The past year has seen a devastating worldwide coronavirus pandemic the likes of which cannot be recalled in living memory. Absolutely no country or peoples were spared this deadly viral invasion, which only underscored the desperate need for global human unity and effective coordinated relief efforts.
At the height of the pandemic, the Lewisham Islamic Centre (LIC) with its teams of volunteers answered the Islamic calling to rush to the aid of the needy and those most affected by the debilitation suddenly foisted upon them – be that through delivering provisions to the elderly and infirm, or by holding regular soup kitchens to tide over the homeless and many suddenly in privation or paying a socially distanced solicitous visit to those self-isolating.
Lewisham Council and the Mayor of Lewisham have recognised the work of LIC during these bleak times by according the Centre the Mayor’s award for 2020 Valuable Contribution within the borough’s response to COVID19. This really means a great deal to us because it was voted by the people of Lewisham and we are humbled by the fact that they nominated LIC as having gone above and beyond in its community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are no words to thank the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Lewisham whose selfless charity helped realise this highest form of neighbourliness and succour. Ours was a collective response and we gratefully accept the award on behalf of all of our partners, contributors and benefactors whose committed involvement is forever appreciated.
Allah Almighty states in the Qur’an:
“Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment”.
(Qur’an 5:2)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people” (Daraqutni), and that to “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity” (Bukhari and Muslim).
We would like to thank the Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan and Lewisham Council for this prestigious award. We also extend our thanks to everyone who nominated LIC for the award, and as ever, our deepest and sincerest gratitude to our ever-present and ever-reliable team of volunteers. May Allah (God Almighty) bless you all.