By Suleman Chitera
Neno — The Muslim community of Somisomi Village, under Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District, is celebrating the official handover of a modern masjid, courtesy of Gift of the Givers Foundation with support from Care for Others of Denmark.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Gift of the Givers Country Director, Sherifa Mia, said the organization responded after learning that local Muslim Reverts had been praying under a makeshift thatched shed.
“There is now an opportunity for the community to utilize their time wisely by visiting the masjid for prayers, Qur’an reading, and learning Islamic values,” Mia said. “We urge the community to take ownership of this masjid, maintain its cleanliness, and protect its sanctity as a house of Allah.”
The newly built Sakina Masjid is already being hailed as a beacon of hope for the area’s Muslim population. Muhammad Bamusi, Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi in Neno, described the development as a blessing for a vulnerable community.
“This is a standard masjid whose durability and accessibility will allow Muslims to perform their prayers with dignity,” Bamusi said. “We also appeal for more Islamic development projects in Neno to support the growing number of Reverts.”
The masjid’s patron, Haroon Mia, pledged to enhance the facility further by connecting electricity and transforming it into a center for Islamic learning and community empowerment.
“I have launched a goat pass-on program aimed at helping Muslim women achieve financial independence, which will also support the maintenance of the masjid,” he announced.
Haroon also unveiled plans to establish a secondary school and clinic in the area, noting that villagers currently travel long distances for education and health services.
As part of the ceremony, every Muslim in attendance received a pair of shoes — a gesture of goodwill from the donors, symbolizing both care and community solidarity.
The event marks a significant milestone in promoting faith, unity, and socio-economic empowerment in Somisomi Village.
