Can't see images? Enable option to load images on your phone or email app.
 
Finding the Silver Lining – A lookback

By Syed Imran Ahmed (Muntazim Publications, Central Jersey Majlis)

The year 2020 was certainly a challenging year for all of humanity. Almost all of us faced new difficulties due to the shutdowns, and COVID-19 affected the livelihood of many families. For some, it even brought up food insecurity, which becomes even more difficult to deal with given the circumstances of a pandemic. 

Understanding the crucial need, members of the Majlis Ansarullah, along with all other members of CEJ, stepped up with their spirit of community service. Belal Khalid sb Qaid Ta’lim from CEJ Jamaat teamed with Humanity First, and the nonprofit organization, Angels for Action, of Plainfield township to distribute face masks, nonperishable food, clothes, and cooked hot meals consisting of vegetable rice and lentil soup. Mayor of Plainfield, Adrian Mapp, attended the food drive and greatly appreciated Humanity First’s efforts. These humanitarian services are being acknowledged by the township on a regular basis.

By the end of 2021, we are aiming to distribute food to 300+ families, in coordination with South Plainfield senior society Inshallah. Majlis Ansarullah was also assigned one of those weekly deliveries. Qamar sahib, Abdul Hafeez sahib, Mansoor Tahir sahib and Abdur Rab sahib from the Majlis Ansarullah helped to pack the meals and deliver them to Angels for Action. In the summer, Belal Khalid sahib again took the initiative to set up a food pantry at the masjid, which is now being replenished every month. The food pantry is now a successful collaboration between the Jamaat and Humanity First, with Lajna, Ansar and Khuddam all playing their parts in making it a success.

At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of anxiety regarding Covid-19 itself, but many suffered due to other health issues. Yet many people felt uneasy visiting a clinic or any other medical facility in person. Again, the Jamaat took initiative and supplied homeopathic medications to our members. We also had a volunteer doctor on call to answer any Covid related questions.

Please remember all members in your prayers, especially the ones who are unwell due to Covid. May Allah grant them full and speedy recovery and ease their pain and difficulties (Ameen).

Remembering Bashiruddin Mehmood Sahib of Fitchburg Majlis

By Masood Ashraf (Fitchburg, MA Majlis)

It is sad to share that one of our well respected elders, Bashiruddin Mehmud sahib, passed away in his home on September 24, 2021with his loving family members by his side. He migrated from Pakistan in 1982 and got settled in the city of Fitchburg. Soon after his arrival, he started making friends with local residents and very quickly became a community leader, fighting for justice and equality for everyone. He was named one of the 25 most fascinating people of Central Mass region by Sentinel and Enterprise newspaper in 2015.

Bashiruddin Mehmud sahib had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in various ways. He always had the passion for Tabligh and introduced Islam, Ahmadiyyat in the local community. He decorated his old station wagon with American flags and picture of Promised Messiah(as). Thus, he was the pioneer in creating the car magnets for Tabligh in the 1980s.  He was also first in the USA jamaat in participating along with his wife and children in the 4th of July parades holding banner stating " Love for all, Hatred for none". He was devoted servant of Khilafat and always encouraged everyone to write to Khalifa of the time for prayers.

Ahmad Rana sahib of Boston Jamaat relates that once they were doing Waqar-e-Amal in Boston Masjid. While trimming bushes he came in contact with poison Ivy and developed red rashes on his hand which needed medical attention. Rana sahib said that he decided to go to pharmacy to get medicine but when Bashiruddin sahib saw him and asked him where he was going. He reminded him that it was Salat time, and he should offer Salat. Rana Sahib showed his arm to Bashiruddin sahib and told him that he was going to get medicine. Bashiruddin sahib grabbed Rana sahib's hand and asked him to pray with him, and he prayed. Rana sahib shared that after he finished Salat he noticed that bad looking rashes from his arm has disappeared miraculously.  Rana sahib himself being a Physician had no explanation other than his strengthened belief in prayers.

Bashiruddin sahib always emphasized the importance of regular financial sacrifice. Local finance secretary sahib relates that once he received chanda from Bashiruddin sahib in an envelope which had no postage on it. So he asked Bashiruddin sahib how it happened. Bashiruddin sahib told him that he went to the post office with chanda envelope and some other letters with the intention of purchasing postage stamps from there, but somehow he dropped all of those letters in the mailbox without the postage stamps. Bashiruddin sahib said that all the envelopes came back to his home with the message to place a postage stamp on them except the letter which contained his chanda check. It was miraculously delivered to finance secretary sahib with no postage. Alhamdolillah.

Bashiruddin sahib was Moosi by grace of Allah and is survived by his wife and two children and several grand children. May Allah grant him loftiest place in paradise, Ameen.

Send us your stories of brotherhood, Ijtima memories, or any other inspiring experience that we can share with Ansar brothers via this e-newsletter.

Department of Publications Majlis Ansarullah USA

   ♦  Sadr Majlis
   ♦  Editor