Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 05-09-2016
A Hajj collection drive spearheaded by social activist, Yusuf Abramjee has yielded over R250 000 to assist destitute hujjaj in Makkah in Saudi Arabia ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
Abramjee, who is on his first Hajj, saw many of the 1,950 South African hujjaj in the Kingdom and scores of locals donating money to buy food to feed hungry pilgrims from Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Abramjee says hundreds of hujjaj sleep along the streets outside the haram, many of whom may not even have money for a plate of food.
“A few of us decided to do something and within minutes we raised R70 000 amongst SA pilgrims. Back home the message fast spread on social media and we raised a further R180 000. Cash is still coming in for the feeding schemes.”
Abramjee says the South African hujjaj distributed over 400 food packs and 1000 bottles of water.
“Within minutes it was all gone. Pilgrims lined up for the food and water. We are making a small difference…And in true South African tradition, we are again opening our hearts.”
The group also fed a further 500 hujjaj yesterday, while hujjaj in Azzizia outside Makkah will be fed this week.
Abramjee says thousands of bottles of water is also expected be distributed during the 5 days of Hajj which starts on Saturday.
“Temperatures are over 40 degrees. People need to be hydrated. Heat stroke and exhaustion are major concerns. Charity is part of our religion and we are doing our bit to make a difference. We are keeping the SA spirit of Ubuntu alive here.”
Abramjee was involved in the launch of Operation Hydrate earlier this year where volunteers distributed millions of litres of water to drought-stricken parts of South Africa.
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