Dear Brothers & Sisters,I hope this message finds you well.Allow me to share with you the journey that led me to establish a non-profit NGO, driven by a desire to serve and support communities in need. In 1995, I arrived at JFK and settled in New Jersey, USA. As a Sri Lankan Muslim, I found myself among only a handful of families in the area.
YEARS OF CARE
Founder of MCMD
Access to basic religious practices and dietary needs was limited, making it challenging to observe traditions such as Jumma prayers and find halal food nearby, especially in the Woodbridge and Edison areas.Despite these challenges, a sense of community emerged.
We organized Eid events in New York and participated in Ramadan programs in Queens, bringing together individuals from the tri-state area to observe religious practices and strengthen bonds of friendship.As time passed, I sought to expand our community by inviting friends from Sri Lanka and newcomers to join us in New Jersey.
Organizing gatherings and trips to destinations like Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, and beaches helped foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among us.Then, in 2004, tragedy struck with the devastating tsunami in Sri Lanka. In the midst of chaos and loss, a humble bottle of nog symbolized hope and inspired action. A friend, Rushdi, and I felt compelled to do something meaningful for our homeland.
Thus, the idea to collect relief aid was born.With the support of local businesses, mosques, churches, and individuals, we collaborated with another organization to use the NGO names, we organized the collection and shipment of essential supplies, including clothing and household items. Three containers filled with aid were sent to Sri Lanka, providing much-needed assistance to affected communities.
The First Ever Ramadan Program in New Jersey:
During the Ramadan of 2005, on the blessed 27th night, as I returned from the Lilathul Qadr program in Queens, I found myself pulled over near the Verrazano Bridge at 3:30 AM. In that moment, a thought struck me – it was time to bring the spirit of Ramadan closer to home, right here in New Jersey.With gratitude to Almighty Allah, my prayers were answered, and the following year, in Ramadan 2006, we commenced our journey at my own residence. Our humble iftar and Tarawih prayers began with just a handful of individuals, around 60-65 people. Leading this initiative was Abdul Khalic Moulavi, whose dedication inspired us all, supported by two local Hafiz from Fords, the sons of my friend Imam Zahid, who now reside in Texas.This experience ignited a passion within me to continue serving others. gradually expanding our reach and impact within the community.
Funds were raised to support mosques and families in need in Sri Lanka, further solidifying our commitment to philanthropy.In 2007, I was presented with an opportunity to return to Sri Lanka arranged by our group of friends. However, fate intervened, redirecting me to Saudi Arabia, closer to the holy city of Makkah. From there, I prayed for guidance and a return to my community in Edison, New Jersey.Upon my return, I witnessed a growing divide within the Sri Lankan community, divided by two separate organizations. Recognizing the need for unity, I initiated dialogues between the groups, fostering reconciliation through I cooked with the support of community friends and elder women and shared meals and open discussions with each organization.
May Almighty Allah bless us with the means to support our fellow brothers and sisters, irrespective of creed, color, or nationality. With prayers for a healthy and prosperous future.
Warm Regards :
Safa Janoof.
Reason is bring this community together, Alhamdu Lillah things started to change people invited to discuss and friends and families started to talk and have relationship each other’s,As time passed, I observed the limitations of existing organizations and felt compelled to establish my own initiatives.
From supporting Ramadan kanji distribution to funding mosque and madrasa construction projects, each endeavor was fueled by a desire to uplift those in need. With the unwavering support of friends and family across the United States, my projects flourished, benefiting countless individuals in Sri Lanka and beyond. Every endeavor, whether publicly acknowledged or quietly undertaken, was dedicated to serving humanity and honoring the will of the Almighty.
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon me and a renewed commitment to continue serving others with compassion and humility.