UK: Manchester mosque is praised for saving lives through blood donations

"We have been working with the National Blood Service for the past decade and since 2003 a number of our centres have become permanent venues as there is a shortage of south Asian donors."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Mancunian Matters
By Dean Wilkins |  February 6, 2012

A South Manchester Mosque is being praised by Communities Minister Andrew Stunell for playing its part in an Islamic society committed to encouraging blood donations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community organises numerous centres across the country where the public can give blood, including Manchester’s Darul Aman Mosque.

The group is dedicated to be of service to the Queen and country, by helping to save lives with the contributions.

Andrew Stunell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said: "The Ahmadiyya Muslim community has long served local communities. Charity walks have raised over a million pounds and their work with the National Blood Service (NBS) has been running for the past decade. This is a very valuable, practical initiative to promote social action. I wish your campaign every success."

Rusholme councillor Rabnawaz Akbar described Darul Aman’s role as ‘fantastic’. He said: “Over recent years, Muslim scholars have been hopeful of getting the community involved with giving blood. It’s a good thing and should be encouraged. The Qur’an says ‘if you save a person’s life, you save humanity’s’ and it’s something that can benefit us all.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes that giving blood and saving lives is a potent symbol of a life-affirming faith. There is numerous blood centres established across the country including Darul Aman in Manchester; Birmingham, Glasgow, Bradford and London have all teamed up to run donation sessions that are open to all residents, not just Muslims.

Fahim Anwer, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association said: "We have been working with the National Blood Service for the past decade and since 2003 a number of our centres have become permanent venues as there is a shortage of south Asian donors. More than 15 sessions are held throughout the year as part of our effort to save lives.

“Giving blood helps to save lives, and in this respect it is an act of faith. The giving of blood is symbolic of providing lifeblood for humanity and Ahmadi Muslims are committed to the service and benefit of mankind.”

The NHS has seen a recent decline in blood donations, with transfusions even more essential at this time of year. In December, units of blood available had dropped 18,000 to 40,000 in a three-month period.

A spokesperson for the NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Stocks tend to dip at this time of year and winter weather can also cause problems so it's really important that people come forward to donate blood over this period.”

Anwer added: “Through our charitable donations, our fundraising programmes for charities and our community work programmes, we demonstrate our commitment to good citizenship in line with our principle of Love for All Hatred for None. As a community, we are dedicated to peace and contributing to the well-being of the country."

You can find further information about giving blood by visiting the National Blood Service website or contact the Darul Aman Mosque for details about upcoming donation sessions on 0161 226 9918.



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