Baba Suwareh, Nusrat Jehan Dept, The Gambia
On 29 April 2021, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya The Gambia, Baba F Trawally Sahib and his delegation comprising of the two naib amirs and senior members of the Jamaat were accompanied by the Regional Co-ordinator of National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to deliver support to the families who were stroked with a fire accident earlier this month.
The team’s first visit was at Tabokoto where Amir Sahib, while presenting the donated items to the victims, extended his sadness on behalf of the entire Jamaat for the incident and advised the affected families to be patient, noting that everything that happens has been predestined by Allah the Almighty.
He said that assisting one’s neighbour is an integral part of Islam because the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has clearly mentioned in many ahadith that when your neighbour is in distress, we should assist as much as possible, we should feel the pain they are going through. So as Muslims, we have an obligation to serve Allah the Almighty and to serve humanity, Amir Sahib emphasised.
The ward councillor of the area, Mr Ansumana Bayo expressed his thanks and appreciation for the timely intervention of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He described the gesture as most needed and timely and commended the Jamaat for their usual assistant when it comes to giving a helping hand to those in need especially disasters of all natures. He said that the Jamaat represents the true character of the Prophetsa of Islam who always encourages Muslims to keep the spirit of helping the poor and the needy especially in the Holy month of Ramadan.
Councillor Bayo concluded by assuring the donors that the donated items will be put to good use and will go a long way to ease the burden of the victims
The team proceeded to Talinding where there was a serious fire outbreak. Amir Sahib, on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and extended sympathy and condolences. Amir Sahib noted that the entire Jamaat was shocked, saddened and grieved about the tragedy and we were there to show our support and share the sorrowful moment with you.
Amir Sahib consoled the families to be steadfast and to remain faithful in Allah the Almighty because it is a teaching of the Holy Quran that whenever calamity of such kind befalls us, our only cry should be “Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return”.
Amir Sahib called on other philanthropists to come forward to assist the victims.
He concluded by praying for the families and all those who provided support during and after the incident.
The Regional Coordinator of National disaster Management Agency (NDMA) expressed thanks and appreciation to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya for their long-standing support in complementing the agency’s efforts in mitigating difficulties caused by disasters. He described the Jamaat as the agency’s long-standing partner and thanked Amir Sahib and the entire Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya for the gesture.
The beneficiaries in both places expressed joy, thanks and appreciation for the support and commended Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya The Gambia for their tremendous support not only in the disaster relief but in other key areas in education, quality health care services to the Gambian people and other areas in complementing the government’s efforts.
The donated items included bags of rice, bags of sugar, gallons of cooking oil, bags of onions, second-hand clothing and cash.
The event was covered by the major media outlets across the country, both print and electronic media including the state broadcaster, The Gambia Radio and Television Services.
