To Paradise International Relief

Can You Help Nashwa Get Her Face Back Insha'Allah?

2008-12-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Warabatu,

Can you help Nashwa get her face back Insha'Allah? When Nashwa was five, a fire broke out at her family's home. Initially, Nashwa wasn't hurt, but when she saw that the fire caught onto her mom's clothes, she ran up to her and hugged her. That's when her face was burned.

To Paradise International Relief is raising $20,000 for Nashwa's operations so that she can get her beautiful face back Insha'Allah.

Watch Nashwa's emotional VIDEO and send her your gift today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pdq8h5vrgE

To make a donation, please visit our website www.toparadise.org
Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Asmaa Elsayed
Board Member
To Paradise International Relief
asmaa@toparadise.org
www.toparadise.org

To Paradise International Relief to Begin Working in Pakistan in March 2009 Insha'Allah

2008-12-16T21:17:00.001-08:00

A part of To Paradise International Relief's strategic plan is that we start working in a new country every year Insha'Allah, in addition to the countries where we are established.

In 2008, we started with Egypt and the United States of America.

As we were approaching the end of this year, the To Paradise board of directors unanimously decided that we will be working in Pakistan in 2009 Insha'Allah.

Alhamdullah, we have established a number of contacts in Islamabad and we are now in the process of applying for an NGO visa at the Pakistani Embassy here in Washington, DC.

We hope to receive the visa as soon as possible in order to begin our humanitarian work by March 2009 Insha'Allah.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

More than $10,000 Raised in Tampa, Florida Alhamdullah!

2008-12-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

Alhamdullah, To Paradise International Relief received more than $10,000 in its fundraising event in Tampa, Florida.

We are very thankful to the brothers and sisters at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area for their generous contributions.

May Allah (swt) bless all of you.

Wasalamu Allikum,

Asmaa Elsayed

Board Member

To Paradise International Relief

asmaa@toparadise.org

MSA University of Utah Donates $500 to Sponsor To Paradise International Relief's Humanitarian Projects

2008-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) of the University of Utah donated half of the money it raised at its annual Fast-a-thon dinner to sponsor To Paradise International Relief's humanitarian projects around the world.

To Paradise International Relief will receive a total of $500 from the event.

For more information on the event check out the article "Students learn empathy toward poor from Ramadan fast " at The Daily Utah Chronicle:

http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/news/1.749520

Students learn empathy toward poor from Ramadan fast

Isadin Hussein said the hardest part of observing Ramadan is not letting his mind wander to negative thoughts, such as his hungry stomach.

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is a month dedicated to fasting for the 1.4 billion Muslims around the world. They abstain from food, drink and negativity in order to focus on God.

Hussein, a sophomore in pre-pharmacy, said the thirst is what really got to him.“I’d just want a drink—water,” he said. “It was pretty bad.”But after breaking his fast Wednesday night with more than 200 friends, classmates and community members, he said that he’s grown.

Hussein understands the plight of the poor a little bit better, who not only go hungry for a month as he did, but every day.Empathy is the focus of this year’s Ramadan, as observed by members of the U Muslim Student Association.

The fast culminated with a Fast-A-Thon, a banquet at the Officer’s Club in Fort Douglas on Wednesday night to celebrate the breaking of the day’s fast. Anyone was invited to come, including non-Muslim students, to share the experience and donate. About half of the people in attendance were U students and the rest came from the community.Joe Walker, a junior in parks and recreation, partook in the fasting as well.

The hardest part was keeping his mind off negative thoughts, most of which were directed at school, he said.Asim Ahmed, president of MSA, took the podium prior to the breaking of the fast before a crowd of more than 200 people—more participants than they had counted on—and asked them to imagine the food they were about to enjoy. Then he asked them to imagine that it wasn’t coming for another two hours, or even the next day.“That’s what it can be like for the poor,” Ahmed said.The MSA opened its arms for donations to help the poor, both in Salt Lake City and across the world, by taking donations throughout the month and at the banquet.

Two organizations, To Paradise International Relief and The Asian Refugee Center, will receive $500 each from the $1,000 given by students and the community, as tallied Wednesday night. It was a greater sum than they had expected, Ahmed said.The center’s president, Robert Elndur, himself a refugee from Libya, said that their portion will likely go toward purchasing candy and gifts for the children of impoverished Muslim refugee families.

To Paradise International Relief purchases food and clothes for impoverished families around the world.“We can go by and make them happy... and give them a happy end to their Ramadan,” Elndur said.The turnout was so unexpectedly large that the Mediterranean style banquet wasn’t enough to feed the entire crowd.

