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Category: Uncategorized

15 May 2025

What is Dhul Hijjah?

And what is Eid Al Adha?

Once a year, during a period known as Dhul Hijjah, millions of Muslims around the world enter a deeply sacred season of worship, reflection, and giving. Dhul Hijjah is the final month in the Islamic calendar and contains the ten most spiritually significant days of the year for Muslims. During these ten days, people fast, pray, give to charity, and engage in acts of kindness and devotion. It is a time of heightened spiritual awareness that culminates in Eid Al Adha, a major holiday that honors the story of the Prophet Abraham and his willingness to make a great sacrifice out of faith and love.

One of the core traditions during this time is the giving and sharing of meat, known as Qurbani (قربان) or Udhiyah (أضحية). Families and individuals sacrifice an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or a cow, and distribute some of the meat to their neighbors and the poor and hungry. But beyond the religious ritual, the heart of Dhul Hijjah is about generosity. It is about remembering those who are suffering and offering them relief through nourishment, support, and care.

This year, the need is overwhelming. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has reached levels almost beyond comprehension. Across refugee camps, crumbled buildings, and displaced communities, families are enduring day after day without food. Parents are skipping meals to feed their children. Children are fainting from hunger. The need is no longer approaching, it is already here, and it is devastating.

Will you take advantage of this blessed season? Will you act in the face of so much suffering?

 

second-image Send food support to those in need!

You can make an impact today by sending meat to families around the world (canned meat for those in Gaza).

* A share is 1 sheep/goat or 1/7th of a cow; each share feeds 8-10 households.

Help families go beyond a single meal. Add a food basket to your meat donation and provide a full month of basic staples to a household struggling to survive: Fresh Meat + Food Basket starting at $175. Food baskets Include rice, lentils, oil, flour, and more.

Act Now. Help feed the world, help feed Gaza.

14 May 2025

Ousama’s: The Gift of a Good Life

A little Sponsorship Story

Ousama Khalaf was born in Syria in January 2012, into a life of tremendous hardship. His father passed away while he was still in his mother’s womb. “None of our relatives showed compassion on us or any will to help in raising me, so my mom took me and my sister away from them and brought us to Lebanon,” he relates. There Ousama’s mother began working in homes to support her children. Though she worked tirelessly, it wasn’t enough to keep Ousama in school, and just when all hope seemed lost, she found Mercy Without Limits.

Since joining the MWL sponsorship program, Ousama’s life has taken a new direction. Today, he is a fifth-grade student at a public school in Tripoli, attending with confidence. Thanks to the support of his amazing sponsor, Ousama is able to feel welcome and in place at school. He receives school supplies, winter and Eid clothing, and regular financial assistance that helps his mother meet their basic needs.

But beyond the essentials, Ousama gets to experience the joy of childhood. He attends community festivals, laughs with friends, and even got the chance to ride a horse for the first time on a trip to a local farm, an experience he describes as, “Very, very exciting.”

 

second-image Ousama Studying

“I will study hard,” he says, “So that when I grow up, I can work, make lots of money, and let my mom stop working. I want to give her and my sister a good life.”

Ousama inspires us, and we work hard to make sure children like him get to live more than just barely scraping by, but thriving, with worthwhile memories and all the care and support they need.

To our donors and team members who made this possible, Ousama simply says, Thank you for everything. You always greet us with smiling faces.”

Sponsor an orphan like Ousama today!

28 Apr 2025

Abdul-Mu’ti’s Handmade Hope

He Lost What He Loved but Pushed Forward

Sometimes life happens too quickly. What should be a soft childhood filled with adventures and silliness ends abruptly, leaving a vacuum that forces a child to grow up all too soon. In 2015, five-year-old Abdul-Mu’ti Muhammad Andani faced a loss that would change the course of his life forever. When his father passed away, he was left with a void that seemed impossible to fill and responsibilities far beyond his years as the eldest of four siblings. He was forced to grow up. 

“I felt a huge void in my life after his death,” Abdul-Mu’ti recalled.

