Hawzah News Agency –Young people devastated by terror explosion outside Liverpool Women's hospital wanted to do something to show support. A Muslim youth group are raising funds for a hospital rocked by a terrorist incident.
Following the bomb at Liverpool Women’s Hospital in November, the Liverpool chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) are raising funds for the hospital to show their support as part of a £5,000 target.
With the money raised, the hospital can purchase a cuddle cot for their new end of life suite and parents will be able to spend time with their baby in a non-clinical, home-like setting.
Rohan Cheema, AMYA youth leader, told the ECHO : "We were devastated to hear of the attempted attack on Remembrance Sunday and wanted to do something to show our support”.
Rohan said: "The initial target for Liverpool South was £1,000 which was hit in less than a month. Now we have a goal of at least £1,500."
The £5,000 plus target will be used to purchase - on top of the Cuddle Cot - a TV, multi sensory equipment and other items totalling almost £5,700.
Funds go directly to the hospital and the group planned to visit after being invited by them so they could be thanked.
Rohan said: "That plan got delayed because of Covid.
"We intend to visit after the new year with some of our members to speak to staff and show our gratitude for all the work they do".
Rohan added: "AMYA, founded in 1938 is an auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) founded 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in India. It is a revivalist movement within Islam, with an emphasis on the teachings of peace, love, justice, and sanctity of life”.
He added: "The name Ahmadiyya comes from the founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whose second name was Ahmad".
With a focus on males aged seven to 40 AMYA is the youth branch of AMC and they have similar ones for elders and women and each group carries out community work.
Spanning over 200 nations, AMC always has branches of AMYA and AMC has a global membership of 10s of millions.
UK activities of AMC and AMYA have seen them raise over £2.5 million for UK charities, plant over 155,000 trees, help with flood relief, care home visits, donate blood and provide approximately 60,00 homeless feeding packs over the years amongst other activities.
Rohan said: “AMYA actively engages in presenting the peaceful message of Islam and removing common misconceptions”.
They provide Baitul Lateef Mosque open days, public lectures, interfaith dialogue and social projects to tackle problems facing the youth.
He added: "It provides Islamic training courses to schools, colleges, universities and organisations such as the army and police. In Liverpool we have also been in touch with the anti terrorism unit and offered our support in any way possible."
AMYA also works in partnership with the Liverpool in Arms at Night (LiAaN) homeless organisation and cook up to 100 meals, package them and give them out within the city centre along with those provided by the LiAaN homeless organisation.
Volunteer Sajid Mahmood said: "I feel like it is my moral duty to use what I have to help others. Homelessness is a global human tragedy and I want to give back to those who are less fortunate.
"I am blessed that I don't have to worry about my next meal. I want to share these blessings with those who are homeless and hungry.
“Every little act of kindness matters for me".
Colleague Muhammad Adeel said: "Be it raising funds for charities, donating to food banks, donating blood and helping the local community whatever way possible is something that's quite close to our heart".
Rohan said: "Personally, I moved to Liverpool around three months ago and being a part of AMYA means I am able to find a family wherever I go.
"This work allows me to actively integrate within society and make connections with the wider community.
"For the betterment of society it is necessary for us to unite and be there for each other, regardless of what your race, nationality or religion is.
"The most satisfying and rewarding part of the work that we do has to be bringing a smile to people’s faces."
He added: "If charities or organisations across the UK need support of any kind feel free to reach out to us. We will provide support in any way that we can".