Maryam's Story

Maryam, a 70 year old elderly Canadian Muslim, sat on the stairs in front of her home, praying that her abusive husband of over 50 years would let her back into their house. Feeling alone, in pain, and with nowhere to go, she was confused to see a police car pull up onto her driveway.

When the police officers bent down to help her stand, they noticed large bruises on her arm and her swollen cheek. Exchanging a look, they informed her that her husband had called the police to request that she be removed from the property.

They gently took her inside, where her husband’s rage was still apparent. After an interrogation, the officers uncovered that Maryam’s husband had been abusing her, both mentally and physically. They removed him from the house, and placed a restraining order against him.

Maryam was safe. Or was she?

Even though she was now away from the abuse that she faced for decades, Maryam wasn’t sure how she would survive. It is not easy for an elderly woman to live alone, relying on Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan as her only source of income. After paying rent, she was only left with $300 to spend on bills, food, and basic necessities for the entire month. Maryam had two daughters who were both married and settled, however she worried about becoming a burden on them if she asked them for help.

She simply could not live without falling deep into debt.

Allah creates the way for those who are in need. Maryam’s neighbor saw her struggle and could not let Maryam suffer alone. She told her about National Zakat Foundation and how we would be able to help cover her shortfall. Maryam was hesitant to make the call, so her neighbor drove her to our office so that she could share her story.

With the support of your donations, National Zakat Foundation was able to ensure that Maryam would be able to buy food and pay for her basic necessities, without needing to worry about falling deep into debt.

Scared to ask for the help they need and unaware of the options available to them, the elderly often suffer in silence.

No one should be left to weather the harsh conditions of poverty silently. To help support elderly Canadian Muslims like Maryam, donate today at nzfcanada.com/donate.

*Names and details have been altered for the safety and privacy of everyone involved.