HDF’s very own Dr. Zeenat Anwar has instilled in her children and grandchildren the value of community service and charitable giving. How young is too young to give to the needy and to care about what is happening half way across the world? There is a message in this beautiful story of compassion, giving, sharing and community building for all of us.

On August 9th, 2009, Dr. Zeenat Anwar’s son, Dr. Mohsin Anwar and his wife Saima Anwar hosted an event to celebrate the Ameen ceremony of their sons Zain and Abid and the Bismillah ceremony of their daughter Celina. The children had been working very hard with their Quran teacher and in their Sunday School  to make sure on the day of the event their recitation of the Quran went smoothly. The hall was beautifully decorated and the warmth of the colorful outfits and the running around of excited children added to the atmosphere of the event. Zain and Abid looked very handsome in their traditional shalwar kurta and darling little Celina looked very cute in her gharara.

Saima and Mohsin were busy greeting and welcoming their guests. As the hall slowly and steadily filled everyone settled down in their seats and the children were invited on the stage to recite the Quran. Mashallah, all three of them did a superb job and wore gorgeous rose garlands around their necks. Afterwards, Dr. Mohsin dimmed the lights in the hall and asked everyone to be silent.  The large screen at the front of the hall was illuminated as if to share some sort of a power point presentation. He in-fact made a presentation on HDF.  It was a short 10 minute documentary telling the audience about HDF’s work in Pakistan and how every single person in the room can make a difference to help the needy. In it he also shared how his children wanted all their guests to give the money to HDF instead of giving them any gifts for finishing the Quran as well as beginning the Quran.This is a huge gesture from very young children. May Allah shower these children with His Blessings and continue to instill in them the desire to help those less fortunate. May Allah grant their parents and grandparents a long happy and healthy life so they may enjoy the benefits of their hard work, as seen in their children.