By Binta Jaiteh
Red Cross Serrekunda Branch in collaboration with Nafa Financial Service on Sunday organized Islamic Conference and free Iftar food distribution to Muslims within the Kanifing Municipality.
Speaking during the conference, Pa Malick Saine, NAFA Financial Business Development Officer, said the financial company sponsored the conference and free food distribution to Muslims is part of their social corporate responsibility.
He said the conference is meant to bring Gambian youth to listen to Islamic scholars and to contribute to national development, noting the event is meant to empower the young Red Cross volunteers to attain their aspirations in terms of humanitarian services.
However, Oustass Musa Jallow of Tallinding in his preaching advised the young people to utilize their youthful age positively and wisely. He also preached the importance of Salah and youth contribution to national development.
Jallow further tasked the youth to desist from alcohol and other harmful full practices that can affect their lives and also urged the youth to avoid all unacceptable practices such as drug usage, and fornication, adding that avoiding such unacceptable practices would ensure one’s prosperity both in this world and hereafter.
“You should try to recite the holy Qur’an so that you do not regret if we become elders because there are elders who cannot read the holy Qur’an and have regretted that now.”
He urged Gambian youth to prioritize Islam and adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PUH) rather than involving in negative activities.
He commended NAFA Financial Service and Gambia Red Cross Society for organizing such an important Islamic Conference and free food distribution, and urged them to keep up the momentum to enhance the Islamic faith among Gambian youths as well promote national development.
For her part, Aja Maimuna Savage, an Islamic scholar, also added that for a woman to know her role in Islam she has to recite the holy Qur’an and know the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, noting women as mothers should understand the teachings of Islamic so that they make their children have a better understanding of the religion.