Some Muslims from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe through Minali Sijini Foundation and other organizations donated various items to Muslim inmates at Dedza prison.
Speaking in an interview with Musim Media Agency (MMA), the Chairman for Minali Sijini Foundation Mr. Ibrahim Chilopola said the gesture was in line with the teachings of Islam to spread love during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
Chilopola who once served a jail term at Maula Prison instilled hope in the inmates and urged them to steadily believe that God (Allah) is with them throughout their stay at prison.
He said:” I need to advise you that prison is not a death place. You need to keep dreaming while here and have plans that you need to achieve after finishing serving your jail terms.”
According to Chilopola, there are a lot of Muslim inmates at the prison who need to be supported whilst behind bars and after leaving the prison premises.
“I know , there are many good brothers and sisters here. Our organization (Minali Sijini Foundation) started primarily to support these brothers and sisters. I and my friend started this foundation when we were at Maula. The Foundation belongs to you when you are here (prison) or after finishing your serving your jail terms. Please, you need to join us. Please, we need to work together,” he says.
Dedza prison Chaplain, Sergeant Grace Nyoni commended the Muslims for the donation. According to Nyoni, the donation came timely as the inmates are observing the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
“We need to thank Muslims from the capital city for remembering your brothers and sisters at Dedza prison. It is our prayer that you should also visit us again to continue supporting these inmates either with resources or spiritually,” she said.
The Muslims donated items namely washing soap, bathing soap and clothes among others. The items benefitted over 50 inmates at the prison.
Apart from the donation, the Muslims also launched Jumuah prayers at Dedza prison. According to the Muslims, they need inmates to be praying Jumuah prayers within the prison premises and asked Muslims around the prison to support the initiative. Meanwhile, the Muslims have asked well-wishers to bankroll the construction of a Mosque at the prison.
