To commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (pbuh) - the grandson of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who was brutally killed in Karbala, along with his loyal family and friends on the 10th day of Muharram in the year 61 A.H, the youth of Al Mahdi Muslim Community in Wessex launched a food appeal titled the ‘Husayni Can-Paign.’
Homelessness and food poverty is a dark and hidden secret in the wider community. Thus, an enthusiastic drive was promoted to collect tins of food, toiletries and other necessities for distribution to the needy in the community.
This was in particular to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala, their ladies and children who were deprived of water for three continuous days.
Posters were put up around the Centre and regular announcements were made; both in-house and on social media, to encourage community members to donate to this great cause. Members of the community, from the young children to their elderly grandparents, came together to raise funds and collect food tins for the homeless and the needy.
The project co-ordinator, Ruqayya Datoo explained, “Our inspiration to undertake this project is drawn from the words of wisdom of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who stated, “He is not a believer, who eats his fill while his neighbour is hungry.”
With this in mind, the community raised over 700 food items for donation.
Commending this initiative, Sheikh Fazle Abbas, the Imam of Al Mahdi Community said, “It is gratifying to see the Al Mahdi Community members joining hands to practice the teachings of Islam on charity, caring for the needy and reaching out to the neighbours in the wider community.”
These gifts from the community were handed over to the Fareham & Gosport Basics Bank and Portsmouth’s Salvation Army.
Mr Philip Rutt representing Basics Bank said, “We are delighted that you are continuing to support the Basics Bank. It’s especially good when youngsters take this forward. The generosity of people in our community has been amazing and helps us to make a difference to people.”
The youths of Al Mahdi Centre would like to extend their humble gratitude to all members of the Al Mahdi Community for their invaluable support.
For more information on the Wessex Jamaat, Al Mahdi Centre, contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or visit the website: www.almahdi.org.uk