Ismaili Community Feeds Over 1000 Needy Families In Uganda As Ramadan Fasting Comes To An End

By Spy Uganda

Kibuli, Kampala: It was a big day for Muslims and needy families in Kibuli where Ismaili Civic Community in Uganda, an arm of the global Ismaili Civic engagement have donated a variety of relief items in its charity drive aimed at seeing every one enjoy the holly month of Ramadan.

The Community for the last couple of years has been supporting Muslims globally under its mission; ”To serve Humanity and improve the quality of life of the communities in which we live”.

The initiative brings together Ismaili community from around the world, all working towards efforts of civic engagement and good citizenship.

At four different communities in Kibuli including at Kibuli mosque, the organization today delivered food and other essential commodities like rice, wheat flour, soap, cooking oil, tea and beans to hundreds of families and since the Ramadan started over 2,000 families have benefited.

Mr.Azhar Bandali Jaffer, Chairman of Outreach for Aga Khan National Council, also Managing Director Fairway Hotel said helping the needy is something they were taught at a young age.

”We call this drive the ”Ramadan Food Drive”, we as the Ismaili Community its our mission to serve humanity and improve the quality of life of the communities in which we live, but also, from a young age, we are taught the importance of supporting the community and doing charity work, so that’s why we support our brothers in need,” said Mr Azhar.

Mr Azhar added that since their aim is to impact lives, they don’t aim at making any profits out of the drives and other charity campaigns they do.

”By doing such humanitarian activities aimed at improving the communities in which they live, they don’t expect any payback by the beneficiaries, but it’s in their religious teachings that you have to share with the less privileged in your community for better co-existence and then God rewards you more,” said Mr Azhar.

In a brief interaction-one-on-one with Ms Jasmin Halani, the In-Charge of Ismail CIVIC Community in Uganda told our reporter that she feels happy when other people out there are also living a happy life thus the secret behind their charity drives.

”We all should leave to serve those who are needy, and as Ismaili Community we have been at forefront of helping our brothers and sisters who need help in one way or there other and we are not going to stop this, because its a calling. I can’t enjoy good life when my sister or brother is sleeping hungry, that’s the secret behind all these charity we do,” said Ms Jasmin.

On there other hand, Naeem Mitha, the Chairman for Communications Aga Khan Council noted thus,”It is a rewarding feeling to give back to the community during this holy month of Ramadan.”

Alam Patel, the outreach member said, “it is our civic duty as ismailis to serve.”

Meanwhile, Mr Goto Hussein, the Superintendent at Kibuli Mosque thanked the Ismaili Community members for sharing the little they have with the needy especially in this month of ramadan.

”What you have done me as a person i can’t thank you enough. May Allah just answer your prayers always and reward you abundantly,” said Mr Hussein.

He used the same opportunity and explained the historical background of the Mosque which has been in existence for over 100 years since it was founded by the late Prince Nooh Mobogo around 1892.

“Its foundation was laid on 25th November 1941 by Prince Ally Khan the son of His Highness Sir Sultan Muhamed Shay Aga Khan and the mosque was completed in 1951 and opened for service that year,” Goto explained.

”The land on which Kibuli and its projects stands today were donated by Prince Nuhu Mbogo a Buganda royal who had received it from the British colonialist for his collaboration. The land was initially intended for his palace but on one of his expeditions to the top of the hills he decided that the place was more suitable for the house of Allah than his residence,” explains Hussein adding;

”He then built his house downhill and built the first mosque here on top of Kibuli hill in 1892. His son Prince Badru Nakibinge also a British collaborator too donated an extra 80 acres to accommodate the hospital and institute. The Aga Khan made a generous donation and also launched a shilling for a shilling campaign that saw the erection of the prestigious Kibuli mosque which has until now has been the major mosque in the country over the years.”

About Ismaili CIVIC Community

Reflecting the pluralism of the Muslim world generally, the Ismailis are a richly diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam who belong to distinct ethnic-geographic and linguistic traditions. They are united by their belief in a living hereditary Imam of the Time from the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family).

Guiding Principles & Themes Relevant To Ismaili CIVIC?

• Serving humanity
• Improving the quality of life of the communities in which Ismailis live
• Promoting the Ismaili community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenship

Within the above context, Ismaili CIVIC programs are categorized into the following thematic areas:

• Health
Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Programs include blood donations, food distribution, health promotion and education, inter-community sports events, etc.

• Education
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits. Programs include early childhood development, adult learning, mentorship, language translation services, literacy, STEM programs, etc.

• Economic Development
Process where the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or individual are improved according to targeted goals and objectives. Programs include poverty alleviation, small business/other skills training, career development support, clothing donation drive, affordable housing programs, newcomer support, etc.

• Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Programs include tree planting, recycling, parks, street & shoreline clean-ups, community waste management programs, etc.

• Culture
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts. Programs include festivals, theatre, and art exhibitions, among others.

Pictorial As Ismaili CIVIC Donates To Kibuli Needy Families Gathered At Various Mosques