Prince George Islamic Centre - Beautification Project "Tree and Shrub Planting"
Usman Ali
6-28-2016
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Alhamdullilah,
"The word Alhamdulillah, is the easiest to recite, yet heaviest in balance and dearest to the Merciful"
- Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) Reported by Abu Hurairah
As we contemplate the nature of Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala, we use the most beautiful names to express His attributes. Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala is inspiring, His names are the most beautiful and His creation (this world) is magnificent. The trees, the vegetation and the flowers are the delights for our eyes, Alhamdulillah.
The Prince George Islamic Centre (PGIC) and the Muslim Students Foundation (MSF) have joined hands to design a project to help beautify the area surrounding the Masjid. The plans were to plant two-hundred (200)Emerald Cedar shrubs and thirty-two (32) Spring Snow Crab Apple flowering trees on the property.
"When one of you plants a tree, the fruit of which all creatures enjoy, let it be written as charity."
- Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H) Reported by Anas Bin Malik
Alhamdulillah, this project was very well received by the community in Prince George and was supported by many brothers and sisters here in the Lower Mainland. The tree planting event was attended by the local Jamma, the Mayor and a Councillor from Prince George and twelve individuals from the Lower Mainland.
At 9am on April 16th, 2016, after a brief introduction by Br. Muhammad Mustafa (Chair of PGIC) the tree planting began. The honour was given to the two Charter members of the B.C.M.A. Br. Farouk Elleseily and Br. Usman Ali to plant the first two shrubs. Unfortunately, Br. M.Z. Khan - another Charter Member, could not attend due to ill health. It was inspirational to see children from four years old to men and women in their eighties come and participate in this activity - witnessing others in action, motivated to do more. There is a saying "People who are motivated are committed to action" - unknown, and with that saying, a two day event was completed on the first day- even with eight extra trees being planted .
This event was the focal point of the celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the B.C.M.A. Fifty years ago, we were a tiny community with nothing, with ten times the amount of problems than people and it was difficult. Unity was fard on us, because in an organization such as this, nothing could be achieved without it. Alhamdullilah, we all overcame many obstacles and thus the B.C.M.A. was formed.
Half a century later we have begun celebrating the joyous occasion of the 50th Anniversary in Prince George by planting trees, beautifying the Masjid, and improving the environment so to attract the birds, bees and the butterflies. The celebration continued on into the evening with special activities, short speeches by Br. Mustafa and Br. Daud Ismail and a wonderful dinner provided by our wonderful hosts in PG. Fun, laughter, and memories were shared by all.
In conclusion, Br.Usman and Br.Farouk spoke a little about the history of the B.C.M.A., how the community was built and the accomplishments of the 1960's. On behalf of all the Charter members they presented the PG branch with a few tokens; a copy of the original Constitution of the B.C.M.A., receipt of the first donation made, marriage certification from Vital Statistics and a beautiful picture of the Richmond Jamea Mosque - the first Mosque built from the ground up in British Columbia. Alhamdulillah.
On behalf of the PGIC and the MSF, thank you all for your kind and generous donations/ contributions towards this project. May Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala bless you all.
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