Reflections of our Heroes at Home

The challenges included:

Sleep Outside Night: a challenge where they gave up the luxury of their bed to sleep outside in a makeshift shelter or sleeping bag to give them a feel of what it’s like for refugee or homeless families

Dress Up Like It’s Summer 5km Run: participate in a 5km walk or run in a location of their choosing but dressed in summer clothing, giving them an idea of what the less fortunate have to endure without warm clothing

Cold Feet: testing their body’s limitations by putting their feet in a bucket of ice for 3 minutes

20km Bike Ride: a challenge to test their body and fitness by cycling either at home or along a route of their choosing

Memorise a Surah: a challenge to bring them closer to Allah by choosing and memorising a Surah of their choice from the Qur’an. Each challenge was accompanied by instructions, guidelines and advice on health precautions where necessary. There was also the alternative of doing any other fundraising activity they were interested in.

Volunteers' Testimonies

[caption id="attachment_18497" align="alignleft" width="400"] Raihan, Deeba Rahman and Thamina[/caption] "More needs to be done about the inequalities in this world and Islamic Help is doing amazing work in helping those who need it most in the winter.

My family and I did the bike challenge and raised £772, Alhamdulilah! It’s an accomplishment to have taken part in this, getting fit and encouraging others to offer what they can to keep someone warm. We were really proud and dedicated to this cause. But this has made us open our eyes further to what more we can do in the future! And I encourage anyone who wants to start fundraising to absolutely do it, you will not regret it!" Deeba Rahman

"I wanted to help and support those who are struggling with the cold, to give them something like blankets or a warm meal, to just give them that extra little help.

I wanted to do all of the challenges but due to personal reasons I wasn’t able to do them. However, I still wanted to do my bit so I just did the Just Fundraising challenge which was easy for me as all I did was tell my friends and family to donate towards the page. I feel happy knowing I am providing warmth for someone, just knowing that I have helped ease their pain and burden, Alhamdulillah." Amina  

[caption id="attachment_18498" align="alignleft" width="300"] Thamanna Begum[/caption] "Being privileged in many aspects of my life, I felt like I wanted to help people who did not receive everyday luxuries that I had. I also wanted to make others aware of the horrible conditions that some people have to face during the winter period. Through participating in the fundraiser (20K bike ride challenge), I was able to reach more people and educate them about current issues that the less fortunate deal with. I feel happy and proud knowing that my actions have kept someone warm this winter." Thamanna Begum

[caption id="attachment_18499" align="alignright" width="266"] Nadia Ali[/caption] "I feel as though this year, we have experienced all the luxuries of winter. Due to lockdown being for the whole period of winter and us being stuck at home, we have hardly felt the cold. This has also made me realise that, unfortunately, other people have not had this luxury and have been suffering enormously. When it comes down to it, I hate the idea that someone suffers while I live peacefully.

I did the 20K bike ride challenge. Me and my friends split the distance into two days and in total, it took 5 hours to complete. I took part in this challenge so I could help the young children and families who are suffering elsewhere while also trying to understand, even for a little while, how they felt. It makes me feel as though I can enjoy the luxuries I have by providing others with these luxuries and helping those less fortunate." Nadia Ali

"I have a good following on Twitter and thought to use my platform for making my followers aware of the winter crisis and give them a chance to donate so that they could make a difference. Knowing how cold winter can be and being grateful for having a roof over my head, as well as access to heating and duvets etc., really made me appreciate how lucky I am. Fundraising so that others can feel comfortable too made me feel like I was really making a difference." Shamima

[caption id="attachment_18500" align="alignleft" width="243"] Sumaiyah Rahim[/caption] "I wanted to help make a positive impact for those deprived of basic necessities needed to survive winter. I'm lucky enough to have access to resources that make winter bearable and I wanted to do something to ensure others received the same. I participated in the bike ride challenge. I feel happy and grateful that I was in a position to help the less fortunate." Sumaiyah Rahim

[caption id="attachment_18501" align="alignleft" width="250"] Abu Ahmed Chowdhury[/caption] "Many things inspired me to take part. I wanted to help someone as our leader, our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said the one who alleviates the suffering of someone in this world then Allah the Great alleviates that slave’s suffering on the Day of Judgement. I wanted to be take part in this noble act and remove someone’s suffering by specifically providing them with winter clothing and food and all the relevant accessories.

I chose to do the 10k marathon, running my own version of it. It took me and my friend Jamal about 1 hour 7 minutes to complete and I’m glad and thankful to Allah for firstly giving me the chance to complete it, and secondly to raise some money for the less fortunate people who are suffering. Hopefully this much-needed winter aid will alleviate and remove their suffering. May Allah accept it from all of us." Abu Ahmed Chowdhury