JEDDAH, 17 March 2007 — The Indian Islahi Center, one of the oldest Indian expatriate associations in Jeddah, will celebrate the 25 years of its founding. The center has been involved in dawa (spreading the message of Islam) and charity work.
The center, which began its activities in 1982, is the first Malayalee organization to complete 25 years. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Marzook Al-Harithy will launch the Silver Jubilee celebrations at the center’s auditorium on March 23, according to K. Mohammad, president of the organization.
The yearlong Silver Jubilee celebrations will have lectures by renowned Islamic scholars in Malayalam and English, Qur’an contests, seminars and discussions and arts and sports competitions. There will also be quiz competitions, and career-guidance workshops for students.
The center established the first madrasa for children of the expatriates in Jeddah in early 1980s and the first private kindergarten in early 1990s. “We also collect and distribute Zakah Al-Fitr among the needy in Jeddah, manage a scholarship scheme for meritorious students in Kerala and conduct relief activities, Haj caravan for domestic pilgrims and Qur’an learning schools with competitive exams,” said Basheer Vallikunnu, the convener for press and information. There are 20 Islahi Centers in the Gulf region.
