In The Gambia, this holy day has taken on a heartwarming new tradition: celebrating the first baby born on Ashura with an outpouring of charity and goodwill.
Now in its second year, the “Baby Ashura” initiative is the brainchild of one Bai Mahmud Kebbeh. With the blessing and permission of the esteemed Khalifa Sheikh Ibrahim ibn Sheikh Mouhideen Samba Jallow, this annual act of generosity aims to mark the Islamic New Year by giving back to the community and honouring new life in a meaningful way.
This year’s event, held on Sunday, July 6, at the Kuntaya Health Center in Jokadou, North Bank Region, celebrated the birth of a baby girl named Jabou Cham from Ndarameh Jokadou village. As the first child born on the 10th of Muharram, she and her mother were the honoured recipients of a generous gift package presented by Muhammed Kebbeh himself.
The donation included a 50kg bag of rice, 25kg of potatoes, 5 liters of cooking oil, a complete baby care package, 6 meters of high-quality Bazine rich fabric, 6 meters of wax textile, and a cash gift of 2,130 Dalasis.
During the heartfelt presentation, Muhammed Kebbeh emphasised the importance of sincerity in charitable acts.
“My doors are open to everyone,” he said. “I don’t need money from anyone. If someone wants to be part of this initiative next year, InshaAllah, they can bring whatever they have and personally give it to the baby’s mother or send someone trustworthy to do so. Nowadays, it’s hard to do anything purely ‘fisabilillah’ without people misinterpreting your intentions.”
He extended his gratitude to Sheikh Ebrahim Mouhideen Jallow for granting him the blessing to continue this noble tradition and expressed appreciation to the local community of Jokadou and the Officer-in-Charge, Chessey Ma Jaw, of the Kuntaya Health Center for their support and hospitality.
He added that the Baby Ashura initiative not only reflects the beauty of Islamic teachings on charity but also brings communities together in unity, kindness, and celebration of life. As it grows, it promises to become a lasting tradition of compassion and shared blessings at the dawn of every Islamic New Year.
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