear bombs in the distance, but they never thought the conflict would impact them.
One day, her husband left home to buy bread in a different village where he went missing. To this day, she has no idea what happened to him. For the safety of her children, especially her vulnerable daughters, she was forced to flee Syria.
Now Taiba is the sole guardian of five young children, all of whom are dependent on charity for the most basic supplies like blankets and coats to protect them from the snow, and a stove to warm the tent they call home.
Without nutritious food, thick blankets, and winter clothes to shield them from the bitter cold, her children could have died or become seriously ill.
Muslim Hands was established in the UK in 1993. Muslim Hands is an international aid agency and NGO working in over 50 countries worldwide to help those affected by natural disasters, conflict and poverty. Muslim Hands Canada is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (Charity Registration No. 81126 4985 RR0001).