Living in Aleppo with his mother and three younger siblings, Abdul-Mu’ti watched as his mother worked tirelessly to meet their needs. While his friends lived carefree lives, studying and playing without worry, Abdul-Mu’ti’s childhood took a different path. He did not have time to play. He devoted himself to studying.

“I decided not to let these circumstances defeat me and to work on improving my situation.”

Abdul-Mu’ti channeled his energy into two passions: education and invention. His mother’s encouragement pushed him to excel academically, and he became the top student in his class. Simultaneously, he discovered his passion for engineering.

“I had a great passion for invention, and I started small projects. I invented a small fan using old, unusable materials and then created a small drill.” 

At our MWL center in Idlib, where Abdul-Mu’ti has been sponsored for three years, his talents have found room to flourish. He regularly participates in photography classes, chess games, and computer skills sessions. These opportunities have revealed new dimensions of his potential.

Through photography, Abdul-Mu’ti discovered a creative side, developing a passion for capturing beautiful moments. Chess taught him strategic thinking and quick decision-making, building his mental abilities and confidence. Computer sessions opened new horizons of knowledge.

second-image

The center has become a showcase for his inventive spirit. During creative workshops, his simple yet innovative items – like the small fan and drill made from discarded materials – captured everyone’s attention. When displayed at the center’s exhibitions, visitors express admiration for his creativity, further fueling his confidence.

Despite all he has faced, Abdul-Mu’ti holds fast to a powerful dream: to become a doctor. “My biggest dream is to become a doctor, to help people and fulfill the dreams my mother has for us, as she has sacrificed so much,” he says.

Now 14 years old, Abdul-Mu’ti reflects on his life with hope, “The journey hasn’t been easy, but I have a strong will to succeed and prove to myself and my family that I can overcome any obstacle. I’ve learned a lot from the challenges I’ve faced, and those hardships have become valuable lessons that helped me grow and develop.”

His story stands as a testament to what becomes possible when a child’s resilience meets opportunity and support. Through the center’s programs and his sponsor’s commitment, Abdul-Mu’ti has transformed his pain into purpose, his hardship into hope.

“I consider myself lucky to have learned from the difficulties and become stronger and more determined to succeed,” he shares. “My story is one of hope and perseverance, and I hope it inspires anyone facing challenges in life.”

For Abdul-Mu’ti, the future isn’t just something to dream about, it’s something he’s building with his own hands.

Sponsor an orphan like Abdul-Mu’ti today!

06 Mar 2025

Gaza Update

Our Commitment to Gaza Aid Relief

In times of crisis, compassion knows no boundaries. As the situation in Gaza remains challenging, Mercy Without Limits remains steadfast in our mission to provide critical support to those most in need.

 

In the Current Landscape.

Recent developments have led to significant obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza. Despite the current restrictions, our commitment has not wavered. We are and will continue to be fully transparent about our ongoing efforts and how your donations continue to make a meaningful difference.

 

Our Unwavering Promise.

Every donation you make is a sacred trust to us. We are actively storing essential humanitarian supplies near the border in Jordan, ready to bring in food, mattresses, hygiene kits, tents and flour as soon as it reopens. We also continue providing aid to displaced Palestinian refugees in neighboring regions, including in the Gaza refugee camp in Jordan.

 

Are Donations Reaching Those in Need?

While direct access to Gaza is currently restricted, your generosity is still effective. We continue to collect humanitarian aid at the Jordanian border. Once access to Gaza is restored, we will deliver the items by truck. This ensures that your contributions create real, tangible impact as soon as possible.

second-image Previous Aid Delivered to Gaza

How Long Will These Restrictions Continue?

We cannot predict the exact duration of current limitations. Each humanitarian crisis evolves uniquely, and we remain vigilant, prepared to deliver life-saving aid when access is granted.

 

The Power of Continued Support.

Your support does more than provide material aid, it offers something equally crucial: hope. By standing with us, you are supporting communities facing immense challenges, helping families  maintain hope, and ensuring that when pathways reopen, we can immediately deliver essential supplies.

 

Our Commitment to Transparency.

