World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of mental well-being and to remind ourselves that everyone deserves access to the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. For orphaned children, mental health support can be particularly important. Losing a parent can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s […]

Imagine a world where an entire generation of children is unable to learn. No classroom. No teacher. No books. No chance to discover their potential. Today, 273 million children and young people around the world are out of school. With that number are millions of individual stories – children whose futures are being shaped not […]

As children prepare to return to school, classrooms across the world will once again fill with excitement, ambition and hope. For many children, the start of a new school year means new opportunities to learn, grow and dream bigger. But for thousands of orphaned children living in poverty, going back to school is not guaranteed. […]

Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Years of conflict, economic instability and worsening poverty have left millions of families struggling to meet even the most basic daily needs. Across many communities, rising living costs and unemployment have intensified pressure on already vulnerable households. For widowed mothers […]

The Meaning of Sacrifice in Muharram For millions of Muslims around the world, Muharram is a month of remembrance, reflection and mourning. It is a month connected to the events of Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) – the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), whose stand continues to resonate centuries later. […]

Why Caring for Orphaned Children Holds Such Importance in Islam Within Islam, caring for orphaned children is not viewed simply as an act of kindness – it is a deeply emphasized social and moral responsibility. Throughout the Qur’an and Islamic teachings, the protection and support of vulnerable children is repeatedly highlighted, reminding believers of the […]

Our Pioneering Sponsorship Program For many orphaned children around the world, the loss of one or both parents can also lead to financial hardship, disrupted education and daily struggles to access basic essentials such as food, clothing and healthcare. In underserved communities across Iraq, Afghanistan and Ghana, many widowed mothers are left carrying the responsibility […]

What is Muharram? Muharram marks the beginning of the Hijri Year and is one of the most sacred months in Islam. For millions around the world, it is a time of reflection, remembrance, and renewed responsibility towards others. But many people still ask: Beyond marking the start of a new Islamic year, Muharram is a […]

Inside Al-Ayn’s Work in Afghanistan Across Afghanistan, many orphaned children continue to live in communities affected by poverty, food insecurity and limited access to support. While some families live in larger cities, many vulnerable households are based in remote and underserved regions where access to assistance can remain extremely limited. Reaching these children requires more […]

Muharram 2026 For Muslims around the world, Muharram is one of the most sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic year – but Muharram is more than the start of a new calendar year. For many, it is a month associated with remembrance, reflection and reconnecting with values such as sacrifice, […]

What is Qurbani? Qurbani is a sacred act of worship performed during Eid Al-Adha, commemorating the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). When commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) demonstrated complete obedience. Before the sacrifice took place, Allah replaced his son with a ram, establishing a tradition Muslims continue to observe today.The word Qurbani comes from the Arabic […]

Food Insecurity in Afghanistan Afghanistan continues to face one of the most severe humanitarian challenges in the world. According to estimates from the United Nations, millions of people are experiencing acute food insecurity, with many families struggling to access sufficient and nutritious food.Economic instability, limited employment opportunities, and rising costs have placed additional pressure on vulnerable households. […]

What is Qurbani? Qurbani is one of the most significant acts of worship performed during Eid Al-Adha. It commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice took place, Allah replaced his son with a ram, establishing the tradition that Muslims continue […]

Ramadan 2026 is one of the most searched Islamic dates of the year, as Muslims worldwide prepare for the blessed month of fasting and reflection. This guide explains everything you need to know: when Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin and end, what Ramadan means, fasting rules, Fidya and Kaffarah dues, and frequently asked questions. What is Ramadan and why is it important? […]

Understand the meaning of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power. Learn how giving with Al-Ayn on this blessed night multiplies your rewards and impact. Understanding the Most Blessed Night in Ramadan Laylatul Qadr, also known as The Night of Power or The Night of Decree, is the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar. It is the night when the Qur’an […]

Discover why Muslims fast during Ramadan, explore the spiritual, moral, and social reasons behind fasting in Islam and how it brings believers closer to God. The Sacred Month of Ramadan Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time of reflection, worship, and spiritual renewal. It is the ninth month of the lunar […]

Learn the difference between Fidya and Kaffarah in Islam with Al-Ayn’s guide. Understand when each applies, how to calculate and pay them, and how they help fulfill your Ramadan duties while supporting those in need.  What you need to know Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key pillars of Islam. While some people may be unable to fast […]

