Born without eyes, a young Palestinian girl finds strength in the Quran. This is the story of Zain Al-Dalu, a victim of white phosphorus used by Israeli forces in Gaza, who aspires for artificial eyes.
Zain, the blind Palestinian girl, shares her life experience with blindness, but she refuses to be a victim of her circumstances.
Zain's Story
Zain was born in 2008 during the Gaza War, after her mother inhaled white phosphorus. At that time, her mother, Rola Al-Dalu, was pregnant, which resulted in Zain being born without eyes.
However, Zain did not realize she had a defect in her eyes until she turned seven. She thought all children were like her.
In an attempt to treat her congenital deformity, Zain was fitted with artificial eyes. Unfortunately, she had to give up one of them due to side effects.
Memorizing the Quran
Her mother, Rola, began teaching Zain the Quran from a young age. She would read to her from the Quran and encourage her to repeat after her.
After memorizing part of the Quran, Zain was enrolled in a Quranic school where she received a Quran written in Braille.
Zain considers the Quran a friend that strengthens her at any time.
The Gaza War
The Gaza War in 2021, which witnessed widespread displacement, was the first time Zain lost her artificial eye.
Her mother, Rola, would alternate with her husband in taking her to Quran memorization classes.
Zain also excelled in her school, consistently ranking among the top students.
Consequences
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the percentage of eye injuries in the Gaza Strip reached 11% of the total injuries during the war.
More than 3,000 individuals actually lost their sight during the conflict.
Impact on the Region
The Gaza War in 2021, which witnessed widespread displacement, was the first time Zain lost her artificial eye.
Her mother, Rola, would alternate with her husband in taking her to Quran memorization classes.
Zain also excelled in her school, consistently ranking among the top students.
Conclusion
Zain considers the Quran a friend that strengthens her at any time.
Zain believes she did not realize she had a defect in her eyes until she turned seven.
She thought all children were like her.