One morning in September 2021 after Fajr prayers, a worshipper approached me. With excitement he reported having booked his flight to Turkey. Ordinarily this wouldn’t have been much of a surprise but given we had just gone through a total lockdown because of the Covid pandemic, it was understandable. This worshipper had waited over a year to make the annual visit to a place called Reyhanli where millions of refugees had fled during the Syrian civil war. He and some friends had, for several years, been collecting donations to deliver relief to refugees who had long been forgotten after the 24/7 news streams moved on to other tragic events across the globe. In fact, I too would donate and ironically enough, I had put aside some funds for when he would make the next trip. I reminded the brother to take the funds when he goes. In reply, he suggested I join him and personally distribute my Zakat and meet first-hand the orphans, widows and families. I took up the offer and travelled with the brothers.
My experience of the trip was eye opening. The plight of the refugees we met and the incredibly poor state in which they live was harrowing. We managed to distribute funds and relief to many families but there were so many more who needed help. Through this experience, I thought what if we could launch a project for our local community to support through their Zakat and Sadaqah donations. On my return, I presented my experience and ideas to the Trustees of Goodwood Islamic Centre and suggested we setup a welfare project for the local community. I was delighted with their support and humbled we have finally launched the project.
MIJ Welfare Trust will be collecting Zakat and Sadaqah to deliver relief to the forgotten poor and destitute across the globe. We intend to empower people to become independent by supporting and funding initiatives that delivers sustainable income for them and their families.
Please join us on this noble cause and donate generously.