An intimate affair: Hayyan's 28 days

Photos by Arif Mahmood | Lifebuoy Publishing Partner
Published March 17, 2016

"When you are photographing in the open, or in the street situations are not real. You don’t get intimacy.

In a house the close environment is already there… you relive certain moments because of it. I have three kids of my own. I am reliving how I photographed them when they were born."

Arif Mahmood


Madiha reciting Quranic verses for Hayyan before his day begins
Madiha reciting Quranic verses for Hayyan before his day begins


Madiha and Usman enjoying the morning sun with their son as Umer looks into the distant neighbourhood.
Madiha and Usman enjoying the morning sun with their son as Umer looks into the distant neighbourhood.
Usman and his twin brother Umer start the sunbathing excersice for Hayyan.
Usman and his twin brother Umer start the sunbathing excersice for Hayyan.
Madiha's father Mohammad Tariq bringing Hayyan down from the roof after an early morning sunbath. Usman watches with concern as they come down
Madiha's father Mohammad Tariq bringing Hayyan down from the roof after an early morning sunbath. Usman watches with concern as they come down
Hayyan finds his oil massage quite distressing
Hayyan finds his oil massage quite distressing

"Being a parent is not easy. It's a very tough time. The kid dictates everything... there are a lot of sleepless nights. You have to follow his daily routine. Your life revolves around the kid."

Arif Mahmood



Hayyan takes a peaceful nap at his grandmother's house
Hayyan takes a peaceful nap at his grandmother's house
Usman and Madiha laugh at Hayyan's antics during a warm water soaking
Usman and Madiha laugh at Hayyan's antics during a warm water soaking

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The first 28 days can help a child reach 5

Lifebuoy has adopted 31 neo-natal clinics across Sindh and educated thousands of mothers about the importance of hygiene in the neo-natal period. The visual portrayal of baby Sara, Hayyan and Abdul Jabbar's first 28 days of life is another initiative to create awareness about the cause.

With each book sold, Lifebuoy doubles the proceeds and donates to NICH, for neo-natal care. You can support the cause by purchasing the book on Kitabein.com.