20/03/2026
INFO PARTNERS WITH RIBAT TURKIYE, HOSTS IFTAR WITH ORPHANS, HAAFIZAT
After the successful conclusion of its annual series of fora, the Ittihadun-Nisa Foundation, Inc. (INFo), with the Ribat International Humanitarian Association of Turkiye, broke fast with over a hundred orphans and aspiring haafizat (female scholars aiming to completely memorize the Qur’an) at the Ribat Baba Mustafa Senturk Orphanage, Datu Mukamad Road, Brgy. Balabaran, MB Tamontaka, Cotabato City on March 14, 2026/Ramadhan 24, 1447.
"In behalf of the INFo we would like to extend our warmest gratitude to our Turkish siblings,” said Norwarda Hanafie Musa, INFo Member, referring to the Anatolian Family Association who funded the iftar, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadhan, meal program, and Ribat for hosting the activity.
“Remember that you [orphans] are the family of Prophet Muhammad SAW. You are not just orphans; you are learning the Qur'an. " Musa emphasized.
She then reminded participants that the closest du'a Allah SWT listens to are from those who break their fast, thus encouraging attendees to “make du’a moments before you take your iftar,, as there is no gap between you and Allah SWT.”
INFo was assigned to invite orphanages and haafizat schools to attend the iftar activity, totaling to 205 participants from five different facilities. Of the 205, 86 were from Maqaari Assayyidah Jaleelah Lil Qur'an Al-Kareem, 55 from Markadz Yad, 24 from Markadz Nurol Aytam Littahfidil Qur-an Orphanage, 23 from Markadz Al-Arfadz and 17 from Markadz Suleytin.
Enes Gokceoglu, Director of Ribat Baba Mustafa Senturk Orphanage thanked the INFo for the help, referring to how members arrived at noon to assist in the iftar preparations.
“I wanted to cooperate with INFo due to their good communication skills, active participation and fast delivery of services,” Dir. Gokceoglu lauded.
Ribat Orphanage host three buildings, one for university girls, another for dormitories and a third where orphans learn English and Arabic curriculums with their teachers and rooms dedicated to haafizat learning the Qur-an.
Aside for the orphanage, Ribat also leads other development programs across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), such as the construction of water wells and masjid, some of which were areas validated and recommended by INFo.
The activity falls under INFo’s Ungaya sa Aytam (which translates to “Care for Orphans”) project, which aims to empower orphanage centers in providing better care and shelter for orphans. The project supports the improvement of physical infrastructure and the provision of food packages and hygiene kits, in partnership with local and international donors.
