By Mustafa Makumba

Twenty-five years is more than a milestone. It is a measure of time, but also an opportunity to look back at the lives touched, the knowledge shared and the communities strengthened along the way.

This year, Mai Aisha Trust marked 25 years of existence, an occasion to reflect on a quarter-century of service to humanity. Since its establishment, the organization has sought to respond to both spiritual and material needs through education, humanitarian assistance, information and essential services.

The Qur’an says: “Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity.” (Qur’an 5:32). 

These principles are reflected in the various activities associated with Mai Aisha Trust.

Through its humanitarian programmes, the Trust has supported communities with essential services such as boreholes, schools, healthcare facilities and assistance to people facing difficult circumstances. Scholarships have also helped provide educational opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to access them.

Its work in knowledge and information has taken several forms. Al-Haqq Publications, for example, has been producing and distributing, free of charge, more than 10,000 copies every month of its monthly newsletter, reaching an estimated readership of more than 2 million people over the years. Its pages combine Islamic knowledge with general information, hence creating an avenue through which readers can learn, reflect and engage with issues affecting society.

The Halal Department has also played a role in promoting confidence in halal food production and consumption. Over the years, more than 600 abattoirs and other Islamic food providers have been certified, which has helped establish standards and greater awareness within the food industry.

The Islamic Information Bureaus have provided another important avenue for learning. By making Islamic literature and other educational resources accessible in its six centers across all regions in Malawi, they have opened doors for thousands of people seeking knowledge, understanding and spiritual guidance.

Then there is TV Islam, which has taken religious education into homes through television. As a local Islamic television platform, it has provided lectures, discussions and other programmes aimed at encouraging moral reflection and spiritual awareness. 

Twenty-five years of service represents various individual stories: a student whose education became possible through a scholarship, a family gaining access to clean water, a patient receiving essential care, a reader discovering valuable knowledge, a food producer receiving halal certification, or someone finding spiritual direction through a book, lecture or television programme.