Help Protect Orphaned Children this Winter  Winter in Afghanistan is amongst the coldest and most extreme in the region, with temperatures dropping and remaining below freezing for weeks on end, easily reaching  -27°F.  The brutally cold conditions are often accompanied by heavy snowfall, leaving families, homes and villages isolated and struggling to access basic services. […]

Poverty’s toll on orphaned children and their families Poverty is more than the lack of money, it has many faces.  It is a toddler going to sleep hungry, a teenager wearing his older brother’s worn-out coat, and a mother who does not have the money to buy medication for her sick child.  It’s living through […]

Iraq’s Housing Crisis Across Iraq many families live in unsuitable conditions, houses that are overcrowded, unsafe, and in desperate need of repair.  Years of conflict, war, and instability have left families, particularly widowed mothers and their children in homes that are not fit for purpose.  This has a significant effect on the wellbeing of those […]

The Life-threatening Cold With the arrival of the cold winter months, many people in the regions we serve, face dire conditions that can be deadly without sufficient support. Orphaned children and their families are most vulnerable during these periods, particularly those with existing health conditions, that become exacerbated by the cold temperatures.  Afghanistan’s Worsening Humanitarian […]

Every Child Deserves the Chance to Learn Every child, no matter where they are born or the circumstances they face, dreams of the future. Some picture themselves saving lives as doctors, others imagine inspiring young minds as teachers, while many dream of becoming engineers who build new possibilities for tomorrow. These ambitions are not just […]

As we move into the second half of 2025, we are proud to share the impact that compassionate supporters are making in the lives of children in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ghana. Sponsorship is transforming futures – and, in many cases, providing the only reliable support a child has.  Meeting Urgent Needs, Wherever Children Live  Every […]

Muharram 2025: Witness. Honor. Empower. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ghana, countless children have lost one or both parents. Behind every statistic is a child learning to live with the weight of absence – of love, safety, and stability that has been taken from them far too soon. Muharram 2025 is approaching – a month that […]

Finding Purpose in Muharram Giving How your mercy this sacred month can change the lives of orphaned children Muharram is a time unlike any other. It is a sacred month of remembrance, grief, and spiritual reflection. As we mourn the tragedy of Karbala and honor the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his family, we […]

Al-Ayn’s Expert-Led Sponsorship Program In Iraq, the echoes of war, instability, and economic hardship continue to affect millions. But among those most deeply impacted are the orphaned children – left not only with the grief of losing a parent but with the daily struggle to survive in a world that too often overlooks them. Al-Ayn’s […]

What Eid Really Means to an Orphaned Child Eid isn’t just a celebration – it’s a memory in the making. For most children, it’s the thrill of wearing something new, the warmth of being surrounded by family, and the joy of receiving a gift that feels just for them. But for orphaned children in places […]

Bringing Eid to Orphaned Children in Afghanistan In Afghanistan, thousands of orphaned children are growing up in the shadow – overlooked, vulnerable, and burdened with grief far beyond their years. For many of them, Eid is not a celebration. It’s a painful reminder of absence – of a parent who won’t come home, of meals […]

Eid Gifts 2025: Share Joy This Eid As the blessed days leading up to Eid al-Adha draw near, we are reminded of the power of giving, the beauty of compassion, and the responsibility we carry as a community to care for the most vulnerable among us. Eid is a time for celebration, connection, and joy, […]

Qurbani: A Sacred Duty. A Lifeline for Orphaned Children. Eid al-Adha is a time of devotion, reflection, and community. It commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to give up his beloved son in obedience to Allah’s command. In response, Allah replaced the son with a ram, establishing Qurbani as a lasting […]

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty for Orphaned Children In Iraq, thousands of orphaned children face immense challenges, from financial insecurity to lack of education and healthcare. At Al-Ayn Social Care Foundation, we are dedicated to changing this reality. With the support of compassionate supporters and sponsors, we provide life-changing aid to over 100,000 orphaned children […]

Embracing the Blessings of Ramadan Millions of Muslims around the world have embarked on a month filled with spiritual reflection, community bonding, and acts of kindness and solidarity. Ramadan is not just about fasting; it’s a time to strengthen our faith, cultivate our relationships, and embrace the blessings that this holy month brings.  The Essence […]

Defining Sadaqa Jariya and Its Reward In Islam, Sadaqa Jariya refers to a form of charity that continues to benefit people long after it is given, earning ongoing rewards for the giver even after their passing. This concept is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings and is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact. Imam […]

The Significance of Ramadan Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, marked by fasting, reflection, and various acts of worship. It is a time of immense spiritual growth, where believers seek forgiveness, increase their good deeds, and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT). Charity is an essential part of Ramadan, as the rewards for giving […]

