A walking marathon to raise money to pay for a counselling service for abused women has so far raised £800, but more help is needed.
Last week, January 17, Khadeejah Welfare Foundation (KWF) volunteers supported by the Central Jamia Mosque (CJM Mosque) Outreach Group in Southall braved the bitter cold to walk 23 miles.
The dedicated volunteers walked more than 45,000 steps over 13 hours from Fajr (sunrise) to Ishaa (sunset) with stops at Mosques in West London where they spoke to congregations and leaders in an effort to raise awareness amongst communities about violence against women.
The walking marathon started with prayer at the CJM Mosque in Southall at 6:30am heading to the London Central Mosque, Regents Park for afternoon prayers followed by stops at Mosques in Shepherds Bush, Acton, West Ealing and finally retuning back to Southall.
Muzzamil Seghal, president volunteer and organiser of the event for KWF said: “One case of domestic violence is one too many. Through this challenge participants helped ‘break the silence’ and raised essential funds for the KWF Counselling service starting in March 2015. Each referral will benefit from 10 sessions with a qualified Counsellor helping to make a real difference in their lives.”
Founding Chair of the foundation, Harris Iqbal said: “There were many highs and lows, blisters and muscle cramps but the team took this in their stride, motivating each other and continued to finish their challenge
“Currently, two women are killed every week as a result of domestic violence in the UK. The police respond to a domestic violence related call every minute, 230 women are turned away from a refuge every day and one in four women suffer a form of abuse at least once in their lifetime. These are our mothers, sisters and daughters.
“The Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best of you men are those who are the best to your wives.” And he said, “Fear God with regards to women. I command you to treat them well.”
The group have so far raised over £800 online and in cash, supporters may continue to donate on the following link https://www.gofundme.com/Khadeejah.
