Hafiz Farooq Afratali Shaikh
Founder, Aarzoo Education Trust • Ambujwadi, Malwani
Hafiz Farooq Afratali Shaikh is an Islamic scholar and dedicated social reformer who observed the immense educational deprivation inside the informal settlement of Ambujwadi, Malwani (Malad West, Mumbai)[cite: 1]. Recognizing that systemic poverty cannot be alleviated through temporary relief alone, he established Aarzoo Education Trust to anchor children in quality academic learning alongside Islamic moral ethics (Adab)[cite: 1].
"True education begins when literacy meets character. When we teach a child both the alphabet and the fear of Allah, we build an upright human being who elevates their entire household."
— Hafiz Farooq Afratali ShaikhOur Sacred Mission
To eradicate illiteracy among underprivileged children in urban slums by delivering accessible foundational schooling, free textbooks, and daily nourishment, while providing vocational tailoring skills to empower mothers with economic self-reliance[cite: 1].
Our Enduring Vision
A self-sustaining, educated, and morally grounded community across Ambujwadi and Mumbai slums, where every child achieves primary academic mastery and every home lives with dignity, knowledge, and self-respect[cite: 1].
Our Guiding Principles
'Ilm with Adab
Modern curriculum combined with Islamic ethics and respect for elders and teachers[cite: 1].
Dignity First
Treating every student and struggling family with high honor and respect during all welfare drives[cite: 1].
Mothers' Independence
Providing tailoring tools so women earn independent, halal livelihood at home[cite: 1].
Zero Leakage
Strict allocation protocols ensuring 100% of earmarked donations reach deserving beneficiaries[cite: 1].
100% Lillah, Zakat & Sadaqah Financial Integrity Policy
Zakat donations are strictly separated into a designated account and disbursed exclusively to Mustahiq (Shariah-eligible) families for student tuition fees, school uniforms, and survival ration kits[cite: 1]. Zero Zakat funds are spent on administrative overhead[cite: 1, 6].
General charity (Sadaqah/Lillah) funds classroom benches, educational blackboards, teacher stipends, electricity utilities, and bulk food drive logistics across Ambujwadi[cite: 1].