In a poignant display of solidarity with war-torn Iran, a humble 50-paise coin from a child’s piggy bank became a symbol of Kashmir’s boundless empathy, auctioned for Rs 17,000 at a mosque in Lati Mohalla, Mir Behri, on the fringes of Dal Lake in Srinagar.
The coin, donated by 10-year-old Jibran Hyder from Zadibal, headlined the Valley’s grassroots relief campaign following the February 28 US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jibran, who had saved Rs 17,600—including his Eid Eidi—over a year for a bicycle, emptied his piggy bank instead. “The killing of Ayatollah Khamenei motivated me,” he said simply, his dream deferred for a greater cause.
Organizers at the mosque, sifting through donations, spotlighted the coin’s profound intent. “This has been donated for the Imam of our time. It may appear small, but it is priceless,” an announcer declared, igniting bids that soared to Rs 17,000, won by Javid Ahmed Sofi amid cheers from the crowd.
This moment captured the essence of a movement sweeping Kashmir, where children, women, and families are sacrificing savings, gold, and heirlooms for Iran’s bombed-out innocents. Seven-year-old Banafsha Zehra from Zadibal gave her full Rs 7,000 Eid money for victims of the Minab school bombing. Nine-year-old Mohammad Hasnain added Rs 2,100 “for our new leader.” Girls removed earrings; orphans parted with gold bangles.
Women led with resilience: a women, outside Bemina’s Imambara, offered her sole valuables: “I am an orphan. If I could, I would sacrifice my family.”
Mohalla committees via Imambaras drive the effort, with collections at roadside stalls like Khomeini Chowk—piled with notes, copper vessels, and gold under Iranian flags. Gund Hassi Bhat raised Rs 30 lakh collectively; Budgam saw Rs 11 lakh gathered, per social media. Larger gestures included Sadat Ali Mir’s tipper vehicle and Sunni participants selling bikes. Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi donated a month’s salary.
The campaign crosses sects, channeling funds to the Iranian Embassy. New Delhi’s “Iran in India” X account hailed a Kashmiri widow’s 28-year-old gold memento: “Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort… Thank you #Kashmir. Thank you #India.”
“This isn’t charity—it’s feeling another’s pain,” said a volunteer. As totals mount unconsolidated, Kashmir’s response proves intention trumps value, turning piggy banks into bridges of hope.
J&K Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam urges Sunni Muslims to join Kashmir’s donation drive for Iran
After Shia Muslims in Kashmir launched a major donation campaign—contributing cash, gold, and valuables to aid Iran—the Grand Mufti has called on the Sunni community to participate wholeheartedly. Jammu & Kashmir Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam emphasized unity, urging Sunni Muslims to support the relief efforts for war-affected Iranians.
