The Shia orphans of Matia Buj:

One thing worthy of note: it is only in India, where the population is only 12% Muslim, you will be served authentic halal meals on all airlines. This fact, to me, is remarkable. Although I stick to vegetarian fare when traveling; they are much better, the spices used unique to India only. Jet Airways, a relatively young carrier by USA standards, would put Emirates to shame; they have class. The service is excellent with a can do attitude, meals delicious, schedule on time and aircrafts clean and comfortable. I state this only to contrast the modern India with the projects I work with and it always astounds me. How can there be such imbalance?

I exited Calcutta airport and hit a wall of heat and humidity; and began perspiring profusely. I had come here in December of 2004 and it had been pleasant enough then, the heat somewhat bearable; this was a furnace. We traveled, I, Aliakber Rattansi, Maulana Mohsin Reza and Maulana Haidri, to the orphanage that was our destination. After a two hour rollercoaster ride through mayhem of cars, trucks, humanity and animals, all vying for supremacy over the narrow, bumpy roads, we drove into an ally packed with shopping carts. The driver, a young Bengali of no more than 18, thought he owned the roads; with horn blasting, he would navigate the traffic like hot knife through butter, stopping only when it was impossible to penetrate the barriers ahead. The maneuvers set my heartbeats thumping and made me slightly nauseated. I was glad when we pulled up to the orphanage but looked back fondly at the SUV, the air-conditioning was heaven sent.

The orphanage was established in 1856, when the Shia population in Bengal was at its zenith. Approximately 60 plus orphans lived and flourished there, taken care by wealthy businessmen in Bengal and abroad. The downfall and decay began with the partition of India and Pakistan and furthermore, when Pakistan split into two. Funds dried up and the orphans got displaced. I actually got to meet one orphan who is now in his fifties, had benefited from the institution earlier. It changed several hands and finally rested with Maulana Hussein Waiz who is ready to give it up. The building that I saw was strong, built in 1886; its walls are 30 inches thick! The outside is impressive brick stucco from the British era, not made anymore. The inside was a different story.

Dark and grimy, it stank of decay and the inevitable stench of sewer, so prevalent in slum India. When the caretaker switched on the single tube light, I saw rodents, roaches and massive spiders scurry for shelter; I was nervous. The stairs leading up to the first and second floors were rotted out and swung-swayed, wobbling dangerously as we gingerly made our way around for inspection. Everything vertical was solid but all horizontal floors and woodwork will need major repairs.

Ten prayer leaders from various mosques were waiting our arrival, having being invited there to discuss the resumption of the orphanage. Of the approximately 300,000 Shias that populate Bengal , there is not a single orphanage, unlike other large cities like Mumbai etc. We sat cross legged and discussions led to the orphans that need shelter. After many hours of talk, during which time I sweated more and probably came close to dehydration, each maulana committed to providing 2 orphans from their localities. These orphans have nobody else to turn to and are currently living at the mercy of others who are good enough to pity them. Due to the imminent start of the new school year, it was decided to begin the orphanage while major renovations are carried out simultaneously. Meetings with a local architect and internal decorators were set up for the day after.

Total cost is around US $41,000; this includes major renovations and refurbishing, including accommodation, mess hall, study area including 5 computers, laundry, bathrooms and a modern kitchen. I have collected / have pledges of $25,000 already and need your help in getting the balance. Monthly expenses are expected to be around $1,000. There is nothing more pleasing to Allah (swt), I believe, then caring for an orphan. Not a pitiful pittance thrown to them, they already have that. But real care by providing them an environment that is as close to our children. I am looking for contributions that will cover the $16,000 deficit and the monthly support of $50 per child. This covers all their basic needs food, clothing and shelter but more importantly, their education and extra tuition, if needed. If you can, please help.

Mosques / houses in Chovis Chargana:

Our night stop was at the Hawza in Hougley, a two hour drive away. By the time we reached Hougley, I was ready to throw a fit; not only was I exhausted and almost dehydrated, but I was very sleepy as well. If the night air was warm and humid outside, it was suffocating inside. Three laud fans moved the heavy air around, making it difficult to converse. I was too tired to eat, but made an attempt anyway; the staff members of the Hauza were anxious about our comfort and had taken a lot of trouble preparing the meal.

I took a shower, but it was futile. As soon as I dried the water off my body, I began sweating again. Sleep eluded me; rivulets of sweat ran down every part of my body and mosquitoes tormented me. There was a time period that I seriously thought I was going to be physically sick but the moment passed. I stripped down to my shorts, not caring if the maulanas would take offence; they were only amused and were gracious. Perhaps another confused Indian gone crazy the American way? Amazingly, the maulanas seemed unaffected in their long pajamas and kurtas; they slept like babies. It made me mad and very envious; I was impatient for them to wake up so we could escape to the relative comfort of the air-conditioned SUV.

We had initiated the construction of 3 mosques and 3 homes for Hawza graduated Bengali speaking Imams to administer them. These mosques were for the benefit of new Shia converts who have no place for worship, having been barred from worshipping at their prior locations, as punishment for converting. The mosques are small, the largest one costing less than US$4,100.

So we went to visit these projects, including 3 “pukka” homes for some very poor families in very bad shape. All the projects were either complete or almost there, the exceptions were lack of fans and water pumps in some. I gave instructions to have these done and completed as per donor’s wishes.

One last note about Chovis Chargana: with very little investment and valuable efforts of newly converted Shia’s, we have made major progress in tablegh activity. From three converts a few years ago, we have ballooned to three thousand plus! I am really bullish about our prospects here. All we need is more books in Bengali and support to the Bengali speaking students at the Hawza and I am certain, insha’Allah, we’ll fly. I am looking for book publishing support in the range of $3,000.00

Govendhi and Malad housing projects:

The constructions of seven dilapidated hovels into “pukka” homes underwritten by sponsors are almost ready; only minor touches remain. This lot will complete about 57 hovels since we joined hands about ten years ago. Photos will be up on my website shortly.

These projects are closest to my heart after the education of children. It removes a terrible burden of insecurity and threat of disease to the poor and destitute. I cannot begin to tell you the benefits these unfortunate families with children receive from remaking their home. It makes for a changed environment, for a decent change at survival to these people and a fresh new beginning. One simple hovel restoration costs about $1,400 and for a larger family that also include parents and grandparents, about $2,000 for a dual story structure.

Water wells:

Project for all eight wells complete; photos already on the website.

Widow’s aid:

Thank you to each and every one of you for sending in your sadka and imam Zamin (as) funds. We were able to make a considerable dent in the shortfall in this category. The $30 in yearly stipend we provide to over 3,000 widows all over India goes a long way in helping their meager needs.

Marriage assistance:

Arranged for the marriage expenses of 4 girls whose families were having trouble meeting expenses and for which the events were deferred.

I reiterate; all my projects are totally transparent and open for inspection at any reasonable time. 100% of the funds I collect go towards the projects without any administrative costs whatsoever. Please visit other sections of this website for more comprehensive details on past and ongoing projects.

Let us make a difference, one person at a time. May Allah (swt) accept our intent. Thank you and may Allah (swt) bless you.