Published on Apr 20 2009 by Akeel Amini (Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq)

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The idea of the Morrisons collection came about in January, when the Jama’at was instructed by Huzur (atba) to collect funds for Humanity First, specifically for the victims of the Gaza crisis. Although there were already many initiatives taking place throughout the North East region, members of the MKA Bradford North Majlis-e-Amila felt that more could be done through a focused and intense campaign.  One idea touted was a collection at supermarkets, where the Khuddam can help shoppers pack their bags and donations can be made throughout the day.

The Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq, Akeel Amini, was given the responsibility of taking this idea further and planning such an event.  Contact was made with the Morrisons supermarket on Thornton Road and a provisional date was allocated for the collection.   Qaid Bradford North, Nasir Amini Sahib, and Akeel Sahib spoke to Sadr Sahib and Nasir Khawaja Sahib, National Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq, to inform them of the plans and to get permission for such an event.  The Regional Qaid, Yousaf Aftab Sahib, was also kept in the loop.  The main purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Gaza Appeal but also to increase awareness of Humanity First in the area.

The Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq and Qaid of Bradford North were constantly communicating with Nasir Khawaja Sahib to have appropriate literature, clothing, ID badges, and other materials from Humanity First, so that the Khuddam were fully prepared and looked professional.

Akeel Sahib had a rota of volunteers ready by 20th March but it was then suggested that Khuddam from other Qiadats in the region should also be involved for numerous reasons.  For example, the other Qiadats could mention it as Khidmat-e-Khalq activities in their monthly reports, therefore gaining points for the Alm-e-Inami, but more importantly, they could take away the experience from such an event and then implement something similar within their own Qiadat.

As grateful as we were to Morrisons to allow us to come to the store and assist with their shoppers, we were provided with very little information on rules, regulations and the extent to which they could provide us with help.  This meant that Khuddam were going into the weekend somewhat blindly and would have to improvise once there.  However, a member of MKA Bradford North, Rizwan Ahmad, a checkout assistant at the store, provided vital information and advice on opening times, numbers of checkouts, and previous organisations doing similar work.

Teams were split into two shifts for Saturday; 12-3pm and 3-6pm and Sunday was 12-3pm (this was later changed to 12-4pm due to the unprecedented and unexpected response on Saturday).

The Khuddam arrived at Morrisons shortly before midday on Saturday but they were unimpressed with the set-up and had little motivation.  Two key members of the organising team were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, which meant that the Khuddam had to set-up everything, themselves and also sort out the positions.  However, by the Grace of Allah, things were looking up at the start of the 3pm shift.  A table was laid out in the foyer area with a full set up to showcase Humanity First’s work and the bag packing was in full swing.

Qaid Bradford North, Nasir Amini Sahib, was unavailable to attend on Saturday but was kept informed of everything throughout the day.  Hearing about the initial disappointment felt by the Khuddam, he requested Numaan Amini Sahib, Naib Mohtamim Ta'leem, to hand out a Hadith and Du'a to bring blessings from Allah. Qaid Sahib further instructed that this prayer be recited throughout the day by the team members.  Many of the volunteers felt that this prayer made a massive difference and they were successful because of it.  The Hadith and Du'a were as follows:

“Narrated Abu Musa (ra): While we were with Allah's Apostle (saw) in a holy battle, we never went up a hill or reached its peak or went down a valley but raised our voices with Takbir. Allah's Apostle (saw) came close to us and said, "O people! Don't exert yourselves, for you do not call a deaf or an absent one, but you call the All-Listener, the All-Seer." The Prophet (saw) then said, "O 'Abdullah bin Qais! Shall I teach you a sentence which is from the treasures of Paradise?

'La haula wala quwata illa billah'.

There is neither might nor power except with Allah. (Sahih Bukhari)

Unfortunately, the organising team had underestimated the ratio of men to checkouts. It was meant to have been one man to three checkouts but this proved insufficient.  However, the team did not let this hinder any progress and mash’aAllah used their initiative and made a success of it.

Over the weekend, the Khuddam had bought along some children with them (brothers, sisters, sons and daughters), as well as their fathers on Sunday.  The first shift on Saturday saw eight Khuddam manning the tills along with four Nasirat giving a helping hand, all wearing the badges, t-shirts and caps to show uniform and professional status.

Saturday afternoon had 10 Khuddam on the tills with four young Nasirat also at the checkouts and another four at the entrance of the store.  The girls were also wearing the badges and caps and this showed them to be part of the team and the public were commenting on their involvement.

Seeing the positive response and generous donations from the shoppers, the Khuddam in the afternoon excelled in the packing and collections, always with a smile on their face.  Their pace on packing was commended by the checkout staff, supervisors and team leaders.  Alhamdulillah, this further motivated the youngsters and they were ready to return on Sunday.

Sunday started very well, with a good turnout, and at 1145am the Khuddam, along with the Atfal, Nasirat and Ansar, were briefed and handed out the same Hadith and Dua to help them through the day.  The table was out in the foyer with all Humanity First literature available on display and also it was made clear that all volunteers would wear the correct uniform before they went onto the shop floor.  Immediately after the briefing and the du'a, the first donation came through and was £20 from a young member of public.

Throughout the day, 23 Khuddam and four Ansar came to help and there were also other members of the Jama’at coming with their families to shop at the store, who provided fruitful donations. Four Atfal and six Nasirat were stood at the entrance taking it in turns to help collect.

There were many members of the public who were asking about the background of the charity and further information.  It appeared, as first thought, hardly any of the public had heard of Humanity First.  However, the literature was helpful and the Khuddam present answered many questions.

Many members of the local Muslim and Pakistani community were very positive to help and handed more of the bigger amounts.  For example, one lady donated £100 cash for the cause.  Other members of the public were also asking about volunteering for future projects and also on how their children can get involved.

We had many positive comments from the shoppers, especially regarding the participation, commitment and enthusiasm of the children - a selection of which are presented below:

“I am thoroughly impressed with the work you are carrying out and especially the involvement of children. Please keep up the good work and good luck with all international efforts” - June Johnson, Bradford.

“You should start asking local schools to help out with your volunteering, I know my school could probably help with some children coming along” – Jenny, Farnham Primary School, BD7.

“Mash’aAllah very good work and may Allah reward you for your efforts, keep it up and these kids are also a fine example for others to follow” Mohammed Younis, X Dry Cleaners, Whetley Lane, Bradford.

By the Grace of Allah, the weekend’s operations went without any major glitches and it was very pleasing to hear the public and staff’s positive comments and suggestions.  The total amount collected from the weekend's work was £2,354, Alhamdulillah.  This figure was much, much higher than anticipated and showed that this initiative is an excellent way to raise funds for Humanity First throughout the country. 

This was the first collection of its kind in the history of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Humanity First and although there were some teething problems, they were easily overcome through prayers and the determination of the volunteers.  All the Khuddam, Atfal, Nasirat and Ansar thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and all said that it should be a regular occurrence.

Qaid Sahib Bradford North, Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq and the rest of the organising team would like to thank all the volunteers for their great efforts.  The collection was only a success because of these people working tirelessly, some without even taking a break!  A great thank you also goes to Qaid Bradford South, Toseef Anwar Sahib, for sending volunteers from his Qiadat and also to Mahmood Syed Sahib, Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq, for his presence and words of encouragement.  Jazakumullah.

May Allah bless all those who took part in this fundraising and grant them the due rewards, Ameen.

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