Pray In Ramadan
Pray for the children we feed in this special month
We serve our life-changing school meals in 18 of the world’s poorest countries – including Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
The promise of a good meal attracts hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.
Our charity is named after Mary, the Mother of Jesus – who is honoured in Islam and known as Maryam in the Quran. Some of the children who eat Mary’s Meals refer to our nutritious food as “Maryam’s Meals”.
It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals every day for an entire school year – meaning the money donated by Sadaqah could change the lives of many more desperately hungry children.
While we recognise the important place of prayer in our work, Mary’s Meals consists of, respects and reaches out to people of all faiths and none.
Supporting Mary's Meals this Ramadan
Mary’s Meals supporter, Zahid Nawaz, approached us to suggest we should ask Muslims during Ramadan to pray for the children we feed and make Sadaqah (voluntary giving) so that we can reach the next child waiting.
He says: "Ramadan reminds us of those around the world, who are less fortunate than us – who don’t have enough food and water and are chronically hungry.
"Giving to this charity feels like a natural fit with our respect of Mary, who we know better as Maryam, Peace Be Upon Her.
"I love the simplicity of Mary’s Meals’ mission. Its nutritious school meals attract hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.
He adds: "By supporting Mary’s Meals, my Sadaqah donation will have a positive impact, helping to transform the lives of more children living in the world’s poorest countries."
Mona's story
Mona is one of more than 4,000 children currently being served Mary’s Meals at school each day in the Aden district of Yemen. Girls in Yemen typically attend less than three years of schooling in their lifetime and around 30% of children fail to complete their primary education.
By providing a guaranteed meal in school, children like 14-year-old Mona are encouraged back to the security of the classroom.
Mona says: “The meal is delicious with varied food. We have an apple, banana or cucumber, a tasty bread bun and cheese. I really feel full with this and it helps my family to save money that we really need.
“The food enables me to better understand the lessons and do my homework. I hope to be a paediatric doctor when I am older, caring for and helping children.”
Mary's Meals in Syria
We have been serving Mary’s Meals in Syria since 2017. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters here in the UK, we were able to respond quickly to the terrible earthquakes which hit in February of this year. As well as providing emergency food aid to those affected by this tragedy, we are providing hygiene packs, blankets and counselling services to people in the city of Aleppo. You can find out more about our response through our Syria Earthquake Appeal.
