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| Salaam alaykum Brothers and Sisters, | |
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There are many needy Islaamic projects in the world, so many that as individuals it seems overwhelming. "What can we do?" We often ask. "Whatever we do will not be enough," we usually conclude. "Can we make a difference?" Some query. The answer is: "Yes, we can." The Islamic reality is that each and every one of us with some means has to take responsibility for others in need. That is the message of the fourth pillar of Islaam, Zakaat and Sadaqah. For, as others took responsibility for us to get to where we are, we need to do our part in helping yet others to get here also.
I chose this little project to help a tribe of aboriginal people in Southern Philippines who had fled into the mountains when Islaam first arrived there in the 14th century, and were later forcibly converted to Christianity by the Spanish Conquistadors a few centuries later. However, in the latter part of the 20th century, a few of them accepted Islam and from that humble beginning hundreds converted over the next 15 years. Al hamdulillaah, they have received help in building a few mosques. From the 90's I began this project of providing 10 of the new converts with scholarships to do a BA in Education or related fields, at a College there in Cotabato City whose curriculum I had Islamized in 1991-2. There have been two batches of graduates over the years and the third batch is currently completing their studies. Previous graduates have set up a primary school in their locale which is used to establish Islam among the converts and to convey it to the community. I invite you to learn about this project and to join hands with me to contribute to it in whatever way you can, for the sake of Allah. Jazaakumullaahu khayran (May Allah reward you abundantly) Was salaam alaykum
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