“Thank you so much for the gift brought to our door today. It was a lovely gesture and a really nice surprise! My mother and I would like to wish you all the best with your new venture in Fontley Road.”
Such are some of the well wishes and appreciation received from our neighbours at Al Mahdi Centre when the Madrasah’s senior study group (Sheikh Sessions) undertook the “Meet Your Neighbours: Ashura Awareness Project.”
The Meet Your Neighbours Project was to greet our neighbours, introduce Al Mahdi Centre and share the message of Imam Husayn (as).
In the span of one week, with guidance from Haji Shabbir Walji and Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo, the group of youths came together with enthusiasm and dedication to ensure the success of task ahead. Gift bags containing a selection of biscuits, a magnet produced with quotes from the Holy Prophet (S) on akhlaq towards neighbours and the ‘Who is Husayn (as)’ information card; along with the Centre’s contact details were packed.
Saturday 15th December 2012 was the day chosen. After an intensive training conducted by Br Yasin Rahim, we performed recitation of Dhuhrayn Salah and commenced the visits. The youths were accompanied by the adult volunteers including Sheikh Fazle Abbas, Br. Yasin Rahim, Br. Abbas Rahim, Br. Hamid Hashtroodi, Br. Muhammad Moledina and Sis. Sheila Moledina set off. The groups were divided into four; each carrying 10 gift bags. Two of the groups went onto Fontley Road, the third towards Titchfield Lane and another to River Lane.
After covering the 40 houses, we all met back at the Centre to share their encounters. Smiles were in abundance and all of the initial apprehension had vanished. Alhamdulillah, the day had been a tremendous achievement!
Sheikh Fazle Abbas had this to say: “Just four months after settling into our new home – Al Mahdi Centre – it is gratifying to note that the youths, in the true spirit of Islam, have reached out to meet our neighbours. Mashallah, they have all been fantastic in introducing our Centre and creating awareness on Ashura.”
Through this venture, we were able for the first time to visit our neighbours, give an ear to their comments, alleviate the myths attached to our Centre and extend our warm neighbourly relations. To such an extent that most of them showed a keen interest to visit our Centre and appreciate the preserved nature and facilities that we hold with pride, Alhamdulillah.
Having received the outstanding feedback, Haji Shabbir Walji concluded: “Alhamdulillah, this is the real purpose of commemoration of Ashura & the Tragedy of Kerbala. Meaningful neighbourly relationships in the cause of Allah swt will only cause greater good for our Cause & Al Mahdi Centre. May your noble actions continue in a coherent & consistent manner. Inshallah this will benefit future generations in building strong & sustainable bridges.”
Having sowed this seed of warmth, we hope to nurture it to a more meaningful relationship with many such events in the future; together as a community, Inshallah.
Compiled by Ruqayya Datoo
Project Coordinator