This December 2013, I have been blessed with the opportunity to go for pilgrimage to Iraq to commemorate the death anniversary of the grandson of the last messenger of God, Hussain ibn Ali (a.s.). His refusal to bow to tyranny resulted in his martyrdom along with 72 members of his family in a dessert land, having been deprived of water for three days. Since then, a walk from Najaf to Karbala (the land where he was slain) is customarily undertaken by millions of people annually (40 days after the day of his death) to remember his great sacrifice. For more information on the stand Hussain (a.s.) took, please visit www.WhoIsHussain.org.

I will be taking part in this sponsored walk over a distance of 80km over three days, from the holy city of Najaf to the holy city of Karbala. I will be walking across the dessert, along with millions of other pilgrims, during the day and resting in makeshift tents at night. 

Although this is primarily a spiritual journey, it is also a great opportunity to make a real difference in the world. This year, as a team, we are aiming to raise £137,000 and the money you sponsor will aim to improve water supply, food production, health, education and socio-economic status of the poor and needy in the Garissa and Wajir Counties of Northeast Kenya. We aim to do this through the following:

1. To construct a borehole in Boransis in Garissa County to improve water supply for the village.

2. To set up a greenhouse and irrigation and farming system in Boransis village of Garissa County. 

3. To set up a greenhouse and irrigation and farming system in AliKune village of Garissa County. 

4. To set up a greenhouse and irrigation and farming system in Giriftu village, Wajir County. 

5. To dig 20 shallow wells in Wajir County.

6. To rehabilitate 40 shallow wells in Wajir County.

7. To develop 200 kitchen gardens in Wajir County.

8. To construct two 4-door latrines in Wajir and Garissa Counties.

9. To plant 5,000 trees. 

10. To provide desks, chairs and shelves to 2 needy schools.

11. To sponsor 10 students from the target areas studying in various colleges and universities of Kenya.

12. To evaluate the effects of the above projects mid-term, at completion and one year after completion.

 

For more information, please visit www.world-federation.org/Relief+and+Economic+Development/Articles/Najaf_Karbala_Walk_Arbaeen_2013_1435.htm.

I humbly request you to make a donation towards this worthy cause.

Thank you very much for your time, donation and support.

"Do not feel ashamed if the amount of charity is small because to refuse the needy is an act of greater shame."
                         - Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)