Laylatul Qadr: A Night of Blessings Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) has said: “In the sight of Allah, this month (Ramadan) is the best month, its days are the best days, its nights are the best nights and its hours are the best hours.”1  Ramadan is a month of immense blessings, and among its most significant nights […]

When is Ramadan 2025? The Islamic calendar, based on the lunar cycle, results in Ramadan beginning approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. For 2025, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start between 28th of February and 1st of March, depending on the sighting of the moon in local regions. […]

Every child deserves a chance at a fulfilling life, free from the shackles of poverty.  At Al-Ayn, we understand the impact a stable and supportive environment can have on an orphaned child’s life. Through years of dedicated service and expert-led research, Al-Ayn has developed a unique sponsorship approach that addresses the immediate needs of orphaned children […]

Every child deserves a chance at a fulfilling life, free from the shackles of poverty.  At Al-Ayn, we understand the impact a stable and supportive environment can have on an orphaned child’s life. Through years of dedicated service and expert-led research, Al-Ayn has developed a unique sponsorship approach that addresses the immediate needs of orphaned children […]

Muharram is a time spent reflecting on the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS), his family and companions. The month also presents an opportunity to renew our commitment to supporting those in need.  Among those who most require our compassion and assistance are orphaned children, who face daily challenges due to the loss of one or […]

For many children in Iraq, education can seem like an unattainable luxury. The state of education in Iraq A United Nations report states that more than 2.5 million school-aged children cannot access education due to the following reasons: A new report published by the Norwegian Council for the Displaced in March 2024 states that 5.2 […]

Farida, aged 9, and her sister Hudallah, aged 6, are the only daughters of the Iddrisu family. When our social care staff first met the family, they found them living with their mother in unsafe accommodations.  Their mother was very sick and unable to seek medical care due to financial constraints. Farida and Hudallah were […]

Al-Ayn recently set out to ensure that each and every orphaned child across Iraq, Afghanistan and Ghana could experience the joy and excitement of receiving brand-new clothes to wear on Eid Al-Adha.  Thanks to the generosity of our global supporters, we made this vision a reality. Additionally, thanks to our supporters, our Qurbani campaign enabled us […]

Food insecurity in Iraq, Ghana and Afghanistan is reaching unsustainable levels, with populations at risk of stunted growth, severe malnutrition and the risk of losing their lives.  Food insecurity in Iraq In 2021, approximately 53.9 million Iraqis, more than half of the population, faced severe food insecurity. This represents an increase of 55% compared to […]

The word Qurbani is derived from ‘Qurb,’ which means to be close or near something. In the context of the Qurbani performed in Dhul-Hijjah, the objective is to attain closeness to Allah (swt). As a result, the literal meaning of Qurbani is “an act performed to seek Allah’s (swt) pleasure.”  Qurbani symbolizes a Muslim’s readiness to […]

The holy month of Ramadan involves many obligations, the most notable of which is abstaining from food and drink. For those who did not fast in Ramadan (intentionally, unintentionally, deliberately, or out of necessity), there are additional obligations to fulfill, which involve performing actions in place of the fast. And these obligations come under two […]

Laylatul Qadr is one of the most sacred and spiritually potent nights on the Islamic calendar.  Observed during the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan, it is also known as the Night of Power or Decree and it is important for Muslims worldwide. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to […]

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is not only a time of fasting and spiritual reflection but also a period that emphasizes the importance of charity and giving back to the community. As Muslims around the world observe fasting from dawn till dusk, they are reminded of the significance of compassion, empathy, and […]

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and strengthening our connection with God. Central to this sacred month is the act of fasting, observed by millions of Muslims around the globe. In this blog, we delve into the overall benefits of fasting in Ramadan, including spiritual benefits […]

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a blessed time marked by fasting, giving and spiritual development. The World Population Review has cited that there are over 2 billion Muslims globally, that’s nearly 1 in 4 of the world’s population!  The collective power of dua (prayer) during this time is immeasurable. In the name of Allah […]

The Holy Month of Ramadan is an auspicious time for multiplying blessings, a perfect opportunity to honor your religious obligations. At Al-Ayn we understand the significance of this sacred duty, that’s why we have an Ijaza that has been signed and stamped directly by Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani himself. Access the exclusive Khums Ijaza that is found on […]

This page lists the key Islamic dates from December 2026 to August 2027 shared by Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February, subject to moon sighting.