SANZAF Orphans’ Waqf - Bait Haleema Sa’diyya Orphanage

UNICEF estimates that there are 3.7 million orphans in South Africa, about half of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS. In addition, 150 000 children are thought to be living in child-headed households. This leaves children having to fend for themselves, their younger siblings and even sickly parents. The same children are often forced to drop out of school and earn an income by any means possible.

The SANZAF Orphans’ Waqf was established in 2009 as a sustainable resource-base to support orphans and destitute children in South Africa. The waqf forms a perpetual endowment, whose capital/earnings are designated for supporting orphans. The waqf system is traced back to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) who advised Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to pledge a portion of land that he had acquired as a waqf. The land would remain intact, and could not be sold, while its fruits would be given as sadaqah (voluntary charity).

This year SANZAF will be supporting the Bait Haleema Sa’diyya Orphanage project in providing orphaned and destitute youth with a safe and healthy environment for living and learning. The orphanage will cater for approximately 60 children. The Bait Haleema Sa’diyya Orphanage seeks to provides high-quality facilities to orphans. The orphanage will consist of 10 x 6 sleeper units, each unit will have a sleep-in care giver (house mother), thereby creating a more homely child-centric environment. The orphanage will also have a common eating and homework area, although each unit will have its own kitchenet, lounge and study area.