Allah tells us that “If anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole humanity.” Quran 5:32
Fulfilling this Islamic tenet, Shahida Rahman and Kal Karim decided to do something to help people survive the difficult time, Cambridgeshire Live reported.
The Cambridge Muslim brother and sister cooperated with Cambridge Central Mosque, the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF) and popular multi-cultural Mill Road food store Al-Amin owner Abdul Quayyum to establish the Cambridge Muslim Covid-19 Response.
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The pair raised £5,600 for the cause on top of the £18,000 they had already raised for Cambridge City Foodbank.
The partnership saved many lives who were not able to provide for food while struggling with health issues.
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Another Charity
Shahida and Kal later formalized their efforts into a charity called the Karim Foundation, after their late curry-house owner father.
The pair together assisted roughly 100 people, 61 per cent of which were asylum seekers and refugees.
“Since the pandemic, we have learned that ethnically diverse food is not always available at food banks that meet the dietary requirements of our local communities,” Shahida said.
“Some from ethnic groups feel reluctant or ashamed to seek help from a foodbank – with many suffering in silence.”
As the Karim Foundation celebrates its first year after establishing in September 2020, it has now helped over 450 people in gaining shop vouchers to assist with appropriate food, emergency fuel provision, blankets, heaters and over 180 food packs.
Shahida said: “We still search for those invisible communities who may lack the confidence to ask for help.
“We would like to thank all who have helped us grow and supported us in many ways. It has been an incredible year.
“We would not have been able to do this without them all.”