Muslim community Ahmadiyya Muslim starts the new year with a major clean-up campaign in the streets of Lier (Lier)

As usual, members of the Ahmidayya Muslim Community took to the streets early on New Year’s Day for the annual clean-up campaign. They got to work in no fewer than 16 cities, including Lier. “We start our day with a communal prayer in the mosque, after which we have breakfast together,” explains Mehrab Sk, a community member. “We then take our materials to the streets to clean up the waste left behind from the party night. For us it is more than a clean-up campaign, it is a way to give back to society and to start the year in a meaningful way.”

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are taking similar actions in various cities in Belgium and abroad. “We are a global community, and this is part of our identity,” says Mehrab. “It is our way of showing what Islam really means: peace, purity and care for our fellow human beings.” Cleaning the streets on New Year’s Day symbolizes a fresh start, not only literally but also figuratively. “Cleanliness is an important aspect of our faith,” Mehrab explains. “The idea of ​​keeping our environment clean stems from our belief that a clean environment contributes to a healthy and harmonious society.”

Volunteers

The action is organized by the youth wing of the Ahmadiyya community, but members of all ages participate. “From the youngest children to the oldest members, everyone lends a helping hand,” says Mehrab. The clean-up campaign is entirely voluntary. The participants receive no compensation or other reward, but that is not why they do it. “We are not doing this to gain sympathy,” Mehrab emphasizes. “This is something Islam teaches us. Purity and love for your nation are an integral part of our faith. We do this because we believe we can make a positive change, no matter how small.”

Although it is mainly about the action itself, the volunteers notice that their efforts do not go unnoticed. “People who see us cleaning up often react very positively. Last year someone spontaneously brought a bag of candy and chips as a token of appreciation. Such moments are of course very nice,” says Mehrab.

Tradition

This year the litter in Lier was relatively minor. “We see a positive evolution. The waste is decreasing every year,” says Mehrab. “This time we mainly found cigarette butts and some glass shards, while previously we collected bags full of waste. It shows that awareness is growing, but it remains important that we continue this tradition.”

Yet the Ahmadiyya community is not only concerned with the practical results of their work. “It is just as important for us to spread a positive message,” Mehrab explains. “We often see negative images about Islam in the media. We try to show what our religion really means: peace, compassion and care for others. With actions like these we hope to contribute to better understanding and the removal of misunderstandings.”

Positive message

The clean-up campaign is just one of the many initiatives organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. During the year they undertake numerous charity projects, ranging from planting trees and donating blood to visiting retirement homes. “All these activities are aimed at serving society,” Mehrab explains. “We notice that people are often impressed by what we do. It is nice to see how our actions also bring about something positive in the way people look at us,” he concludes.