Foundation collaborates with Department of Awqaf – Sharjah, in line with ‘Making Orphans Happy’ initiative 

Dubai-UAE: 27 May, 2017 – In line with the Year of Giving initiative launched by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) collaborated with the Department of Awqaf – Sharjah, to organize an umrah (Islamic pilgrimage) trip for 11 orphans. 

As part of the ‘Making Orphans Happy’ initiative by the Department of Awqaf – Sharjah, the orphans and their four chaperones visited the holy Islamic sites of Mecca and Medina, as well as several historical landmarks in the vicinity. Apart from its religious significance, the visit aimed to enhance the children’s knowledge of Islamic teachings and rituals, the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and prominent periods of Islamic history.

His Excellency Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary General of AMAF, said: “AMAF adopts a holistic approach with regard to caring for orphans and minors, and ensuring that all aspects of their wholesome development are carefully addressed. In addition to meeting the children’s educational, healthcare, and social needs, we are also keen on instilling values and imparting learnings that make them upstanding members of society. Many of our donors have earmarked a certain proportion of their contributions to finance pilgrimages for orphans.” 

He added: “The umrah was a formative experience for the children, as it taught them the meaning of responsibility, self-reliance and perseverance, illustrated by shining examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In addition, they learnt how to perform the umrah rituals.” 

The first stop on the itinerary was Mecca, where the orphans visited Mina Valley, Jamarat, Hira and Thawr caves, Muzdalifah, Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light), and Mount Arafat. Later, the pilgrims headed to Medina, visiting Jabal al-Rumah (Archers’ Mountain), Mount Uhud, Al-Baqi cemetery, Quba Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Mosque of the Two Qiblas), and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque). 

During the trip, the children got to hear fascinating stories from Islamic history, including the account of Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) migration from Mecca to Medina (hijra), and participate in educational contests.