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DJYA
Reflection of the March – December 2010
Dear Youths,
Salaam Alaikum.
A lot has been spoken about the Youths being the future of our Community and truly with that aspiration many of our Youths have shown true responsibility and talent when required, be it in service in the different sections of the Sub-Committee or when given projects or events to handle.
The Managing Committee:
With the blessing of Allah (SWT) and the support of Uncle Sajjad Hemani and his able committee, I was able to successfully execute the tasks assigned to me. Alhamdulillah, DJYA has held so many events with such rich prizes over the last six months; an initiative which would have been impossible without a team of enthusiastic committee members who invested their time and energy in arranging the best for the youths.
DJYA Committee Members:
Team! If there is one thing that kept me going forward was the kind of support and dedication that was provided by my committee members. Their hardwork and constructive criticism has ensured that we provided the best for our youths and I am glad to say, we did it!
Br.Shameel Fazaldin, Br.Arsalan Bhojani, Br.Muhammad Damji, Br.Aqeel Hemraj, Br.Mohd Ali Somji, Br.Hassan Hirji & Br.Mohsin Haji have indeed proved that– United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
The DJYA Donors & Supporters
DJYA and its activities would be incomplete without the support guidance and encouragement of the kind donors and supporters in producing events of quality and versatility for our ever-changing and ever-demanding youths.
It is with this support that DJYA has never looked back and continued climbing higher and higher. The availability of funds has never been a significant issue in the planning and organizing of events and we have always been content that none of our events would be jeopardized due to the lack of funds available – A satisfaction that surely calls for - Asante Sana
The below is a snapshot of the events catered and executed:
- Youth Economic Upliftment
- Peer Tutorial Program
- Study in Canada Options
- Umrah Trip
- DJYA Website
- Imam Mehdi International Quiz Competition
- Nairobi Youth Conference
- The Go Green Campaign
- The Pakistan Relief Donation Drive
- Ghusl Kaffan Demonstration
- The Uncomplicated Race
- The Conundrum Finals
- Appreciation and Tribute to the Seniors of the Community
- Special Youth Session with Shk Safdar Jaffer
- Shawwal 1431 Crescent Sighting
- DJYA Eid Retreat
- The 1st Ever Youth Development Program
- The Blackberry Group
This sums up our events during past months, and as members of DJYA, we would be failing in our duty if we did not appreciate the efforts of previous committees and Youth Heads. The past Heads all worked tirelessly and laid a foundation upon which we tread, striving in a positive direction.
Overall, we have had a great few months in the recent past and we pray to Allah (SWT) to accept our efforts and services towards the community and to give us the tawfeeq to continue giving our services in this way Inshallah. Ameen.
Having said the above, it is imperative that I now show you the flip side of the coin.
Excerpts from the book ‘Relentless Endeavors’ by Al-hajj Hassan A.M. Jaffer.
Late Mullah Asgher M.M. Jaffer states,
“Unless the youths of this community are prepared to girdle their loins to serve the community to the best of their abilities – if left in the hands of hardcore traditionalists – will not be able to take strides ahead".
Author's views:
As we reflect on these comments, the questions that come to mind are:
How much have we changed in our thinking since these words were uttered (by Marhum Mullah) 36 years ago?
How does the average youth of today feel towards his or her community? How do little tin gods and power barons at the helm of the various Jamaat’s lead or stifle independent intellectual thinking of our youth today?"
Having stated the above, it is important to note that this is a two-way struggle. Whilst the Community is doing its best to organize programs, lectures and events, it is the Youths who now need to step up and commit their time and effort towards the future of this Community.
The system is not perfect - it will not be unless we can all make it better step by step! This institution is ours and we need to keep it alive and vibrant.
The Jamaat has always heard the needs of it youths. The Jamaat strongly believes that the youths of the community are part of its assets which in the long run will be the future of this esteemed body.
A simple example to illustrate the same is seen when the call was heard by the Jamaat, ‘we do not understand Urdu majlises and therefore do not find the reason to come mosque’, the need was assessed and arrangements were made, we started having English lectures in Al Mahdi Room on Thursday nights and other Wiladat/wafaat nights.
However, the numbers attending these lectures do not justify the effort put in it and the feeling remains that more Youths need to attend and participate. If we want something to happen, we must ensure we make it happen & that’s what DJYA has done in its long running till date. Remember, it takes 2 to tango!
In all honesty, there have been times when it has been very disappointing and embarrassing for DJYA to see a good speaker walk into the hall to an audience of youths that can be counted on one’s fingers.
It is discouraging and de-motivating when the committee members have put hard work and effort to deliver the best, but how many appreciate the hard work!
No committee member requires a Big Thank You for their inputs. Our satisfaction, appreciation and motivation is achieved when we see events filled with youths, enjoying, interacting and learning. That’s the drive that keeps us going, but this is something that sometimes is lacking ! And this is the reason why we see a downfall in people coming forward for community service! One feels that all efforts are in vain with these people, hence why contribute?
We need to ask ourselves as Youths:
1) The Community has made it possible for all above 18 years who are non-working individuals to become a Jamaat member @ a nominal contribution of Dhs 1; however how many have taken the initiative to become members?
2) How many of our Youths who, with the Almighty's blessing, have decent jobs however are not members at a minimum annual contribution of Dhs 240 (Dhs 20 per month)?
3) Why is it that when a Youth wants to get engaged only then he comes forward for a fast track membership?
4) In many of the past AGM or SGM meetings, it has happened that a youth asks questions on certain issues that have been already answered in previous meetings that they probably did not attend. Sometimes, youths give suggestions that may be valid; however that point was already debated on in earlier meetings. Judge yourself, how does this affects the Youths in general in front of the rest of the community. This would not be the case if Youths attended these meetings regularly, most of which take place every 6 months. Is that a lot to ask for? To attend meetings and to know what is being discussed, what challenges the Committee or Community is facing, what achievement the Committee or Community has obtained? Surely this is achievable and should drive the Youths especially when we hear that meetings are being adjourned due to lack of quorum!
It isn’t that difficult, all we need to do is set our priorities straight & Inshallah everything will fall in place by the grace of God.
Finally, "I hope you achieve success in whatever way you define it and what gives you the maximum happiness in life. "Remember, those who win are those who believe they can."
With Salaams & Duas,
Muzzammil Mawji,
Out-Going Head of Youths,
KSIMC Dubai. |
DJYA
