Ahmad Afzaal

In the warm, communal spaces of our partnering orphanage in Pakistan, the aroma of meat curry often fills the air, bringing a special kind of joy and celebration to the children’s daily lives. This isn’t just any meal—it’s a feast provided by the kind-hearted donors of United Muslims, marking the aqiqah of a newborn. Each serving is not only a physical nourishment but also a symbol of a community’s shared blessings and goodwill.

Aqiqah, an Islamic tradition, involves the sacrifice of an animal on behalf of a newborn child, celebrating their arrival into the world. It’s a practice that embodies gratitude and generosity, meant to share joy and sustenance with others, especially those in need. At United Muslims, we take this responsibility to heart, ensuring that the ritual of aqiqah not only honours the child but also brings tangible benefits to some of the most vulnerable members of the Muslim community—orphans.

Through our aqiqah service, families can commemorate their new addition while contributing directly to the well-being of orphans. When a family chooses to perform their aqiqah with us, we arrange for the sacrifice of goats or sheep, as per Islamic injunctions, and the meat is then prepared and distributed to various orphanages like the one in Pakistan. Here, the meat becomes part of nourishing meals for children who rarely enjoy the luxury of eating meat. 

On days when the curry simmers in the kitchen, the children gather, excited by the special meal laid out before them. As they sit down to eat, they are told about the newborn in whose honour the meal is served. This connection to a broader ummah (community) instils in them a sense of inclusion and celebration. Following the meal, the children together send prayers for the baby’s health and prosperity, turning an act of charity into a moment of communal prayer and gratitude.

“In our orphanage, we occasionally enjoy meat curry and learn that it’s in celebration of a newborn. We then pray for the baby’s well-being and savour the special meal.”

This practice not only feeds their bodies but also nourishes their spirits, teaching them the values of sharing, community, and the continuous cycle of giving and receiving that underpins Islamic charitable acts. It is a profound lesson in the interconnectedness of our lives, regardless of the physical distances that may separate us.

United Muslims is committed to using the aqiqah service as a means to support and uplift orphans, providing not just food but also a reason to celebrate. Each aqiqah is a promise of kindness, a gesture that goes beyond the mere act of giving, becoming a lifeline of hope and joy for the children. 

For donors, participating in this service multiplies their joys, knowing their celebration of a new life extends to brighten the lives of others. This story of shared meals and shared joys at the orphanage is just one of the many testaments to the powerful impact of collective charitable efforts. It’s a reminder that every child, born anywhere in the world, brings with them the potential to touch lives and inspire goodness across continents.