Jamatu Salam, a charity and nonprofit making organisation based in The Gambia, recently distributed over 15, 000 copies of the Quran to various beneficiaries across the length and breadth of the country. The humanitarian organization, with support from individuals and groups of people based in Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, over the years has been instrumental in supporting local communities in key areas like education and water, among a host of others both within and outside The Gambia.
The presentation ceremony, which attracted personalities, including representatives of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), Islamic scholars and among others, was held at the charity’s headquarters in Kafuta village in the Kombo East District, West Coast Region.
Among the beneficiaries were: The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, State House, AMANA, Madarasas, Quranic memorisations schools, individuals and others.
However, out of forty thousand copies of the Holy Quran, 15,000 were distributed to The Gambia, 10,000 to Cassamance region of Senegal and another 15,000 to be distributed to Guinea Bissau. The donated items according to the charity officials, was made by an individual from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who donated the materials in the name of Allah to seek the prayers of the Muslim Jamaat.
At the handing over ceremony, Alhagie Sambou Lamin, the president of Jamaatu Salam Organisation, believes that the donated materials will no doubt promote Islamic education using Quran as one fundamental thing in the propagation of Islam.
He affirmed that the donor is a Muslim whose desire is to support the development of the Muslim Umah, particularly the less privileged and thus advised the beneficiaries to make best use of the materials. He reminded the gathering that the donated materials are not for sale; thus should not be used as a commercial gain, but to help the needy.
He recalled receiving a similar assistance from individuals and groups, who supported the charity, adding that the support has made it possible for them to dig wells in a number of communities both in The Gambia, Cassamance and Guinea Bissau.
“We dug over 460 wells in The Gambia, 160 in the Cassamance region of Senegal and 200 in Guinea Bissau. Other assistance; range from paying dowries for men who cannot afford to pay for themselves, refurbishing and building new mosques and paying scholarship for the lessprivileged and also other valuable supports to the wider community and institutions”.
He thus thanked and prayed for the donor for his humanitarian gesture and the government of the Gambian for lifting the duty waiver. He also thanked all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the successful and smooth running of their activities.
Touray also hailed the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, whom he said continues to prioritise education, recalling that while he (Touray) was pursuing his course in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Jammeh while on a Hajj trip, donated US$50,000 and US$10,000 on separate occasions to the Gambian student community in Saudi Arabia.
He went on to describe President Jammeh’s love towards humanity as something that speaks volume of his leadership qualities, adding that since he came to power he has helpped countless of Gambians within and outside the country.
Other speakers included: Demba Jallow, representative from the Gambia Suprem Islamic Council; Alhagie Sankung Touray, the Imam of Brikama; Janko Gassama, the Imam of Kafuta village; Alhagie Kujabi, Councilor of Kafuta Ward; Kata Bojang , the alkalo of Kafuta village. They all heaped praises on Alhagie Sambou Lamin Touray for the move and acknowledged that he is playing a pivotal role in assisting the local communities.