We pledge to continuously monitor the situation, keep donors informed about developments, and utilize every donation with maximum efficiency and care – even if it feels dire you are making a difference.

Your patience, trust, and continued support are the foundation of our mission – your humanity enables hope during these difficult times.

18 Feb 2025

A Dream Takes Flight: Abdulai’s Story

He Lost What He Loved but Pushed Forward

The salty breeze carried memories of better days as ten-year-old Abdulai walked the bustling streets of Freetown with his grandfather. Their footsteps were slow and measured, the older man’s hand resting gently on the boy’s shoulder, not for guidance but because he could no longer see the way himself.

Every morning, they would make their way through Calaba town, where the scent of grilled fish from the market reminded Abdulai of happier times. He could still picture those early dawn hours when he, his father, and grandfather would push their wooden boat into the waves. The sea had been their provider then, offering up its silver bounty day after day.

But fate had taken his father when Abdulai was just five, leaving only memories. His grandfather had stepped in, bringing them both to Freetown for a better life. Yet the city’s promises turned bitter when his grandfather’s sight began to fade.

Now, instead of casting nets, their only sustenance came from the streets, asking for kindness from strangers. Yet even in these hardest moments, Abdulai’s grandfather would whisper stories of his father’s courage, keeping their spirits alive with tales of the sea. 

It seemed life had given Abdulai his lot, until one day, two women in red coats approached. They called themselves Mercy Without Limits and within weeks, Abdulai found himself sitting in a real classroom for the first time.

 

second-image Children receiving aid

Now, at age ten, Abdulai’s days are filled with new kinds of adventures. During the week, he learns all he needs to know about the world. On weekends, his voice joins others in melodic Quranic recitation, finding peace in the ancient verses.

In the orphan center, he learned many skills. Each new skill brings him closer to his dream of becoming a doctor, inspired by his grandfather’s blindness. Where once he felt powerless to help his grandfather, he now studies with hope and determination, dreaming of the day he can help others see again.

As the sun sets over Freetown, Abdulai still walks home with his grandfather, but now he carries books instead of worry. He describes the things he learned that day, painting pictures with words for the man who can no longer see them. And in these moments, both grandfather and grandson know that while the sea may have taken much from them, the tide of kindness has finally turned in their favor.

For in the end, Abdulai’s story isn’t just about loss, it’s about how hope can bloom even in the harshest soil, nurtured by the kindness of strangers and the unwavering love of family. His journey from the fishing boats to the classroom is just beginning, but already it carries the promise of brighter tomorrows, not just for him, but for all those he dreams of healing one day.

Sponsor an orphan like Abdulai today!

28 Jan 2025

Baby Names

Need a name for your baby?

Girl Names:

  • Fatima – Captivating; name of the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter.
  • Aisha – Alive, living, or life; name of the Prophet Mohammed’s wife.
  • Maryam – Beloved, pious, or lady; Arabic form of Mary.
  • Zainab – Fragrant flower or beauty and elegance; name of the Prophet’s granddaughter.
  • Noor – Light or radiance.
  • Layla – Night; symbol of beauty and charm.
  • Hana – Bliss, happiness, or satisfaction.
  • Amal – Hope or aspiration.
  • Lina – Tenderness or palm tree.
  • Salma – Safe, peaceful, or unblemished.

Boy Names:

  • Mohammed – Praiseworthy; name of the Prophet of Islam.
  • Ahmed – Highly praised; one of the names of the Prophet Mohammed.
  • Ali – High, exalted, or noble.
  • Omar – Flourishing, life, long-lived.
  • Hassan – Handsome, good, or benefactor.
  • Abdullah – Servant of Allah (God).
  • Yusuf – God increases in piety and power; Arabic version of Joseph.
  • Khalid – Eternal or immortal.
  • Salman – Safe, secure, or peaceful.
  • Zayd – Growth or abundance.

second-image Children in line to receive toys from MWL

Choosing a name is one of the first gifts we give our children—a reflection of love, hope, and culture. At Mercy Without Limits, we celebrate the beauty of names from around the world, featuring inspiring names from the countries we work in, such as Syria, Bangladesh, Jordan, and beyond. From timeless names like Layla, Omar, and Nour in Syria, to meaningful choices like Ayesha, Hasan, and Farah in Bangladesh, and cherished names like Zain, Mariam, and Ali in Jordan, each name carries a story, a heritage of resilience, strength, and kindness. Explore our collection of meaningful names, and let the traditions of these beautiful cultures inspire your choice. Together, let’s honor the beauty of every culture and the shared humanity that unites us all.

