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Muslims ‘serve humanity’ in Old Harbour during lockdown

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Muslims ‘serve humanity’ in Old Harbour during lockdown

Article By: Old Harbour News
  • Sep 17, 2021 04:24 PM | Muslims ‘serve humanity’ in Old Harbour during lockdown, Religion

Imam Tariq Azeem (left) and Constable Brown-Witter (2nd left) in a photo-op after preparing care packages. (Contributed Photo)

Fifty of the least fortunate living in the Old Harbour space benefited from the kind hearts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community during the fourth and final installment of ‘no movement’ days announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness aimed at curtailing rising coronavirus cases on the island.

“Over the weekend Ahmadiyya Muslim Community collaborated with Old Harbour Police to prepare 50 care packages to be brought to deserving families before the lockdown. The packages included basic food items as well as some sanitary items,” said Imam Tariq Azeem.

Over the last four consecutive weeks, Prime Minister Holness issued a decree in which he imposed a 72-hour curfew.

Such drastic measures, which the Holness administration contended was necessary, had a ripple effect on society in general with those below the poverty line hardest hit. 

These individuals struggle on a daily basis to find food and with this knowledge the religious sect responded to such needs.

“With the help of members at the Mahdi Mosque, and also some officers from the police station, we prepared the packages,” said the Islamic community’s chief missionary in the country, before adding: “On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I am extremely grateful to DSP Mark Harris for this opportunity, and also Constable Brown-Witter who assisted us immensely with the task.

“In the religion of Islam, Muslims are obligated to serve humanity and look after the needs of the society. Lately, due to COVID-19, the lives of Jamaicans have been seriously impacted. Lockdowns to curb the virus further challenged the livelihoods of our people. Hence, we decided to carry out a food-drive to help the most deserving individuals in our community.”