In developing countries where poverty is rife, it isn’t uncommon for disabled people to be ostracised by their communities, and even abandoned by family members. Unemployable and without any skills, many are forced to beg on the streets to make money. This is a fate Muhammad Akram refused to submit to. 

Muhammad lost the use of his legs at age three when he was diagnosed with polio. Alone in the world, he worked harder than most to earn an honest living to provide for himself. But his prospects were always limited and becoming more so as he was getting older. Muhammad approached us for help. 

When Muhammad applied to Akhuwat, he was employed as a seller, selling used items at the local Sunday market. It was there he met someone who told him he could work for himself if he started his own small business. This made sense to Muhammad. He was good at what he did and had a keen eye for what would sell. Whereas his earnings would always remain meagre if he continued to work for someone else.

We gave Muhammad a Qarz-e-Hasna of PKR25,000. With that money, he bought toys and started selling his own wares. Today, Muhammad is independent and earning more than he ever has. He is grateful to Allah (SWT) for this opportunity which saved him from the curse of having to beg.