Sponsor an orphan today!

21 Jan 2025

Riva’s Story: A Journey of Inspiration

Her strength became hope, how she inspired us...

In a quiet rented home in Bangladesh, 14-year-old Riva Akhtar lives with her mother, three brothers, and three sisters. Their home is filled with love, but it’s also marked by struggle. Riva’s life changed forever when she lost her father at the tender age of nine—a loss that took her protector and left her family without an income or a path forward.

Her mother, a woman of remarkable strength, stepped into a role she never imagined. With six children to care for and no inheritance left behind, she began working in other people’s homes just to keep her family afloat. Day after day, she worked tirelessly to put food on the table and ensure her children could survive, but the weight of the world rested heavily on her shoulders. For a child like Riva, this hardship could have easily been the end of her dreams.

But it wasn’t.

When Mercy Without Limits began sponsoring Riva just one year ago, a glimmer of hope entered her life. For the first time in years, there was light in the darkness. It wasn’t just about money; it was about possibility. Riva received the support she needed to attend school, equipped with supplies that fueled her desire to learn. For a girl who had known nothing but sacrifice, those school books were more than paper and ink—they were a symbol that someone believed in her.

second-image Distributing hot meals to those in need.

Her visits to the orphan center brought moments of joy that had long been missing. From drawing and coloring activities that nurtured her creativity to carnivals and recreational trips that allowed her to simply be a child.

The walls that hardship had built around her slowly started to crumble as laughter, learning, and moments of pride returned to her life.

But Riva’s favorite moments are the honor ceremonies, where high-achieving children like herself are recognized for their hard work. For Riva, it is more than a celebration; it’s validation that her dreams matter—that her story isn’t defined by loss or hardship but by her resilience and determination to succeed.

Her mother, despite the exhaustion of her daily work, looks at Riva with pride. The weight she carries may still be heavy, but knowing her daughter has a future gives her strength to keep going. It’s a mother’s love and a daughter’s determination that shine through even in the darkest of circumstances.

Sponsor an orphan like Riva today!

21 Dec 2024

Youssef’s Story: An Aspiring Doctor

He Lost What He Loved but Pushed Forward

Youssef Al-Basha is a kind, caring, cheerful boy who always loved education. He had fun at school, and made friends easily. But one day, his father died. Luckily he had an uncle of modest living who took him in. But his uncle struggled financially and was unable to keep Youssef in school. Youssef had to drop out of school and help his uncle earn a living. 

At just 9 years old, Youssef Al-Basha has already faced challenges that no child should have to endure. And still faced each day valiantly. He worked hard, in spite of losing his father at a young age and living in poverty with his uncle, Youssef’s life was defined by hardship. Despite his love for school and learning, financial struggles forced him to work instead of go to school.

second-image Children participating in a coloring activity

Somehow  Youssef was lucky enough to find Mercy Without Limits and a compassionate sponsor, Youssef’s story took a turn toward hope. Through our sponsorship program, Youssef now receives the resources he needs—new clothes, schoolbooks, educational supplies, and can attend school. These small but vital changes have given him a sense of security, boosted his confidence, and reignited his dreams of pursuing an education to become a doctor to help others.

At our orphan center, Youssef participates in academic follow-ups, drawing activities, and outdoor recreational programs. He also benefits from psychosocial support and medical check-ups that ensure his well-being and nurture his resilience.

Your generosity makes transformations like Youssef’s possible. When given the right support, even a child facing immense hardship can dream big and build a bright future.

YOU can be the reason another child like Youssef finds hope, stability, and the courage to dream again.

