Some stories stay with you long after you hear them. Kulsoom’s story is one of those: quiet, painful, and yet filled with the kind of strength only hardship can shape.
For years, Kalsoom worked at home, stitching clothes to keep her family afloat. Age had slowed her down, but she kept going because she had no choice. Her husband had fallen seriously ill; his kidneys were failing, and even walking a short distance left him out of breath. Overnight, the income stopped; her daughters had to put their studies aside, bills piled up, and food became a daily concern. As a result, her young son, Jawad, helped support the family.
The hardest part for her wasn’t the long nights or the hunger; it was seeing her young son step into adulthood far too early. He left home at dawn, heading to the market, then a shop later in the morning, doing whatever he could to fill the gap his father’s illness created. Kulsoom wanted him in school like other boys his age, not lifting bales of cloth or running errands. But life had cornered them, and she held that pain quietly.
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How United Muslims stepped in
When our United Muslims team first met her, she didn’t ask for much. She only said, “It is challenging for us.” Behind those few words was an entire world of struggle.
With donors’ support, her family finally received the help they had been praying for. Relief came at a time when they had almost run out of options. The financial pressure eased. Her daughters returned to school. Her son received proper training and secured a respectable job at a local cloth shop, which changed the rhythm of their home.
Kulsoom later told our volunteer,
“I’ve witnessed my son grow into a responsible gentleman who cares for his sisters. The job and training he received have transformed our household dynamics.”
For her, it wasn’t just the money. It was the feeling that someone, somewhere, cared enough to stand with them. That their story mattered. Today, though her husband is still unwell, the household feels lighter. There is order where there was once chaos and hope where there was fear.
Takeaway For the Muslim Community
Kulsoom’s journey reflects something we often forget: the quiet strength of the modern “silent warrior.” These are the people who face life’s most challenging moments behind closed doors, and this is what motivates us at United Muslims to provide strength for many other Kulsooms out there. We wish for every Muslim brother and sister to help us in our mission so that it can make a significant difference.
And sometimes, that is all it takes to change a life.
Allah reminds us of the same in Surah Al-Ma’idah:
“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.” [5:32]
Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.