Fifteen minutes into the feast, Ahmed had to call his MSA team together and figure out how to feed everyone.At the end of the day, while Muslims and non-Muslims alike came to the rescue of impoverished families around the world, Dominos Pizza swooped in to rescue them.

m.mcfall@chronicle.utah.edu

Ramadan Fundraising Events

2008-09-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahamtu Allahi Wabarakatu,

As To Paradise International Relief continues to flourish during its first year, we are advancing our fundraising efforts to be able to help more people Insha'Allah.

On September 17th, 2008 To Paradise International Relief will Insha'Allah be in Salt Lake City, Utah to participate in the Muslim Students Association of the University of Utah's (MSAUU) Fast-a-thon Iftar. http://www.msauu.com/

On September 20th, 2008 To Paradise International Relief will Insha'Allah be in Tampa, Florida fundraising at The Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area. http://www.istaba.org/

On Sunday September 21st, 2008 To Paradise International Relief will Insha'Allah be in Brooksville, Florida for a fundraising event.

If you can help us fundraise in your community, please send us an email at info@toparadise.org

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Fundraising Team
To Paradise International Relief

Garage Sale in Virginia

2008-09-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

Assalamu Allikum (Peace be Upon You),

This past weekend To Paradise International Relief volunteers in Virginia held a yard sale in Sterling. It was a nice sunny day on Sunday, just one day after Tropical Storm Hanna dumped heavy rain on the DC area.

May Allah (swt) reward all those who participated and give them the best of reward. If you live in Virginia, Washington DC or Maryland and have new or used items in good condition that you would like to donate so we can sell them in upcoming yard sales, please send us an email: donations@toparadise.org Rememeber, your donation is tax-deductible!

Thanks!

The Small Projects Team

To Paradise International Relief

To Paradise International Relief Launches its Website!

2008-09-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Check out the website: www.toparadise.org

Assalamu Allikum my dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

I ask Allah (swt) that this message reaches you in the best of health and iman. Ramadan mubarak to all of you!

Alhamdullah this summer was very fruitful for To Paradise International Relief, but's not about the organization (which is only a means) ... it's really about the widows, orphans and poor people who have benefited.

Through your donations and help, Allah (swt) blessed us and we were able to help many people from Palestine, Egypt and the United States. In the near future Insha'Allah, we hope to start working in Pakistan and Somalia.

Check out much more info on our new website: www.toparadise.org

Watch Abdurhman, the Palestinian Boy after he received the wheelchair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6COSBfGJuM

Watch To Paradise International Relief's volunteers as they deliver food to 700 people in a poor Egyptian village: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfh2yile6os&feature=user

Please help us by making a donation online or by check today or by paying your zakah. Also, you can help us by spreading the website and the videos to all those you know and remember that the one who tells other about something good gets the same reward as the one who did that deed.

May Allah (swt) give you the best of reward.

Wasalamu Allikum,

Ossama Elshamy
President
To Paradise International Relief

Abdurhman Needs YOUR Help To Be Able To Move Again!

2008-06-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

Abdurhman is a 16-year-old Palestinian boy who is paralyzed from the waist down. He was shot by Israeli bullets in March 2008.

He is now in Egypt receiving treatment. Doctors say he will never be able to walk again, but we can still help him regain his mobility Insha'Allah.

To Paradise International Relief is raising $ 4,000 so we can buy Abdurhman an electric wheelchair, a back support belt and to cover his food, drink and clothes.

Please watch Abdurhman's touching and sad story and make a donation today to help him. Your gift is tax-exempt.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

To Paradise International Relief Receives Tax-Exempt Status Alhamdullah!

2008-06-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatu,

I am very happy to announce that alhamdullah, To Paradise International Relief received its tax-exempt status.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan to all of you who trusted in us. Anyone who donated since the organization was established will receive tax-exemption Insha'Allah.

We will be sending out letters by email or mail in the next two weeks Insha'Allah. If you do not receive a letter in two weeks, please send us an email to toparadise@live.com and we will fix the problem right away Insha'Allah.

To Paradise International Relief is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization with Tax ID # 26-1800037.

Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Ossama Elshamy
President
To Paradise International Relief
(801) 558-8625
toparadise@live.com

Muslims Helping Humanity: Feeding the Homeless in Washington D.C. / Camera Update

2008-05-04T14:58:00.001-07:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatu,

Br. Naeem accepted Islam in 2003 after a Muslim brother introduced him to a book about the seerah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Although he is homeless and has a disability, he is thankful that Allah (swt) guided him to the straight path. Br. Naeem is only one of many Muslims and non-Muslims who live and sleep on the streets of Washington D.C.

It may seem ironic that just a mile from the White House, there are homeless people who call the local parks home and use their shoes as pillows ... but this is the reality!

