Discovering Bihar in Dubai

More than 600 brothers had their Iftar and dinner together, in Abu Dhabi, on the 14th October. Similarly, more than 1,300 brothers had their Iftar and dinner, together, in Dubai. In both the events, all the brothers offered joint prayers for the community as a whole, and especially, for the brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquake in Kashmir and Pakistan.

Annual reports of Bihar Anjuman's functioning were presented in both the parties: (i) in Abu Dhabi, by Anjuman's General Secretary (Abu Dhabi), Janab Shaharyar Khan Sb. (Arrah), and (ii) in Dubai, by Anjuman's President for Dubai chapter, Janab Salman Ahmad Siddiquee Sb. (Darbhanga/ Hyderabad).

On behalf of the Dubai chapter, I, Shakeel Ahmad (Samastipur, General Secretary, Dubai chapter), express my special thanks to Maulana Habibullah Nadwee Sahab (Ranchi) who found time to enlighten us with the importance of being good Muslims, unity among us, Ramadan, fasting, helping the needy among us, concerted efforts towards constructive and developmental work and respecting each member of the community, especially the knowledgeable and those having leadership qualities.

No power-cuts for us in Dubai

In Dubai, this Friday (21st October), 13 (thirteen) buses (74 seaters) were provided free-of-cost by 5 different companies to transport people belonging to Bihar and Jharkhand to and from labour camps spread around Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Bihar Anjuman expresses its gratitude towards brother Anwarul Haque (Muzaffarpur) of Juma Al Majid, brother M. T. Saifi (Mahua, Vaishali, General Manager-UB Engineering) and brother Qazi (Samastipur), Project Manager of UB Engineering, brother Afaque (Bhagalpur), working partner of Al Ghandi Construction, and brother Mohammad Arif (Purnea) who made these transport arrangements possible.

Lipton sponsored tea for both the gatherings. In Abu Dhabi, Lacnor/ Milco sponsored the Iftar juice as well. One member of Anjuman (name not disclosed) sponsored drinking water and additional requirements of mats (for seating 320 people), in Dubai. Similarly, some 30 people jointly sponsored remaining expenses for the whole event, in Dubai and approximately a similar number did it in Abu Dhabi. In line with our age-old tradition, this year too, Bihar Anjuman incurred no expenses at all, at any of the events. May Allah reward with Jaza-e-Khair all those who sponsored the two events!

Fistful or feastful?

As usual, Bihar Anjuman members in Abu Dhabi have worked very hard in supplying 200 blankets through the Pakistani embassy.

Bihar Anjuman members in Dubai collected Dhs 12,000 (Twelve thousands) for sending to both sides (India as well as Pakistan) through Al Khidma (Jaama'at-e-Islami) for Pakistan, and through Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind for Indian part of Kashmir.

On behalf of the whole community, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who contributed in the success of the Iftar gathering and in the campaign to help our calamity-stricken brothers and sisters in Kashmir and rest of Pakistan.

Tea time sponsored by Lipton

and I would like to acknowledge my sincere appreciation for the most active members:

1. Zahid Ahmad (Adilpur, Tarsarai Muria, Darbhanga),
2. Taqui Ahmad (Bherokhra, Tajpur, Samastipur),
3. Ghulam Sarwar (Jitwarpur, Samastipur) 
4. Raees Faisal (Karamganj, Darbhanga), and all other active members.

May Allah accept all their just desires in lieu of their magnificient efforts, excellent positive attitude, appreciable benevolence and hard work!

Let's pray that all such efforts at bringing the people together lead to upliftment of the community, and ultimately takes us a step further towards fulfillment of the vision of Bihar Anjuman: Striving towards educational and socio-economic empowerment of Muslims .

...................... Report presented by Shakeel Ahmad, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

...................... Photographs contributed by Arshi Shakeel Faridi, American University of Sharjah, UAE