Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

24 April 2025

3-minute read

Sharing a loaf of bread with a hungry person was an act of service that led Zarina Karbaree to a weekly tradition of preparing warm meals every week for madrassahs, orphanages and families in need in the city of Cape Town.

Between raising her own kids, running a home business and caring for others, Zarina, an unsung hero, says that “if you don’t keep focused on something that you want to do,” you’ll never find the time for it to materialise. She makes a conscientious effort and blocks off time every Thursday to cook and feed those in need.

With both big and small contributions from family, friends and neighbours, Zarina was able to keep her pots filled with food to cook to feed others. Zarina remembers her mum getting busy helping her and the excitement her marhoom father felt at being involved.

Based on a family tradition started by her brother of inviting several orphanages to a pamper day, Zarina felt that something was missing after that initiative stopped during COVID. The inspiration to start feeding others began when that first loaf of bread was shared and Zarina immediately felt the need to reach out to more people. When a madrassah close by required food to be sent to them, she mentioned that it felt like angels were being sent to her.

Zarina received amazing responses from outsiders who didn’t want to give just money but rather wanted to contribute their sadaqah in the form of food. “I’m only going to stop when I take my last breath,” are her awe-inspiring words when met with negativity and challenges in her efforts for charity.

Wanting her four adult daughters to continue her legacy, Zarina encourages them to contribute to her feeding schemes and advises them that even when she’s not there, they should take the time and effort to get involved in charity.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat here.