RIWA - Rural Islamic Welfare Association

17/03/2026

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiʿoon.

With hearts weighed by loss, we bid farewell to our dear brother, Madinie Abrahams, a devoted and valued member of RIWA, whose presence brought ease and sincerity, to all he served.
Madinie carried his responsibilities with a humility to be admired. Whether in his work with the Africa Muslim Agency or Islamic Relief SA programs, he gave of himself fully — effortlessly, thoroughly, and without complaint. He was the kind of soul every team hopes for: dependable, humble, and always ready to step forward. And in moments where pressure could overwhelm, he would gently reassure us with his familiar words, “Don’t worry, I have it covered” — a reflection of both his commitment and his calm trust in Allah.
His contribution was not only in what he did, but in how he made others feel, supported, at ease, and united in purpose. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us at RIWA.
We are profoundly grateful for his selfless service, his unwavering dedication, and the ease he brought to every effort. May Allah SWT accept every moment of his work as sadaqah jariyah, a continuous charity that benefits him long after his return.
May Allah SWT envelop him in His infinite mercy, grant him complete maghfirah, expand his Qabr with light, and elevate him to Jannatul Firdous. May his good deeds weigh heavily on his scale, and may he be reunited with his loved ones in the highest gardens of Jannah.
O Allah, grant patience and strength to his family, friends, and the RIWA Team. Replace our grief with sabr and our loss with reward.
Ameen.

12/02/2026

Ramadaan 2026 Zakaah Appeal (RIWA)

Respected brothers and sisters,
As we prepare for Ramadaan, we prepare our homes, our schedules, and our hearts. But there are families who are not preparing for Ramadaan, they are preparing to face another day of uncertainty.
There are fathers who have lost their income unexpectedly, trying to shield their families from fear.
There are households quietly carrying burdens they cannot solve alone.
For them, Zakaah is not a concept.
It is relief.
It is dignity.
It is hope.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى has made Zakaah an obligation — not only to purify our wealth, but to protect the vulnerable among us. It is their right over what we have been given.
This Ramadaan, RIWA is focusing specifically on verified emergency relief cases. Each case is carefully assessed. Each recipient is eligible. Each distribution is handled with transparency and accountability.
Alhamdulillah, RIWA has a proven and transparent record. Your Zakaah is treated as an amaanah, a trust, and delivered responsibly to those in genuine crisis.
Brothers and sisters, hardship does not wait for Ramadaan to pass.
And relief should not be delayed.
If your Zakaah is due, calculate it.
If you have delayed it, prioritise it.
If Allah has blessed you with wealth, fulfil this pillar with sincerity and urgency.
You can contribute your Zakaah directly to RIWA.
Give calmly.
Give consciously.
Give knowing that perhaps one payment from you will change the course of a family’s hardship.
May Allah accept our Zakaah, purify our wealth, place barakah in what remains, and make us a means of mercy for others this Ramadaan.
Ameen.

12/12/2025

11/12/2025

A Tribute to Our Beloved Cooks, Aids & Their Families

To our wonderful cooks, your dedicated helpers, and the families who support you—RIWA is deeply indebted to you. We cannot begin to express our immense gratitude for the way you give so selflessly, asking for nothing in return, serving your community with open hearts and the most beautiful smiles.

May Almighty bless you all abundantly. May your path be one of ease, barakah, goodness, and good health Ameen🤲🏽. No words can ever fully capture how priceless your service is.

Without you, RIWA could not carry out this noble work. Because of you, children’s faces light up with joy, and the hungry can rest knowing they will sleep with a full belly.

You are the quiet heroes behind every warm meal and every grateful smile. Allah reward you beyond measure Ameen🤲🏽. SHUKRAN❤️🌹💐

A small token of appreciation from RIWA. Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Festive Season. May your days be filled with rest, joy, and renewal. Start the new year with those same beautiful smiles that brighten our community. Much love, and please stay safe. ♥️

08/10/2025

🌸 Welcome, Anty Tania! 🌸

RIWA is delighted to welcome Tania Jansen, fondly known as Anty Tania, as the latest addition to our family of dedicated cooks.

Anty Tania serves with heart and purpose from the Yum Yum House a humble blue inviting, structure in the informal settlement of Lovers Lane, nestled between Paarlzicht and Charleston Hill schools in Paarl East.

More than just a cook, she is a caregiver and a pillar of love in her community, providing daily meals to children and the needy, caring for orphans and little ones whose mothers work long hours and can’t afford creches.

RIWA will be supporting Anty Tania with ingredients for one pot per week, while her gas is currently sponsored. She also partners with TC Newman Hospital, ensuring that children in the area receive their HIV medication and care.

We are deeply inspired by her compassion and service.
Welcome to the RIWA family, Anty Tania, may your Yum Yum House continue to bring warmth, nourishment, and hope to all who come through its doors. 💚

23/07/2025

IRSA & RIWA QURBANI DISTRIBUTION

What an incredible experience! RIWA (Rural Islamic Welfare Association), in collaboration with Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA), successfully concluded another impactful Qurbani distribution programme.
We are immensely grateful to IRSA for their trust in RIWA to execute this vital operation with transparency and efficiency. A special shukran to Paarl Muslim Jamaah for once again providing the perfect venue for our distribution – your support is invaluable.
To our cherished recipients: your warmth and gratitude made every interaction with the RIWA team memorable. It is truly our honour and privilege to serve
TEAM RIWA

💥 RIWA BRAAI FUNDRAISER – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 💥
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Alhamdulillah, what an incredible turnout!
Thanks to your generous hearts and unwavering support, our RIWA Braai Fundraiser was a major success — both spiritually and financially! Because of you, we’ve raised the funds needed to support 13 much-needed rural food stations.

Your donations will bring warmth, nourishment, and dignity to the most vulnerable in these icy winter days. 🥶🍲

A heartfelt shukran to all our donors, supporters, volunteers, and Friends of RIWA. Special thanks to the Paarl Muslim Jamaah for generously providing the venue — your support made all the difference! 🤝🕌

Let’s continue to stand together — for humanity, for hope, for change.

TEAM RIWA