Laiq Ahmad Mushtaq, Missionary, Suriname
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on 31 July 2020. Due to the Covid-19 regulations in the country, mosques were not allowed to open their doors for worshippers. Jamaat members offered their Eid prayers at home.
In previous years, the government would permit the Jamaat to slaughter animals in a designated area in the Jamaat headquarters, after inspecting all conditions and requirements of the site.
Traditionally, animals are slaughtered by members themselves. This year, animals were slaughtered at the abattoir, after which the meat was brought to the mosque for packaging and distribution.
The Jamaat created strict health and safety regulations that were followed by all attendees. Khuddam and Ansar formed teams in accordance to the guidelines and worked tirelessly for a smooth run of the day.
Due to the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many families were in dire need of support. The Jamaat sacrificed three cows and eight sheep, of which most of the meat was distributed among members, needy families in different levels of society, as well as orphanages and retirement homes, including Stichting In de ruimte, Lotjeshuis, Kinderdorp, Huize Campagne and Huize Ashiana.
Two national newspapers, De Ware Tijd and Dagblad Suriname published detailed reports as well as multiple pictures of the Eid celebrations. Starnieuws.com, the most read online news platform of the country produced an article and a video report of the proceedings. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname was praised for its efforts and structured organisation of the day.
Abdoel Moetlieb Mahmood Sahib, Secretary External Affairs and the most senior member of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname, has been serving as the head of the qurbani department for the last 50 years. Dagblad Suriname published Abdoel Moetlieb Mahmood Sahib’s picture on their front page and acknowledged his great work, alhamdulillah.
We would like to request the readers of Al Hakam to remember Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Suriname and the donors in their prayers. May Allah the Almighty enable us to serve mankind in the best manner.
