By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
The Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) has urged Muslims observing Ramadan to share with those struggling in the country.
MAM treasurer general, Bujad Kalera made the appeal at Dodoma Masjid in Nkhotakota district’s Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalimanjira, where MAM distributed food items to 100 Muslims, marking the launch of the distribution exercise in the lakeshore district.
Kalera said many people are facing food shortages due to drought and flooding, which affected last season’s harvests.
“As Muslims observe Ramadan, MAM and our partners have brought food for Muslims here in Nkhotakota to help them through this period,” said Kalera.
He added: “MAM is committed to helping in various sectors. We will continue to support Nkhotakota and other districts across the country for the betterment of the Muslim community in particular and Malawi at large.”
Kalera urged financially stable Muslims to share, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s saying that those providing for the fasting will receive similar rewards without reducing the rewards of the receiver.
“This month is an opportunity to seek Allah’s pleasure. Let’s maximise sharing with those in need. There are multiple thawaab (spiritual rewards),” he said.
Kalera thanked Dubai Charity Association from United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its support, saying it’s a result of the association’s trust in MAM’s national chairman, Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad, who sourced the aid. There are other international organisations which support MAM in various areas of development.
“We appreciate their support, made possible by their confidence in Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad’s leadership,” he said.
The MAM treasurer general said the Muslim body will continue development work in Nkhotakota, including building mosques and supporting education and health initiatives.
“We have built several mosques in Nkhotakota and will continue to bring development, including education and health support,” explained Kalera.
In his remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Amidu Maulana from Dodoma, praised MAM’s timely support and other developments implemented in his area in particular and Nkhotakota in general.
“A big help. Many struggle to eat well. We thank them and ask Allah to bless them.
“Everyone cannot be reached with help, but MAM’s leadership has really tried here in Nkhotakota. Some areas lacked decent mosques for prayer, but under Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad, MAM has built mosques, providing people with good places to pray. I ask them to continue with these good works. I believe this will happen,” said Maulana.
Asiatu Issa had this to say after receiving her pack of assorted items at Ntasambala Masjid in the district: “These items will take us for a certain period. May Allah accept and bless them for their kindness. We will be using it for iftar (for breaking the fast).”
Among others, each beneficiary received a 20kg bag of maize flour, cooking oil, salt, soya pieces, rice and sugar.
MAM has done similar exercises in other districts and plans to reach more districts across Malawi.