Today, volunteers from To Paradise International Relief traveled to Washington D.C. to feed our homeless brothers and sisters in humanity. It was a heartbreaking scene to see so many people sitting on the benches with very little to eat and no where to sleep. Alhamdullah, we were able to distribute 125 meals that included a sandwich, an apple, orange juice and crackers.

This is Insha'Allah only the first project within the United States. Insha'Allah next month we plan to distribute more than 200 meals.
Meanwhile, alhamdullah we were able to buy a digital camera to take pictures at the different events (today was the first time we used it). Also, so far we have received 1,500 dollars in donations for the Canon XL2 video camera that we need before we travel to Egypt this summer insha'Allah. Alhamdullah, we only have 500 dollars to go. May Allah (swt) give the best of reward to everyone who donated so far and if you haven't donated, please donate online today or email us to give sadaqa in cash or check.

More than $2,400 Raised in Tampa, Florida Alhamdullah!

2008-04-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatu,

This weekend, I truly learned the name of Allah "Al-Fattah" (The Opener). I was invited for a conference in Tampa, FL to speak to the Muslim youth. We also had a very simple table for To Paradise International Relief, as you can see above.

I was expecting that we would raise $200 to $300. Alhamdullah, we were able to raise more than $2,400 in one night.

Our target by July was $3000 and alhamdullah we have now raised more than $4,000! This is the blessing of Allah. May Allah (swt) reward the community in Tampa, FL for their great efforts and reward all those who donated in the past.

BeithnAllah, you will see your gifts put into action this summer. Today, we have alhamdullah started preparing for the specific cases that we will help in Egypt this summer. More details will be posted in the next few weeks Insha'Allah.

The only thing that is left for us is to raise about $2,500 to buy a good video camera so we can videotape the events that we do. This will help us greatly in future publicity and fundraising efforts and will be a motivation beithnAllah for all of us to give for the sake of Allah. Please help us buy this camera below (XL2). It is a very good professional camera and at the same time, it is not too expensive. Remember that since the camera will be used for many years to come, it is a Sadaqah Jareeyah (Continuous Sadaqah). You can make a donation online by clicking on the "donate" button at the top of the page. If you would like to send us a check, please send an email to: toparadise@live.com for instructions on where to send the check.

May Allah (swt) give you the best of reward for your help and please stay tuned to the blog for updates Insha'Allah.

To Paradise International Relief Video

2008-03-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

First Fundraising Event at Dar Al-Hijrah ... More than $350 Donated

2008-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

Our first fundraising event took place yesterday alhamdullah. We decided to make food and sell toys at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center Festival in Falls Church, Virginia.

Alhamdullah we were able to raise more than $350 . While that may not seem much, if you realize that millions of people around the world live on less than a dollar a day, those $350 can beithnAllah feed more than 350 people! You as well -whatever you donate after reading this post- it will beithnAllah help many many people.

There were many amazing and touching moments yesterday. Many people paid more than the value of the food or the toys when they knew that we are working to help Muslim orphans. We made a sign that said "Buy a Toy Save a Muslim Orphan" and all of a sudden people started giving $10 for a slice of pizza :)

The most amazing incident was a little girl who would come every 10 minutes or so and look into all the toys. After doing that a few times, she came back and said "This is my donation." It was a $10 bill. One of the volunteers thanked her very much and asked her to take whatever toys she wants. "Even though I like many of toys very much, I won't take any because this money is a donation," the girl said.

I ask Allah (swt) to bless her and bless all of you for your continued support. You can now donate using Paypal using your debit or credit card. You don't need to have a Paypal account to donate. The link is at the top of this page.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Articles of Incorporation Approved Alhamdullah!

2008-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatu,

I know that this post is late, but alhamdullah as of January 7, 2008 the organization is now official.

I think it's amazing that our first meeting to talk about To Paradise International Relief was on December 7, 2007 and we got the state approval on January 7, 2008.

This is one step along that way Insha'Allah.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Bismillah We Begin

2008-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

Assalamu Allikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatu,

As I was thinking of new ways to share the goals of our organization with our dear brothers and sisters from around the world, I thought of making a blog.

Maybe one day, someone will come across this blog and make a donation or give us an idea or join our team or at least make duaa for us. :)

Insha'Allah the founders of To Paradise International Relief will write their thoughts, ideas and a progress report of every step along the way in making this dream a reality Insha'Allah.

I ask Allah (swt) to make our intentions purely for His sake and to help us share in alleviating the pain and suffering of the Ummah.

We ask Allah (swt) to make us a cause for the revival of our Ummah and to grant us paradise beithnAllah.