By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: Ismaili CIVIC, a global initiative under which the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community serves humanity by rendering voluntary services to vulnerable communities has today bailed out Muslims with lots of relief aid items ahead of Eid- Al Fitr celebrations.
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 various mosques, the organization today delivered food and other essential commodities to over 2,000 families who were gathered at Kibuli Mosque, Uganda Islamic Council, and Wandegya Mosque.
Among the items donated included sugar, rice, wheat flour, soap, cooking oil among others essential items, meant to help fellow Muslims celebrate Eid day which is Monday.
Mr.Azhar Bandali Jaffer, Chairman of Outreach for Aga Khan National Council, also Managing Director Fairway Hotel, noted that every year around Eid they support Muslims in need as a sign of brotherhood.
”It is 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 communities and doing charity work, so that’s why we support our brothers in need,” added Azhar, who physically participated in the distribution exercise at Wandegeya Mosque.
Azhar added thus: “By doing such humanitarian activities aimed at improving the communities in which we live, we don’t expect any payback by the beneficiaries. It’s in our religious teachings that we have to share with the less privileged in our communities for better co-existence and then God rewards us more”.
Nabila Meghani, an Ismaili Community Outreach Committee member said that they remain committed to supporting Ugandans with the little they have year after year.
”We’re here to serve Ugandans as much as we can and so far we are happy that our humanitarian activities have some other donors who have joined the cause. So every time they donate we add what we have and deliver to our needy brothers and sisters,” said,” she said.
What You Should Know About This Big Hearted 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 Wandegeya Muslim Community
