The An Nur Sisterhood, comprising of some fifty women from the local Muslim community, used their resources and support to raise over R100 000 toward the Gaza Water Project. The group, ranging from young girls to mothers of the community, held a humble hand over ceremony at the Darul Naim Mosque in Wynberg where the Al Quds Foundation’s, Sheikh Isgaak Taliep received the cheque on behalf of the organisation.

In a separate wing of the mosque, the women gathered in excitement. A member of the group, Yasmin Brey said this money was raised through their tin collection drive. Over 400 tins were distributed to in and around Cape Town, at various masajid and Muslim organisations for the collection of donations.

The Ameerah of the group, Roshan Misbach said the idea behind this initiative began after some of the ladies in the group felt helpless upon learning about the latest conflict in Palestine. Misbach spoke of the immense responsibility of Muslims to not only make dua for the people of Palestine but to also do, whatever it is they can in their own capacity, to try and assist the thousands of Palestinians more specifically Gaza, who have now been left destitute in light of the recent attack by Israel.

“This entire project started off with a sincere niyah to do something for the people of Gaza,” Misbach told attendants.

“We make duah that this donation reaches the people of Gaza and that in future, we can raise more Insha-Allah.’

The first cake sale which the organisation held to raise funds shed light on what they could possibly achieve. After just one cake sale on Eid-ul Fitr of this year, the group raised R35 000 which also went towards the Gaza Water Project.

In addition to the moneys raised, the girls conducted a Khatam-ul Quran programme in 48 hours, to not only donate money to families in Gaza but to also seek assistance from the Almighty in their plight.

The tin collection drive began just after the first cake sale until now.

Sheikh Taliep upon receiving the cheque thanked the women for their support and sacrifices in order to raise those funds. He spoke of the difficulty in accessing clean, drinking water in Gaza after Israeli bombs destroyed most of their previously dug wells during Israel’s recent Operation Protective Edge.

“Every single cent will be sent to Gaza along with the heart warming story of how these ladies have come together for one cause,” Taliep said.

“It is important for us to acknowledge the bravery of the Gazans, young and old.”

Sheikh Taliep further added that he made dua for the sisterhood and hoped more women like them flourish in the future, alling them the “Muslimaat of the future”.

“What I see here is a positive spirit, exactly what our community needs,” Taliep added.

According to Taliep’s previous research conducted during his visit to Gaza; he found that accessing clean drinking water was a need in Gaza. The money which they raised will go into the development of water wells, he said.

In the meantime, the group said they are hopeful and will continue assisting the people of Gaza through their efforts back home. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)