Our journey to fostering began with the desire to help safeguard and care for children. We were inspired by other Muslim foster carers who had been on this path and had spoken of the many rewards in such a role. We have many blessings in our lives, and have the means to care for the most vulnerable in society. For us it was more of a way to show gratitude to Allah (swt) and the perfect form of charity for the whole family.
We wanted to embark on this journey to serve Allah (swt) and use the means we have in the path of goodness. It is easier to give charity to fulfil the needs of Muslims abroad, but this is a hugely neglected need in the communities we all live in. The fact that cannot be ignored is that the number of Muslim children coming into care far outweighs the number of Muslim foster carers. We all have a responsibility to change that.
The IFA at Slough Children First were supportive throughout our initial checks and training. The approval process is lengthy, in order to ensure the homes children go into are safe and secure. Stay committed on your goal, which is to care for a child. It has been 6 months since we welcomed our first foster child and the whole experience has been amazing. The mindset of the whole household has changed and those around us. When you start on a path of goodness, many other blessings come your way. It is true to say our foster child has brought with him many other blessings. Our lives are happier and are more fulfilled. Caring for a foster child with the right intention is a form of worship (ibaadah).
We are now looking forward to celebrating our first Ramadhan and then Eid with our foster child. Our routine with mealtimes and prayer will have to change, but that is fine as we are doing good in caring for a child. It has been a truly humbling year in our lives, and we hope the start of many more years of fostering and caring for children.
Asif and Shazia Ali are foster carers with Slough Children First
If Asif and Shazia have inspired you and you are interested in becoming a foster carer then please complete the online enquiry form and one of our advisors will be in touch to talk it through with you. There’s no commitment, but it could be the start of an exciting new journey.
