REF: EB/SH/09/18
MASUMEEN ISLAMIC CENTER
ANNUAL REPORT (2017-2018)
With the growing student population from Africa in Manipal, Africa Federation facilitated an apartment on rental that would be used by the students as a center for religious purposes with the aim to assist our community students studying within the region. The Masumeen Islamic center in Manipal is being managed by the Student Association, with volunteers from amongst the students themselves conducting various programs. We are grateful to Dr. Mohammed Kazim Sheriff and his family who closely monitor the center and assist whenever required. The Centre is financially supported by Education Board of Africa Federation.
We are pleased to share with you the report on the activities carried out by the students in Manipal during the year 2017 -2018.
Majlis-e-Azaa and Lecture Sessions (Every Tuesday and Thursday)
The routine Majlis sessions begin with the recitation of hadith-e-Kisa followed by Surah Ya-Seen and Dua Tawasul/Dua Kumayl. This is followed by a short video/Lecture.
Our aim during the period 2017-2018 was to:
- Include lecture topics and duration to promote maximum participation from community members during these weekly events.
- Introduce videos regarding worldly affairs and tafseer of the Holy Quran on Tuesdays
- Promote public speaking
- Stress on the importance of Namaaze Jamaat every Tuesday.
Khushali and Wafaat programs
Our community members have also actively engaged in organizing and attending the Khushali and Wafaat programs throughout the year.
As for the committee members, we would ensure that the centre is set up according to the specific programs and necessary arrangements have been made.
During these gatherings we also have group activities, quizzes and blockbusters so that we have community members actively participating and reading up on different topics- general knowledge, Islamic history etc. Furthermore, this is a great way to build up team work amongst community members during such occasions.
In addition to that, we also have fresher’s programs’ and farewell programs’ for the members who have just joined and those leaving MIC. Indeed MIC is like one big family.
Muharram Programs:
One of the main events the committee prepares for is the Muharram program. We have meetings and discussions weeks prior regarding the Muharram theme, program timings, lecture topics, Mataam, Dua recitations, Amaals and community services.
During the year 2017-2018 (Muharram 1439AH) the Theme was: Beyond Karbala
The theme above was chosen by the Tabligh committee for the month of Muharram. The main aim was to implement the lessons learnt from Imam Husayn, his family and companions even beyond the tragedy of Karbala.
The theme was also based on a thought provoking question – “Karbala, War or Wisdom?”
Also, members actively volunteer in making necessary preparations at the centre during the days of Muharram.
Our achievements this year:
- The programs started earlier this year to increase participation from first years who had hostel curfew.
- Maximum participation was attained throughout the month Alhamdullilah.
- All community members contributed in one way or another to put the Muharram programs together. (Poster making, alaam & black wall cloth, nyaz preparations etc).
- Many people in the community voluntarily came up to recite marsiya and mataam during the month.
- Different people from other cultural background (Iranians’) joined us in the azadari of Aba Abdillah.
Community Services
- Srikrishna Balniketan– Bibi Sakina Drive
We planned a day to visit the Srikrishna Balniketan orphanage and dedicated the day to the young daughter of Imam Husayn (as) – Bibi Sakina (as). Alhamdullilah, through this visit we managed to donate school packs to 60 orphans.
In addition to that, we placed a clothes-collection box at the centre to collect clothes for them. We also got the opportunity to serve them with lunch on that day.
Alhamdullilah, many members of the community showed up to serve and organize activities for the orphans.
- Blood Donation- Day of Ashura
In the Holy Quran Allah says, “Whosoever saves a human life, saves the life of the whole mankind” [5: 32]. Alhamdullilah this year many community members showed up for blood donation on the Day of Ashura. This gave us an opportunity to raise awareness and spread the message of Aba Abdillah.
- Muharam Tshirts
- Water distribution – Ashura
On the Day of Ashura another group went out on the streets to distribute water bottles with the message of Imam Husayn on it. This gave us a chance to explain to the people walking by about what happen on the Day of Ashura – mainly on the message of humanity, justice and social equality that the Imam stood for almost 1400 years ago.
- Ashanilaya project – Eid-ul-Fitr
We also visited Asha Nilaya “Home of good hope” which is a school and vocational rehabilitation Centre for children with special needs. Alhamdullilah, we spent the day of Eid with them, played some fun games and served them with evening snacks.
Building up Team-work
As a committee we aim to build up team-work and unity not only inside MIC but also outside the centre where we can spread the message of Islam.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Every beginning must come to an end. The Annual general meeting is held at the end of every appointed year for all committee members to attend.
It comprises of the sub-committee members presenting their reports, achievements, experiences and advices. MIC sub-committees include; Treasurer, Tabligh, Nyaaz and Maintenance.
Furthermore, the community members at the AGM are informed about different aspects like; finances, cost-breakdowns and how programs and services were planned and organized throughout the year.
To appreciate the out-going committee members we presented them with a small token of appreciation.
Once the presentations were over, the new committee members were announced and congratulated, this was followed by a dinner to mark the end of the year.
EB Secretariat