A special place where people can come together to eat, to pray, for a listening ear.

Abdallah is his name, he is now the Imam in his residential area beyond the Karnak temple. After his birth, he was given up by several doctors because he was critically ill. However, Saida, an aunt of his, refused to believe that, adopted him and surrounded him with so much love and care that he survived.

Saida
Saida was also a very socially committed woman who was the center of her community because she helped everyone to the best of her ability. She has grown old and passed away twenty years ago, but not without leaving a special place for her community. A place where people can meet each other, pray and where a meal is always available for the poor, featuring a delicious lentil soup.

Abdallah, her adopted son, continued her dream and Saida is still palpably present in the hearts of all the people there. Imam Mohamed introduced Eid and me to Imam Abdallah and this meeting space. We were immediately captivated by the place and the many things they do here for their community and in particular the poorer people.

Besides the fact that people can always go for a meal and a listening ear, on Friday, the day of prayer, a few hundred people invariably gather to eat and pray together. Disputes are also discussed and resolved here and sometimes music evenings are organized with lots of dancing. Imam Abdallah also provides free healings and is known throughout the area for his great spiritual gifts.

His aunt Saida’s presence is always felt and there are photos of her everywhere to continue to honor and commemorate her.

We came at the right time because they were in financial ruin.

Eid and I did not hesitate for a moment to include this heart-warming initiative in our project and are already making a monthly contribution to the meal costs. We see the need for help and are very touched by the warmth, care and love that this place radiates.

What is also special is that all this was set up by a woman, which is not self-evident in the Muslim community. And Imam Abdallah does all this for free and provides the meals himself.

Just as we were touched, we hope to touch you with this story too. Abdallah and his people could use even more support there… everything is welcome to keep this special space running and on behalf of us and them, many thanks in advance for your support!