A Place for the Orphans by Aboo Zainab

The Prophet said: “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this” and he placed his index and middle fingers together (Sahih Bukhari)

Caring for orphans is an Islamic duty stressed in both the Quran and Sunnah, but looking into their needs is often lost sight of in this day and age. Orphans are usually not seen or heard of in our midst because they are tucked away in some corner of the world.

Dharul Hasanath Children’s home in Hijragama, Hemmathagama has done much silent service to our orphans and destitute children, bringing them up in a proper Islamic environment and looking after their every need.

It started with 20 orphans in 1994 and presently has 67 orphan boys and destitutes who are well brought up and given a sound education in both the secular and religious spheres. Besides studying they engage in a number of other activities including livelihood development so that they become productive citizens. They are also taught life skills like Leadership Training, First Aid and IT.

The home has a fish pond for harvesting fish for both consumption and sale and has set its sights on developing more land for agricultural training as well as a vocational training centre. The home has also taken under its wings a blind couple named Kiyas and Jameelah and their three children who have been given the quarters of the home and are well looked after.

According to the Principal of the home, Moulavi M.I.M.Salim they need about Rs.700,000 to maintain the home for a month and much of it comes from local donors. They would however like to receive more donations to expand their welfare work and pursue the other activities they have in mind.

Those who wish to help the home may contact Dr.M.L.M.Abu Hanifah for more details.

Dharul Hasanath Children’s Home- 67, Hijragama, Hemmathagama, Tel: 035-2257533

Name of Account: Dharul Hasanath Children’s Home

People’s Bank, Hemmathagama – 221-1-001-8-0000280
Bank of Ceylon, Hemmathagama – 0008187023
Amana Investments Ltd, Mawanella – 13-85978-10-1