Sponsor an orphan like Youssef today!

20 Dec 2024

Fatima’s Story: A Candle of Hope

A Journey From Hopelessness to Inspiration

At just 11 years old, Fatima’s world felt like it was falling apart. She had cancer. It had invaded her life, stripping away her dreams and filling her days with hardship. As she watched her friends go to school, she longed for the simplest joy—to read, to write, to dream.

“I wished I could write my name.” she recalls.

But Fatima’s story didn’t end there. With our support, her journey took a turn toward hope. Together, we became her partners in the fight—through her cancer treatment, through her struggles, and through her dreams. Over seven years, Fatima not only learned to read and write but also discovered the strength within her to rebuild her dreams.

Now, at just 18 years old, Fatima is not only a survivor but a beacon of hope. She has returned to school, excelling in her studies, and has become one of the youngest volunteers at Mercy Without Limits, sharing her story to inspire others.

second-image MWL staff helping children make art

“Together, MWL and I overcame my challenges. I became stronger than before. Now I want to be a candle of hope for others, just like MWL was for me.”

Your generosity made this transformation possible. Your support allowed Fatima to heal, to learn, and to dream again. Her story is a testament to the incredible impact you have on lives around the world.

There are countless others waiting for someone to believe in them, to stand by their side, and to give them the chance to rewrite their story.

23 Nov 2024

A Dream To Ball: Hamza’s Story from Syria

His dreams to surpass Ronaldo are finally within reach

In a corner of Syria where childhood dreams often fade beneath the weight of reality, there’s a sound that echoes through the streets of Idlib – the rhythmic bounce of a soccer ball, guided by the determined feet of a 9-year-old boy named Hamza Nairab.

“Since I was little, something about the ball has always drawn me in,” Hamza says, his eyes lighting up as he cradles his most prized possession – a worn soccer ball that is far more than just a toy. In a world where children his age have seen too much, lost too much, this simple ball holds the weight of his dreams, his escape, and most importantly, his hope.

Every week, Hamza saves whatever he can to buy a new ball when the old one wears out. It’s not just about the game – it’s about preserving a lifeline to childhood itself. In a region where children often grow up too fast, Hamza has found his anchor in the beautiful game.

“Nothing makes me prouder than stopping the opponent from scoring goals,” he declares with a fierce pride that belies his young age. As a defender on the field, Hamza has learned that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stand your ground and protect what matters. It’s a lesson he carries with him, both on and off the field.

But Hamza’s story isn’t just about survival – it’s about transformation. Through the support of Mercy Without Limits and compassionate sponsors, he’s found more than just a safe space at our center in Idlib. He’s discovered a launching pad for his dreams. Here, among friends who share his passion, Hamza participates in not just soccer training, but also life skills workshops and psychological support programs that help him process his experiences and build resilience.

Watch him on the field, and you’ll see more than just athletic talent. You’ll witness joy radiating from a child who refuses to let circumstances dim his light.

second-image A Heated Soccer Match being held in Azaz, Syria

This is where you come in.

Right now, there are countless children like Hamza across Syria, each holding onto their own dreams as tightly as Hamza clutches his soccer ball. They’re waiting for someone to believe in them, to give them the chance to be more than their circumstances suggest.

Your support doesn’t just provide essentials like food and education – though these are critically important. It provides something equally vital: the permission to dream big, to hope fiercely, to imagine a future beyond the boundaries of their current reality.

Every time Hamza steps onto the soccer field, he carries with him the support of people who chose to make a difference. People like you. His story is still being written, and today, you have the chance to be part of it – or to help write another child’s story of hope.

Will you be the reason another child finds their passion? Will you help build the bridge between their dreams and reality?

Because sometimes, all it takes to change a life is one person who says, “I believe in you.” One person who says, “Your dreams matter.” One person who understands that in supporting a child like Hamza, they’re not just changing one life – they’re creating ripples of hope that can transform entire communities.

The ball is in your court now. Will you help us write the next chapter?

Sponsor an orphan today and be the catalyst for change.