Dear Community Members,

Salaamun Alaykum.

Firstly, on behalf of The World Federation, I would like to express my deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the attacks over the weekend in Baghdad, Beirut and Paris. The scenes were heart breaking and so many innocent lives were lost. The World Federation strongly condemns these attacks and signed a joint statement with CoEJ & other organisations on Saturday.

Our relief department is doing some great work with the Ali Asghar Water Appeal.13 wells have already been sponsored and we are seeking sponsorships for 27 more to achieve our goal of 40 wells in 40 days. Sponsoring a well costs only £3 a day but makes a huge difference in people’s lives. Please donate towards a well either in full or in part to help provide safe drinking water in the deprived areas of Kenya and Syria. We recently received a plaque in recognition of our support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) relief programs in Gaza. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, our efforts are making a difference in the lives of the people of Gaza.

Last week we launched a Khums Calculator app; something we’ve been working on for several months and we are pleased to share this with you. This app is available for android and inshAlalh the iOS version will be available soon. Also, the Madressa Centre of Excellence (MCE) is currently looking for a new graphic designer. This is an excellent opportunity and I would encourage anyone who has the relevant experience to get in touch. MCE regularly hold teacher training sessions as they develop the curriculum. The most recent session was held in Dubai. InshAllah these sessions and the curriculum development will have a positive impact on the teaching of our children in madressa.

In other news, the Mulla Asghar Resource Centre and Library (MARC) has launched a TV channel! This will inshAllah be shown every Sunday at 10am on Rogers 129, Bell 583 and Bell Fibre 1235. A trailer and the first episode is available on their YouTube channel. This is an exciting project and I am keen to see the interesting topics that will addressed on the shows. Finally, I would like to end by telling you about a fantastic initiative run by Easy Fundraising. They are a company which has partnered with many leading retailers so that when you shop from them online, a percentage of the amount you spend goes to The World Federation. This is of no extra cost to the shopper, so it’s a win-win! I ask you all to have a look at their website and sign up – it requires no bank details and the amounts we receive will support our many community and relief programs.

With Salaams and Duas

Mohamedkazim Bhaloo

Assistant Treasurer