HOLY MONTH OF RAMADHAN
2024/1445 AH
All praise to Allah (S) that we were able to witness another Ramadhan and partake in the divine banquet of mercy and forgiveness. As always, there was a bustling and vibrant atmosphere at Bilal Kenya.
With dedicated support from our individual and corporate partners and commitment from Bilal Kenya staff and well-wishers on the ground, we carried out multiple projects including providing much needed food aid to mosques and families, spreading kindness and mercy to orphaned children, widows and other deserving individuals and engaging in constructive tableegh work.
FAMILY FOOD PARCELS
Staple food items required by families in the fasting month were purchased and distributed at all 15 Bilal Centres as well as 23 independent centres in Mombasa and Kwale counties, Taita Taveta and Makueni. Additionally, parcels were provided at a few other centres located in Malindi, Lamu, Kizingitini and Witu. We also covered upcountry regions including Nairobi and Nakuru. Families in Tana River were supported as well. Assistance reached a total of 8,028 families. Communities were grateful for the food parcels. The table below exhibits the contents of each Family Food Parcel.
INTRA-FAITH PROGRAM
An intra-faith program organized jointly by AFED, Bilal Kenya and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) was held on the morning of the 12th of Ramadhan, graciously hosted by the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) in Mombasa. This program is held annually. Preachers from different mosques and centres are invited, in an endeavour to enhance unity and brotherhood between Muslims from the Shia and Sunni schools of thought. Representatives from AFED, Bilal Kenya, SUPKEM and JIC were present. The program comprised of inspiring speeches and food parcels and kanzus were gifted to the attendees.
IFTAARS
Iftaars were hosted inside the mosques at 15 Bilal centres, over 23 independent centres and orphanages, 6 secondary schools and 5 prisons.
ONLINE LECTURES
From day 8 of Ramadhan, short Swahili lectures were streamed online on our YouTube channel daily for two weeks. The lectures were between approximately 10 and 15 minutes long with the speakers touching on a variety of topics to encourage listeners to move towards self-reformation. Sheikh Ali Bahero’s lessons were available at 8pm and Sister Ruiya Salim could be heard at 4 pm.
Ramadhan is the month of seeking forgiveness – 18th day lecture by Sheikh Ali Bahero
Dua – 24th day lecture by Sister Ruiya Salim
In 8 sessions beginning on the 14th of Ramadan, Sheikh Juma Shughuli enlightened listeners on Islamic rulings related to fasting. The sessions were streamed at 2pm.
Fasting rules related to illness and travelling by Sheikh Juma Shughuli
ZOOM SESSION WITH SHEIKH AYUB RASHID
Sheikh Ayub Rashid, a visiting lecturer and scholar based in the UK held a zoom session with sheikhs and teachers based at Bilal Centres. The session was held on Thursday 21st March and central issues regarding Tabligh and propagation methods suitable in current times were discussed.
THE NIGHTS OF RAMADHAN AND LAYLATUL QADR
The social and spiritual liveliness of Ramadhan was experienced by those frequenting the Bilal Centres during the nights of the holy month. Community members gathered together to break their fasts. Sounds of Quranic verses and treasured duas taught by the Ahlulbayt filled the mosques. The nights of Qadr were observed at all our centres.
QURAN COMPETITION
The Holy Quran – the very soul of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Engaging with the Quran opens the door to developing a profound connection with the creator. In an effort to encourage a Quranic culture, a competition was organised.
The finals were held virtually over zoom and judged by Sheikh Juma Shughuli and Ustaadh Athman Akber.
EID-AL-FITR GIFTS
At the joyous time of Eid, we provided gifts for orphans, physically challenged individuals and the ladies who attend the Zahra Madrassa. We also appreciated the staff at our centres.
FITRA DISTRIBUTION
426 widows received cash gifts on account of the Fitra distribution.
EID AL FITR DAY
The Eid prayers were held at all our centres in and around the coastal region. Lunch was also served.
APPRECIATION
We are thankful to Allah, the Most Gracious for giving us the opportunity and strength to undertake the Ramadhan projects. His infinite mercy enabled us to envision and bring to fruition all the different programs that were carried out.
We offer our sincere gratitude to each and every one of our esteemed donors. Your generosity has been pivotal in the success of the initiatives covered in this report. Your contributions have touched lives and made a tangible difference. We also wish to highlight the spirit of unity and commitment our staff have shown in implementing the Ramadhan activities. Ramadhan was a testament to the power of unity and giving. We pray that the compassion shown lays an unshakeable foundation for continuous engagement and support for Bilal Kenya’s philanthropic journey.
Bilal Kenya Secretariat
30th April 2024