Malawi Muslims in UK urged to remain united
Muslims of Malawian origin living in the United Kingdom (UK) have been encouraged to remain united and work hard to develop themselves and the community both in the UK and at home in Malawi.
Treasurer General of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Issa Njauju, made the call to the Muslims who gathered in London last Saturday to celebrate Eid-il Fitri, marking the end of the auspicious month of Ramadan.
The event, organised by the Malawi Muslim Community-UK (MAMCO-UK) under the theme “Unity for Development”, also attracted Malawian non-Muslims from across the UK.
MAMCO-UK is a charity organisation that was formed 5 years ago with the main objective of catering for the social and community needs of Muslim of Malawi origin resident in the UK.
In a true Malawian welcoming spirit, the event was also graced by other nationalities such as those from Japan and Nigeria
“Brothers and sisters, Islam is a religion that produces the best life for the human society. Unity among its followers becomes an important agenda in forming societies through the strengthening of community based networks and brotherhood. In Islam there is no society without brotherhood just as there is no piety without faith”, said Njauju who was the guest of honor at the event.
He further advised the Muslims to strengthen their bond, stating that brotherhood in Islam is the core of nation building and key to development of a civilised society.
The Chairman of MAMCO-UK, Abdul Sherrif Kaunde reminded the gathering the importance of observing Islamic tenets such as Eidil Fitri and also emphasied on unity.
“Eid celebration is a way of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and therefore Sunna that Muslims should gather to signify the end of Ramadan. We at MAMCO-UK we recognize this importance that is why every year we encourage members to participate in order to reap the rewards both in this world and in the hereafter”, he said.
This is the first time that the event has been held in London. Last year, it was held in Manchester and was graced by the former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ibrahim Milazi while in previous years it was held in Leicester where the Mayor and other UK government dignitaries would usually grace the occasion.
Secretary General of MAMCO-UK, Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha, said the organisation has been successful over the years in helping uplift the welfare of both UK resident Malawians and those back home.
“We provide welfare assistance to our brothers and sisters both here in UK and at home through Zakat contributions (compulsory for Muslims) and sadaqat (alms/donations). We focus mainly on education since this is the most important factor for economic empowerment and nation building. The human resource developed through this way will go a long way in developing our country, Malawi” said Kalumpha.
Treasurer General Saidi Lumanza Phiri disclosed that the next event Eid- al Adha will be held either in Birmingham or Nottingham.
“Our plan as an organisation is rotate throughout the UK so that we can reach our members wherever they are and engage them in the running of this organisation”, he said.
A member of MAMCO-UK based in Leicester Jumah Bubakali, said he was very proud to be in a community that recognised him both as Muslim and a Malawian.
