The Nazim Ali Foundation has organised its second annual Mawlid in the City initiative in Bradford and Keighley. It was also the 11th annual Creating Smiles gifts initiative, with more than 30 gifts given to celebrate the birthday and life of Prophet Muhammad.
Members of the foundation provided roses to the nursing staff at Airedale Hospital’s Children’s Ward 17 in appreciation of their hard work.
On Tuesday 17 September, the foundation distributed 183 three-course meals and treats accompanied by a card with sayings of Prophet Muhammad at the foundation’s weekly Khidma Community Kitchen at the Millan Centre in Manningham, which provides warm meals to the homeless and needy. In just over six months, the Nazim Ali Foundation has distributed almost 5,000 meals.
Over the weekend, the foundation gave out 110 roses to members of the public in Keighley Town Centre and received largely positive responses.
“I dedicate this gift-giving, roses, and chocolate distribution to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on his birthday, as he is loved and revered by the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, as well as British Muslims like myself,” said Nazim Ali, founder of the Nazim Ali Foundation. “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has inspired British Muslims like myself through his life and teachings to engage in civic renewal, which I have done proactively and steadfastly for 27 years. He taught me, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to help others. It is also in loving memory of my father, who sadly passed away from cancer last month.”
Wajid Khan, who participated in the distribution of roses along with his sons and nephew, said, “It was a great honour to have been asked to attend with my friend Nazim Ali, who never stops helping others and with whom I have had the pleasure of working on both local and overseas charitable projects.
“So many people said we made their day, and many became visibly emotional by the kind gestures, with some shocked we were giving roses for free and not asking for anything in return!”
Realising that it can be a stressful time for parents having children in the hospital, the foundation distributed more than 30 gifts at the Children’s Ward 17 of Airedale Hospital. The gifts included cuddly toys, playsets, and baby toys for boys and girls. The gifts were for all children in the ward, irrespective of faith.
“The essence of the Islamic celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his life’s teachings is the universal concept of kindness and compassion to all, particularly those in need,” Nazim said. “It is these values that bring all people together regardless of belief, and we hope we have achieved this at some level.”
He added, “As a child, I spent a significant period in hospital due to my struggle with TB and can empathise with what the children are going through.
“To date, thousands of pounds’ worth of gifts have been distributed from my now 43 visits to children’s wards in Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital, and those hundreds of smiles of innocent children have certainly enriched and humbled me.”
Shiraz Ahmed, managing director of Saveco Cash & Carry, said, “We are truly humbled once more to support the second annual Mawlid in the City initiative in Bradford and Keighley on the occasion of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the fabulous 11th annual Toy Gifts Initiative in Keighley started by Nazim, who does so much to help others.
“We are pleased to support Airedale Hospital once more and to spread peace and love, and to make people happy with the roses and chocolates that were distributed. Knowing so many children will be joyous and excited upon receiving their presents fills me with inner happiness and contentment.
“These initiatives and the other charitable initiatives we support, such as supporting food banks, sponsoring soup kitchens, junior football teams, and so forth, are all part of our corporate social responsibility as a Bradford-based business to give back to society, and it is something I passionately believe in.”
Karen Reece, Play Leader at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We are once more extremely grateful for Nazim’s generous donation through Saveco Cash & Carry. The toys always cheer up the children. Thank you for thinking of us once again. We appreciate your continued support, and it was wonderful to once more receive the roses!”
Nazim Ali has raised almost £975,000 for charity and has been at the forefront of community and charitable initiatives locally and internationally for 27 years, receiving national awards in the process.
