February 24 shall remain a special day in the lives of the elderly around Chinamwali and Matawale areas when they received various food items donated by a group of women (Chinamwali – Matawale Mgwirizano Women group) at a function held at Zomba Development and Education Centre (ZODEC).
Chinamwali–Matawale Mgwirizano Women group, which was established in October 2009, has been active in assisting the elderly, the sick, prisoners as well as conducting Dawah outreach programmes.
At this function, 27 elderly people of both sexes received a sized portion of maize and other food items.
“Mgwirizano women thought it wise to help the elderly in our community since they lack basic necessities in life,” remarked Sister Amina Bamusi, Chairperson for the grouping.
“These elderly are not only Muslims, there are those of other faiths as well. We feel that the problems faced by the community is uniform, hence our consideration,” observed the Chairlady.
The relief items were contributed by members of the grouping at the onset of harvest season last year.
Sister Amina Bamusi therefore appealed to different organizations and other well-wishers to complement their efforts by donating funds and materials for their programmes.
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.” (Quran, 17:23-24)
Reporting by Patrick Hamza Mpumira Malawi Muslims Official Website Correspondent in Zomba
