Wessex Jamaat runs a successful Food Drive.
The Al Mahdi Muslim Community of Wessex joins other Muslims around Britainand the world in observing the Holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and is one of the most important months of the Islamic year. The month is marked with fasting, supplicatory prayers and increased charity. Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection.
It is also a time when Muslims ponder upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to each other, and to God. It is a time to share with others, regardless of their faith. Through fasting one is able to appreciate the terrible pangs of hunger faced by the needy.
This year, the summer season called for longer fasts lasting almost 18 hours a day. The Al Mahdi Community members gained an insight on what hunger truly meant; and whilst they conveyed their gratitude on having a delicious iftar dinner at the end of the day – they realised that there are others not so fortunate.
Homelessness and food poverty is a dark and hidden secret in the wider community. Thus, in reaching out to the needy, the community l
aunched the ‘Help the Hungry CAN-paign’.
This was a drive to collect tins of food, toiletries and other necessities for distribution to the needy in the community.
Husein Suleiman, a youth of the Al Mahdi Community, said: “Our inspiration to undertake this project is drawn from the words of wisdom by Imam Ali bin AbiTalib, who stated: Man is either your brother in religion or your brother in humanity.”
Members of the community, from the young children to their elderly grandparents, came together to raise funds and collect the tins for the homeless and the needy.
Campaign posters were put up throughout the Centre and further advertising was done through social media.
The Imam, Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo championed the project through the sermons and prompted the community to donate change at the time of iftar dinner; the breaking of fast.
He said, “The month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for personal reflection and community building. In keeping with the teachings of Islam, it is gratifying that the Al Mahdi Wessex community has embarked on such an esteemed project benefitting our neighbours in the community. The young children to their elderly grandparents, by coming together to raise funds and collect the tins for the homeless and the needy have put into action the true spirit of fasting in Ramadan. This is a blessing.”
These gifts of food are being presented to Drop-In Centres in Portsmouth, Fareham and Southampton.
John Mellor of the Avenue Multicultural Centre, Southampton said, “It is a delight to know that the Al Mahdi Muslim Community of Wessex recognises the most needy in their local communities and chooses to support the hungry and the needy. Happily they are not alone in supporting the needy but they provide a fine example of faith inspired generosity at a time when too many ignore the need.”
