The "Just $40" Comment That Changed How My Family Sees Giving - By: Fouzia Usman

[Part 1 of Journeys with Purpose: Turkey Dairy - Originally experienced in July 2023, reflecting back in January 2024]

When Children's Words Reveal Our Blessings

"It's just $40," my teenage daughter replied when asking for pocket money before heading to the mall with friends.

"Just $40?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"Yes mom. Just $40. Please give it to me as I'm running late."

I joked, "Go to the garden and next to the apple tree, there's a fig tree that produces dollar notes. You can pick $40 from there."

Not amused, she replied, "Mom, stop joking. Can I go ask Daddy?" ready to try her luck elsewhere.

I handed her the money with a reminder to bring back any change, but after she left, I couldn't stop thinking about those two words: "Just $40."

My daughter is responsible with money. She doesn't spend lavishly and even reminds me when I'm about to buy something unnecessary. Yet her casual comment about $40 being a small amount bothered me deeply.

The Value of "Just $40" After Disaster Strikes

As I reflected, I wondered: What could $40 or $50 buy for earthquake victims in Turkey who were still trying to rebuild their lives? How far would that amount go for someone without a proper home, without a job, without certainty about tomorrow?

When planning my upcoming trip to Turkey in July, I decided to visit the earthquake zone and help as many victims as possible. Setting a target of $50 per family, I contacted a local relief organization to understand what that amount could provide.

Their answer humbled me: $50 could buy groceries for a family of six for more than a week.

With "just $50," a family of six could eat for more than a week. Allahu Akbar!

When Allah Tests Our Determination

I set a modest initial goal of helping 10-50 families and began working toward it during the first days of Dhul-Hijjah while fasting. Despite having low energy and numerous work deadlines, I submitted a campaign to LaunchGood, only to have it rejected because I wasn't working through a registered non-profit.

At this point, I had to make a decision.

This was more than just raising money. I needed to coordinate with relief organizations, book tickets to the earthquake zone, and figure out logistics—all without knowing how many families I could actually help or if my efforts would be worthwhile.

Exhausted and overwhelmed, I fell asleep before iftar without even cooking.

When I woke up, I had clarity: even if I could only help 15 families, that would be significant. Plus, my daughters would witness firsthand "how far a $50 bill can go in helping those in need."

A Simple Message, An Extraordinary Response

With sleepy eyes, I sent a straightforward message to a handful of WhatsApp groups explaining my goal. Screenshot of my messages and date below:

Before I even finished posting to all the groups, donations started flowing in. Within 15-20 minutes, we had raised enough for 20 families. I was elated and began preparing iftar with renewed energy.

By Eid al-Adha, with Allah's help, we had raised funds for more than 300+ families—six times my initial goal.

Lessons from Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Looking back six months later, I want to share what this experience taught me about serving Allah's cause:

1. Allah Tests Our Sincerity and Persistence

When attempting to do something in Allah's way, we will be tested on how committed we are and how easily we give up:

• I reached out to more than ten non-profits without success
• My LaunchGood campaign was rejected
• I spoke with masjid presidents, non-profit directors, and friends who couldn't help
• Finally, a sister from my coaching call introduced me to a brother who worked for a non-profit and had lost 14 family members in the earthquake—this connection finally gave me direction

2. Shaytaan Conceals Benefits While Highlighting Difficulties

June 2023 was my busiest month of the year. Whenever I fell behind, negative thoughts crept in:

"See? You can't even finish your regular work. Why add more that might not even succeed?"

These whispers intensified after each rejection and unanswered message.

3. Not Everyone Will Share Your Vision

People around me offered perspective from their own viewpoints—questioning, suggesting alternatives, or even recommending I abandon the idea.

I listened and thanked them but remained firm in my conviction.

Recognition of Effort: A Humbling Dinner in Istanbul

After our work in the earthquake zone was complete, the non-profit organization arranged a dinner for us in Istanbul to celebrate the successful campaign. It was a beautiful evening with delicious food and warm company.

Once we were all seated at the dinner table, the director of the non-profit turned to me and asked, "So Fouzia, please share how you were able to raise this much funding in such a short period of time and execute this successfully."

Everyone looked at me, eagerly awaiting my answer. I was caught off guard—I hadn't prepared a speech! But as I gathered my thoughts, I simply shared the truth: I had a sincere intention to help, and despite all the hurdles, I persisted. Allah blessed my efforts and made it possible.

Looking around that table, I realized how many people had come together to make this happen—from donors in my WhatsApp groups to the organization members who helped distribute aid. It was a powerful reminder that when we take the first step for Allah's sake, He brings the right people to help complete the journey.

The Reward of Persistence

Because I persisted through the tests, ignored the whispers, and stood my ground, Allah blessed me with an opportunity to serve His Ummah.

Six months later, I still remember the faces of those families in Turkey. I remember my daughter's eyes as she helped distribute aid packages—the same daughter who once said "just $40." I witnessed her transformation as she understood, in a profound way, the value of what we take for granted.

Today, as we begin a new year, I invite you to reflect: When was the last time you pushed through difficulty to accomplish something pleasing to Allah? Did you persevere, or did you fall for Shaytaan's trap?

Sometimes the smallest comments from our children—like "just $40"—can spark the greatest journeys of service and transformation.

This experience continues to resonate with me six months later. What began as a response to my daughter's casual comment about "$40" opened our eyes to the profound impact even small contributions can make. I've been reflecting on how to create more opportunities for families—especially our children—to engage in direct service and witness firsthand the realities beyond our comfortable lives. These moments of connection with the Ummah leave lasting impressions that no lecture on gratitude could ever achieve. I'm grateful to Allah for pushing me beyond my comfort zone and for allowing my family to be part of something so meaningful. May He accept our small efforts and continue to guide us toward serving His creation.

In my next post, I'll share what happened when we finally reached the earthquake zone, the humbling encounters we had with survivors, and the unexpected lessons we all learned while distributing aid door-to-door. The transformation I witnessed in my children during those days changed our family forever.

Stay tuned for " Purposeful Presence: More Valuable Than Any Donation" coming soon.