29 Jun 2015

Letlhakane Islamic Centre chairperson, Mr Abdul Hameedukunja, says Islam is crucial in building the community and contributing to a better life for all.

Speaking on the back drop of the holy month of Ramadan celebration at Letlhakane mosque recently, he said they existed to help government and the community to raise good citizens and build better characters.

“We don’t associate with any of the so called terrorists organisations. They don’t represent the Islamic faith. We want to help our government in transforming our community. We want the community to know the social cost of alcohol as it harms individuals, families and our society,” Mr Hameedukunja said.

He said they visited Letlhakane prison regularly to give hope to those in prison.

“Prisoners are well aware that we are there for them upon their release as they are free to convert into Islam,” he said. He said Letlhakane Islamic Centre has also developed an HIV/AIDS outreach program in collaboration with the Botswana Muslim Association to encourage the community to say no to sex before marriage, pre-marital courtship as well as alcoholic and drugs. 

“In an endeavor to empower the local community, we sent four locals from Letlhakane to Saudi Arabia at our own expense recently so they could learn about Islam and what it really stands for, I’m happy to report that two of them have passed their exams and are now Imams (Priests),” he said.

Together with Chief Imam in Charge of the Letlhakane Mosque, Mr Abubakari Ibrahim Dudu, the chairman called on the community of Letlhakane to support them and encourage generosity towards others and not fear Islam. The Chief Imam, Mr Ibrahim said in the recent past they donated more than 200 blankets to the president’s office.

“We have also made donations to the local hospital and donated books to Mokubilo primary school,” he said. The centre, he explained also have some orphaned children under its care. 

Consequently, Mr Ibrahim said they view themselves as critical role players in building the community of Boteti and called on local residents to embrace the Islamic religion with open arms. ENDS