Amenakin reports on a recent benefit event and shares details on other charitable causes that help those in need, from Palestine to Pakistan.
Recently I had the chance to attend a fundraiser that inspired me on so many levels. Ladies for Syria on 15 February was held by Abu Faisal Trust, a UK charity. The event was a fundraising dinner that incorporated an auction, fashion show and shopping stalls, and its intention was to raise funds to assist the people in Syria.
The event opened with Qur’an recitation and salawat by Aqsa Hussain, a young lady with whom I conversed briefly over dinner. I discovered that she is also a personal trainer and played professional basketball.
Next on stage was Nadia Mohammed, who is the Abu Faisal Trust founder and CEO. Nadia founded the charity in May 2013 in memory of her brother, Ali, who had passed away earlier that month. Her gift to Ali, said Nadia, was everlasting charity (sadaqa jariya).
Hearing Nadia talk was a reminder to me of the beautiful way in which Allah (Great and Glorious is He!) Helps those who need it, and how when He Gives, nothing and nobody can stand in the way. It is a force that is propelled by blessings. All we need to do is plant the seed of intention within our hearts, and He causes it to come to fruition.
Subhaan’Allah! Not only did Nadia’s intention result in the setting up of this charity, but they have also already undertaken so many projects. From her, we learned about the Olive Tree Project, which was set up for farmers in northern Palestine to enable them to benefit from the 1200 olive trees that were donated. These trees are known to last between 2000 to 3000 years. So just imagine that for all the time that the trees are alive and benefitting the Palestinian farmers, the person who donated the six pounds towards the Olive Tree Project would be receiving the reward!
From the Water Pump Project in Sindh, a province in Pakistan that was affected by floods, to the relief sent to south Iran following an earthquake, Nadia has set her sights high but humbly chooses not to mention the many other works she carries out.
Watching her on stage, I was astounded by the strength of this woman, like so many others out there, who have the courage not only to carry on with life after the passing of a loved one, but also to turn that grief into something that benefits others.
The latest project undertaken by the Abu Faisal Trust involved sending two to three containers of hygiene packages and sewing machines to widows in Syria. These sewing machines are meant to help the recipients sustain a form of income for their families.
Apart from myself, the other guest speaker at the event was Yvonne Ridley. The last time I met this sister was about nine years ago. At that time she had visited my university to give a speech about how she reverted to Islam, and we had exchanged a few words when she was campaigning in my hometown. Subhaan’Allah, how time flies! Her speech began with an emphasis on the concept of family, and how she had joined such a large one when she reverted to Islam. Therefore, we ought to feel that the people of Syria are our brothers and sisters in this huge family of Muslims.
Yvonne had just returned from Pakistan, where she was raising funds for Syria, and did so with much success. As always, she was calm and collected on stage, and described her experience with vivid accuracy.
The Ladies for Syria event raised an incredible £20,397. The charity continues to accept donations via their website and Facebook page.
There are millions of Syrians right now who are displaced from their homes and families who are unable to escape the tragedies they encounter on a daily basis. May Allah Grant them patience and relief.
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