With 8 Days to Ramaḍhān, Join the Sisters Who Are Stepping Up for 2026
As Sha‘bān quietly slips away and Ramaḍhān draws near, many of us are asking the same question:
How do I enter Ramaḍhān with intention?
How do I turn this blessed month into real action for others?
Last year, for Team Embrace, the answer came on the water.
When Team Embrace lined up at the waterside for their first-ever Al Noor Dragon Boat Race, they weren’t just a new team – they were a new charitable organisation, stepping into their very first public challenge. Launched on the 1st of Ramaḍān 2025, Embrace was still in its infancy, joining dozens of charities in one of the community’s most energetic fundraising events of the year.
What followed was more than a race.
It was the beginning of a movement.
Among the crew was a familiar face – Umm Zaynab, a mother of three and returning participant, and her 12-year-old niece Zunaira, taking part in her very first boat race. They travelled hundreds of miles from the Midlands to train, paddle, and represent Embrace – a charitable organisation whose mission to support the most vulnerable in our local communities had already captured their hearts.
Now, as we stand in Sha‘bān with just 8 days to Ramaḍhān, their story feels more relevant than ever.
A Teen with Tenacity: Zunaira’s First Race
At just 12 years old, Zunaira was the youngest in the boat – but her determination rivalled that of any seasoned competitor.
“I’m really into sports and charity fundraising,” she shared.
“When my aunty told me about Embrace and how they help vulnerable people in our community – especially single-parent families – I really wanted to help. I know what that feels like myself. It made me happy to know that I’m supporting those who often are forgotten.”
Originally just there to support her aunt, Zunaira was recruited into the team when a seat opened up. She had never trained in a dragon boat – her only experience was a holiday boat ride in Turkey – and she met most of the team on race day itself.
With just hours to go, she set herself a simple goal: raise £250.
What happened next left everyone stunned.
“Alḥamdulillāh, I exceeded my target. I only shared the link on the day of the race – and within 24 hours I had raised just over £1,000. I was so shocked!”
Zunaira became the highest fundraiser on the team, helping Team Embrace raise an incredible £5,904.
Despite the nerves and exhaustion, something shifted.
“We had our Embrace t-shirts, we were practising together – it really felt like we were a team.”
They didn’t make the semi-finals – and that was okay.
“The most important thing was that we showed up and raised money for people who need it.”
Her advice to anyone feeling unsure this Sha‘bān?
“It’s okay not to know exactly what you’re doing. I didn’t. I just tried. Even practising with a broomstick helped!”
“It’s fun to do. You can also meet new people. It gives you a feeling of confidence and hard work, and as a person who loves sports and outdoors, I’d 100% recommend it to others.”
Experience Meets Intention: Umm Zaynab Returns to the Water
For Umm Zaynab, this race carried deep personal meaning.
“As a single mother myself, Embrace’s mission really resonated with me,” she explained.
“They support the people who often fall through the cracks – widows, single parents, vulnerable families. . What stood out to me was how direct and meaningful their work is – you can really see the impact they have on the people they serve.”
Umm Zaynab was not a novice, she had taken part for another charity in a previous year. “What inspired me was the combination of teamwork, fitness, and fundraising – the perfect opportunity to challenge myself while supporting a good cause.”
“I’ve taken part in many fundraising activities, but there’s nothing like this – it really pushes you to work as a team. It’s also a community event that brings all the different charities together, which makes it even more special. This time felt different – it was active, social, and competitive, which made the whole experience unforgettable.
She committed fully – attending every training session, despite driving hundreds of miles for each session, returning to the gym, adhering to a clean diet, and preparing both physically and mentally.
“My competitive nature kicked in,” she laughed.
“Training with a team of 16 isn’t easy,” she explains. “It takes time to learn the correct techniques and get into sync. Meeting the whole team, doing dry runs, and helping correct the newbies’ techniques was all part of the process. Once you click as a team, it’s so satisfying and gives you a real sense of unity.”
“I even trained Zunaira the night before using a broomstick.”
Fundraising came naturally.
“I used everything – social media, my business network, even my café staff were encouraging people to donate while we were racing.”
Race day fell on ʿĀshūrāʾ, and she chose to fast.
“I was nervous about racing while fasting, but I reminded myself of why I was doing this – and that I was doing something I truly love: giving back to the community.”
What moved her most was watching her niece step up.
“She joined last-minute, was the youngest – and raised the most. That’s what sincere intention does. Allah opens doors you never expected.”
“She knew how important supporting Embrace was to me, and she wanted to help. Allah facilitated it for her. Many people donated as they were inspired by her courage, being so young yet passionate about giving back to the community. The biggest lesson was that with the right people around you, even tough challenges become lighter and more enjoyable.”
More Than a Race – A Sha‘bān Reminder
Team Embrace didn’t reach the finals – but they left victorious.
For a brand-new charity, this wasn’t about medals.
It was about showing up, building confidence, and turning good intentions into action.
The aunt-and-niece duo captured what Embrace is all about: ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others.
“I chose Embrace because their mission aligns with my values: serving others with compassion and dignity. It’s an obligation upon us as Muslims to be of service to the Ummah and support those in need, just as Rasulullāh ﷺ taught us,” Umm Zaynab reminded. “To me, it’s about helping others and leaving behind a legacy of goodness.”
“Don’t hesitate, just go for it,” she says, encouragingly. “It’s a day of community spirit. It’s so refreshing to see so many Muslim charities giving back to the community in their own ways. You’ll build memories, grow as a person, and contribute to a cause that makes a real difference.”
“You don’t even need to be able to swim – I can’t!” Umm Zaynab laughed.
“It’s about teamwork, intention, and knowing you’re not alone. When everyone rows in sync, the impossible becomes possible. And always remember – with patience comes victory.”
As Zunaira says, “Give it a shot – you never know, maybe it’s something you would enjoy!”
With 8 Days to Ramaḍān – Your Turn
As Sha‘bān draws to a close, this is your gentle nudge.
If you’ve been thinking:
- I want my Ramaḍhān to mean more
- I want to do something practical, not just aspirational
- I want to involve my children, my friends, my sisters
This is your moment.
🌙 Sign up in Sha‘bān
🤍 Fundraise in Ramaḍān
Train in Shawwal
🚣🏽♀️ Join the Embrace Sisters Team 2026 – July 4th
You don’t need experience.
You don’t need confidence.
You just need intention.
And Allah will take care of the rest.
Paddle with purpose. Step into Ramaḍhān with action.
Sign up for our sisters boat race team now.