Um Aloosh lives with her husband, grandmother and 4 children in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq. After being shot during a period of violence, Um Aloosh’s husband became paralysed and unable to work, making supporting the family a huge challenge.
“I live in extreme poverty, unable to buy basic necessities,” Um Aloosh says. “We depend on rations provided by the government for our food… we haven’t eaten red meat since last Ramadan and only eat chicken once a month.
“The deterioration of our health is a constant concern for us as we have become prone to illness,” the 28-year-old explains, adding that her eldest son is worst affected, with his weakened immune system leading to dizziness, fainting spells and headaches.
“Our living conditions are disastrous, as we’ve been living in a tent for 8 years. The scorching heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter intensify our suffering. When the electricity goes off and the cooler doesn’t work, the tent becomes unbearably hot, like an oven.”
Um Aloosh adds that, while the camp school is providing her children with a solid education, she finds it difficult to explain to her children why they can’t have new clothes or schoolbags like their classmates.
‘Incomplete happiness’ during Eid
“It’s our twentieth Eid confined within the walls of this tent,” Um Aloosh says, referring to both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
“Eid is supposed to be a time of pure joy and celebration, but for me it carries an extra weight that weighs heavily on my heart. The incomplete happiness that fills our home is a constant reminder of the burden we carry. My children’s eyes fill with sadness as they watch their peers decked out in new clothes, tears streaming down their innocent faces because they long for the same.
“Our souls yearn for a change of fortune. We long for the day when we can finally return to our humble home and beloved farm, when hope can blossom once more. I cling to this fragile thread of optimism, praying fervently that it will lead us to a future where my children can experience true happiness during these precious moments alongside their neighbours.”
‘Blessed beyond measure’
In 2023, Islamic Relief distributed qurbani meat parcels to vulnerable people in 3 IDP camps in Iraq, including Um Aloosh’s family.
“An immense and indescribable joy washed over us [when we received the parcel], filling our hearts with an immense sense of gratitude,” she says.
“At that moment, my children eagerly gathered around me, their eyes shining with anticipation and happiness, as we set about the task of washing the meat together.
“We were blessed beyond measure with a generous portion of meat – 4 kilos. As I carefully cut it into small pieces, I couldn’t contain my excitement. My heart was pounding, because today was the day I was going to prepare the precious meal of mandi, a dish that held a special place in my children’s hearts.
“With each tender cut and piece of meticulous preparation, my thoughts were consumed by the sheer delight that awaited us all. The aroma of the spices filled the air as I imagined their eyes filled with wonder as they savoured this exquisite feast.
“It was in these precious moments that I found comfort and fulfilment, knowing that through this simple act of cooking, I could bring immeasurable joy to the lives of my beloved children.”
For families like Um Aloosh’s, Islamic Relief’s qurbani parcels remove the burden of obtaining healthy, nutritious food during Eid al-Adha. Please help us to reach even more families in need. Give qurbani.
