Abandoned in Old Age

Fatima came to Australia in her mid 60s seeking safety after decades of hardship in her home country. She had lived through poverty, instability, and loss. For the first time in many years, she hoped to find peace and the possibility of rebuilding her life.

She also hoped to rebuild her relationship with her daughter, who was already living in Australia. Fatima believed this move would mark a new beginning for both of them.

Instead, she found herself alone.

After arriving, Fatima was told her daughter was no longer willing to support her. The separation was sudden and complete. At 66 years old, Fatima had no income, no employment prospects, limited English, and no understanding of how to navigate Australia’s support systems.

She was left without stable housing.

A compassionate woman offered her a place to stay. Fatima accepted, grateful to have shelter, but her situation remained extremely vulnerable. She had no access to regular income, no government support at that stage, and urgent medical needs that she could not afford to meet on her own.

Her health was deteriorating, and essential medications were becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. She could not work, could not communicate easily, and could not advocate for herself in a system she did not understand.

Fatima had become highly dependent on others for her day to day survival.

She relied heavily on her faith to endure the emotional and physical strain of her circumstances.

When social support services connected Fatima to the National Zakat Foundation, her situation was assessed for urgent assistance.

With local Zakat support, Fatima was able to access essential medications and medical care. For the first time in a long time, she was able to see a doctor without the immediate fear of cost preventing treatment.

Her urgent health needs were addressed, allowing her condition to stabilise and preventing further deterioration.

While her broader situation remained complex, the immediate pressure on her health and wellbeing was eased.

For Fatima, Zakat meant more than financial assistance. It meant being seen, supported, and restored with dignity in a moment of extreme vulnerability.

Your Zakat. Fatima’s Right.